Belton's new-look Stables Café will re-open this summer...but many visitors enjoying coffee and a cake will probably not realise the host of exciting secrets the building work revealed.

The £3.2m stables development is the National Trust property's largest conservation project to date, taking four years to plan and 18 months to complete.

Work was delayed early on in the project due to the discovery of a rare barbastelle bat roosting in the attic space.

There are only around 5,000 of the protected species in the UK, which usually live in woodland.

To ensure a safe habitat for the visitor and other bats who have made the estate their home - such as brown long-eared and pipistrelles - Belton created a large, purpose-designed 'bat hotel' in the attic featuring heated maternity boxes, additional roosting ridges, black out fabric and new roof access points.

While clearing an area in the stables to install a new lift, specialist contractors unearthed a secret tunnel.

The entrance was buried under a concrete floor and three steps led down into the narrow, five feet high passage.

An investigation of the rubble-filled tunnel revealed it ran under the main driveway, heading towards the River Witham - but then came to a dead end.

Contractors extending the trench for the new electric supply discovered a well - the historic water supply for the stables.

Sealed under the stable yard, its location had been a mystery for decades.

As the months and building work progressed, it appeared the stable block had given up all its secrets.

Then, in February, a shoe was found concealed in the rafters.

Believed to have been placed there as a 'decoy' to lure witches away from the building, the shoe was returned to where it was found after repairs were completed...just in case.

Built in 1685, the building is notable for demonstrating the development in stabling across the centuries. Belton's former owners - the Brownlow family - upgraded the stables in the 18th and 19th centuries, using the finest of fittings available.

"The stables are an exceptionally significant example of their type, but were in urgent need of conservation, so it was critical we carried out the work," explains General Manager, Ian Cooper.

"Making sure we look after this special building and secure its future has been, and still is, a priority for the National Trust."

The Stables Café will re-open during the school holidays, and will serve home-baked cakes, scones and brunch and hot lunches between 12noon and 3.30pm.

Regularly changing menus will reflect the seasons and table service has been introduced.

A new dog-friendly indoor seating area, Pup and Saucer, will be at the back of the cafe offering a tasty menu for canine visitors as well as a tennis ball vending machine.

Extra outdoor seating in the stable yard will be perfect for warmer days.

To find out more about the stables project and future events click the red button below.