National Trust courts controversy as it opens Big Brother house "The fact that the housemates" residence is not, say, a sublime Robert Adam country house like Osterley Park, for example, does not necessarily make it less interesting." Ivo Dawnay, the National Trust's London director heading the project, admitted some members had been "distressed" by the news, but pointed out far more had been seeking to buy tickets. The scheme has already been criticised by former MP Ann Widdecombe, who said she was "saddened" by the news and implored the Trust to concentrate of properties which had "stood the test of time." She told Radio 4"s Today programme she did not think it is "part of the National Trust's mission," adding there were other building she would like to see preserved if the organisation was to not "just go for historic homes." Ms Widdecombe, who recently appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, said: "I do think something has to stand the test of time before you can seriously call it heritage. I don't think it needs to be tawdry and celebrity-obsessed. There's lots of candidates around that I think you could choose for this sort of exercise. The move would do the Trust "no favours," she said, and warned: "Even Prime Ministers have discovered in their time that trying to make things look more trendy can upset people who are pretty loyal." Mr Dawney added: "One of the traditional appeals of a more typical National Trust property is the story of the people who lived there. There is no doubt that hundreds of thousands already know a great deal about the stories of the Big Brother residents and how they survived their experience. Our tongues are not a million miles from our cheeks - unusual for an organisation not most famous for its sense of humour. We hope that by opening the Big Brother house we are paving the way to an altogether wittier future. Promising there would be "not a cream tea" in sight, he told the Telegraph: "I've heard some members are distressed at the news, but that a far larger number have been wanting to buy tickets." The Big Brother house will open to the public on Thursday, September 26, with a "gala" including former housemates and celebrities.