Stock Photo - Jul. 10, 1974 - July 10th, 1974 The Duke of Wellington to open his stately home to the public ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú The eighth Duke of Wellington, 59, yesterday unveiled his £300,000 scheme for opening his historic family home, Stratfield Saye House, near Reading, at the end of the month. Strafield Saye was bought by the first Duke in 1817 and has never been open to the public. Two years ago the house was riddled with dry rot, death watch beatle and lacked plumbing and proper wiring. Since then the Duke spent £135,000 on the building and 650-acre park. His plans for the park include a ski run, a gold course, caravanning, fishing and other facilities. Photo Shows: The Duke and Duchess of Wellington, the parents of Lady Jane Wellesley, friend of Prince Charles, pictured in the grounds of their stately home, Stratfield Saye House, near Reading, yesterday. It opens to the public on July 28th. (Credit Image: © Keystone Press Agency/Keystone USA via ZUMAPRESS.com)