Friends of Arundells said Peter Batey's plan could turn "deficit to surplus in a relatively short period of time".

BBC: Plan to stop sale of Sir Edward Heath's Salisbury home

In October, the foundation which owns Arundells in Salisbury reapplied to the Charity Commission to sell the property due to "disappointing" visitor numbers.

BBC: Plan to stop sale of Sir Edward Heath's Salisbury home

Now, Mr Batey, a China-based business consultant, has stepped in with an offer to cover the "operating deficit of Arundells" while a "serious business plan is prepared and a major fund-raising campaign launched".

BBC: Plan to stop sale of Sir Edward Heath's Salisbury home