A historic house has given away a piano to a budding five-year-old musician as it clears out its attics to allow a £2.3million year-long renovation to take place.

Hugo Kemp and his family picked up the instrument after the Ham&High reported last week that Lauderdale House in Highgate Village wanted to find homes for two of its pianos – including its renowned Steinway concert piano. Hugo, who lives with his parents and sister in Swain’s Lane, Highgate, has already learnt to play his first song on the upright Witton&Co piano on one finger – The Sky Boat Song.

The family picked it up free of charge excluding delivery costs as the piano has been sitting unloved for 10 years in the 16th century-mansion’s attic. His father, David Kemp, 42, said: “We’ve been going to Lauderdale House ever since Hugo was inside his mum’s tummy, and we have lunch there every weekend, so it’s nice to take a little part of that into our own home. It feels quite special.”

Lauderdale House is still looking for a temporary year-long home for its Steinway, which can cost £76,000 when new, but has had enquiries from an embassy and a dance school.