DRIVING through a housing estate in Hall i' th' Wood may not exactly conjure up images of the perfect family day out.

But the stylish Grade One building which appears through the trees as the road turns towards the Hall i' th' Wood Museum comes as some surprise.

And now as the house celebrates its 100th anniversary of being open to the public, it is once again set to recapture the popularity Lord Leverhulme had dreamed of when he began renovating it.

An impressive number of written testimonials from foreign visitors bears testament to the house's growing international reputation.

Vicky Geddes, the access and education officer for Hall i' th' wood Museum, now intends to capitalise on the popularity of the house with a series of ambitious plans to develop it into a true tourist attraction in its own right.

Plans include improving facilities and access for disabled people, investing in the creation of a visitor centre with cafe and new toilets, increasing car parking and creating a dedicated coach park.

Vicky even has an idea to create virtual visits for disabled people which would be accessed from downstairs.

She said: "The hall has been left pretty much to its own devices with more attention being paid to Smithills Hall. But now Smithills belongs to a trust we hope more of a focus will be on this hall.

"It is a beautiful building that dates back in parts to the 1480s. I would like to bring the house alive to its visitors. I want to break down the museum image -- make it more like an ancestral family home.

"As you approach it you catch a glimpse of the house through the trees and it is gorgeous. You do not necessarily notice the hall from the main roads.

"I have lots of ideas. I would love the house to be more accessible and as such we need to invest in better access for disabled people. I also hope to improve facilities. I would like a new visitor centre with proper facilities including a cafe and new toilets. We also need better parking for all visitors as well as school groups and coaches.

"Virtual visits from downstairs for the disabled would allow them to access guides of the upstairs on computer."

Last year the hall enjoyed a record number of visitors. Vicky explained: "Last year was the first time we opened the grounds to a series of events.

"Since I have been here I have looked at the interpretation of the site and am trying to make it more interesting for visitors and family groups. I now hope to top last year's figures."

To do this, there are history trails, costumes in the hall which can be tried on, and even worn to walk around the hall in -- for both adults and children. Vicky has also highlighted items in each room which can be touched by visitors.

A glance at the visitors book during the last year shows a surprising international flavour with glowing comments coming from tourists from Spain, Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand to name but a few.

Vicky said: "It is surprising. I can only think that we are in some international guide."

Another simple, but effective, innovation introduced by Vicky has been the change to opening hours. Instead of closing for most of the weekend, the hall now opens 11am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Admission is £3 adults and £1.50 concessions.