HANDCRAFTED goods from pet portraits and muster rolls to beautiful books will be on offer at the Bowood Christmas Extravaganza, which is open for business today and tomorrow.

The extravaganza, which is now in its sixth year and opened yesterday (Wednesday), hosts dozens of stallholders hoping to sell unique products unavailable from the High Street.

Clare Villars, who is displaying her wildlife portraits and unique muster rolls for military battalions up and down the country, said: "If you are going to exhibit your work, then Bowood is the place to do it. I am very lucky to have been invited back for the third year and there is some really lovely things on offer for everyone to enjoy."

The White Horse Bookshop will also be set up in the grandeur of Bowood House's library, encouraging visitors to buy unusual novels they would not normally consider or get meet the David Longridge, the man behind spy thriller In Youth, In fear, In War.

Angus McLennan said: "It is perfectly timed. It is just at the time of year when you are allowed to start thinking about Christmas and you get an opportunity to feel Christmassy and see things you wouldn't normally get on the High Street.

"I am very careful with what I bring to Bowood because I obviously want to bring things people are going to buy like strange and wonderful books rather than best sellers. That is the beauty of Bowood though there are so many beautiful things on offer from places you wouldn't normally shop at."

Bowood House will be open from 10am-2pm and 2-7pm and 10am-3pm tomorrow with tickets costing £10 and £8 respectively.

Lady Lansdowne said: "The sixth Bowood House Christmas Extravaganza is already set to be really well attended across all three days, thanks to healthy advance ticket sales.

"With an enticing line-up of stallholders, a range of choice that you won’t find on the high street and set in Bowood’s glorious surroundings, the Extravaganza has such a special and friendly atmosphere.

"It certainly takes the stress out of Christmas shopping and kick starts the festive season in style while also supporting the work of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust."