A COUNTRY estate has come under fire for not opening up its land to the public – despite being exempt from inheritance tax for doing so.

The Firle Estate, near Lewes, covers hundreds of acres of South Downs National Park as well as historic Firle House and Tilton Farm, the former home of economist Maynard Keynes.

The Gage family, which has owned the estate since the 1400s, are exempt from paying inheritance tax in return for keeping the estate in good condition and allowing public access.

The tax is usually charged at 40% of the value of any estate worth more than £325,000.

However, under a deal with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the estate does not have to pay the tax in a bid to protect its “heritage assets for the benefit of the public”.

The Open Spaces Society (OSS) has criticised the Gage family for allegedly not fulfilling their half of the deal. They claim the only public access points are two short unsignposted footpaths.

They also criticised the family for only opening the house, which has significant artworks, on “limited” days of the year and for a “substantial charge”.

Chris Smith, from OSS, said: “It is shameful that the government has not demanded more public access in return for this lucrative tax loophole.”

The family was not available when The Argus called yesterday but an estate spokesman said they comply with all requirements.

He said: “In order to qualify for exemption stringent criteria have to be met, which is assessed by HMRC with advice from Natural England.

“The conditional exemption for the Firle Estate covers approximately half of the estate including Firle Place and contains several conditions relating to public access all of which are complied with.

“The estate also provides additional voluntary public access facilities including three free to use car parks and has recently worked with the national park authority to improve public access.”

Lord Gage, who currently resides in Firle House, added: “I think it is important to note that 600 acres is right to roam land. Anyone can go up there, get some fresh air and have a walk.”