Visitors to the Isle of Wight's Osborne House were unable to access two of the estate's historic collections last week.

Part of the Swiss Cottage was first shut last month (August) - and remains so today.

While the nursery, in the main house, was closed at short notice.

English Heritage, which runs the site, has told the County Press a water leak is behind the Swiss Cottage closure.

Preventative measures had to be taken by staff, which saw items removed from the collection for protection.

Isle of Wight County Press: Swiss Cottage, at Osborne House.Swiss Cottage, at Osborne House. (Image: English Heritage)

Water was leaking through the cottage's wooden roof, onto the top floor.

David Bailey, Head of Historic Properties at Osborne, said: "The upper floor is now closed to enable conservation work to take place, but visitors can still enjoy the ground floor and museum at Swiss Cottage.

"From November 6, Swiss Cottage and the museum will be closed as part of our normal winter opening hours.”

Swiss Cottage was built by Prince Albert, for his nine young children, between 1853 and 1854.

The older boys, Bertie and Alfred, played an active part in laying its foundations.

Meanwhile, the reason behind the nursery closure is staff shortages, Mr Bailey added.

He said: “So that we can offer a great visitor experience and care properly for the fabulous historic collection of objects that Osborne is packed with, we have a member of the team in every area of the house during opening hours.

"When our team are occasionally short-staffed, we may need to close a room at short notice, as was the case with the nursery earlier this week."

The nursery has since reopened.

For the most up-to-date information on opening hours, visitors are urged to check the website.