Another historic property threatened with closure

Interesting news this evening that Arundells, the home of the former Prime Minister Edward Heath, will close to visitors at the end of this month. This 18th century property in Salisbury was 'left to the nation' after his death and contains a collection of gifts, paintings and photos commemorating both his political and personal lives as well as the usual upper class, country house furnishings. Despite the income from tours - more than 35,000 people have visited in the last 5 years -and one would assume a legacy from the former PM, the Trustees have decided to close because the income being generated is insufficient to cover the maintenance and other operating costs.
This of course is a familiar story to historic house managers and I guess the only reason that it got a mention so far up the BBC six o'clock news was the fact that Heath had anticipated his 'gift' lasting in perpetuity. So will future generations of landed gentry be so keen to leave their properties to the nation? Probably not. But given that we have so many historic properties available to visit anyway, is it really a loss?
Some commentators have also said that it is a shame that Heath's collection will be split up, but whilst there are some items of historic significance in terms of global politics (eg. the ancient Chinese vases gifted to Heath by Chairman Mao) the fact that they won't in the future be seen in what was only ever a temporary setting shouldn't be too much of a loss to the heritage sector.
You don't need to rush down to Salisbury in the next few weeks because all of the tours are now fully booked. And presumably at some time, the more interesting pieces will find their way into a museum somewhere.