Visitor numbers at Upton House, the National Trust property north-west of Banbury, almost doubled this year.

Staff said 70,000 people paid to tour the house during the 2002 season -- 30,000 more than last year.

The boom in business is put down to the opening of an Art Deco bathroom, a new restaurant, and good weather.

The unique bathroom, with silver, red, and black decor, was built in the late 1920s for Lady Bearsted, whose family owned the house.