A BIT of rain could not keep the crowds away from Annesley House on Julia Street, for the Italian Mercato fundraiser event on Sunday.

An estimated 500 people came through the door to tour the historic building, now operating as serviced apartments, or to get some lunch at the Italian themed market in the gardens behind.

More than $5000 was raised for local charity organisation United Way Glenelg’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library through entry fees, funds raised at the bar and a donation made by market vendors, which translates to 550 books for local children.

United Way CEO Nicole Carr said the figure was around double what they had hoped to raise.

“We had a goal of $2500, based on around 100 people coming through the day, so we are obviously over the moon with the support it received,” Ms Carr said.

“For the people who have been around Portland longer, I think they might have always been a bit curious to see Annesley from the inside, and it is the first time it has been open to the public like this.”

 “Portland people are always very generous with this kind of thing.”

Ms Carr, who was also an organiser of the Abandoned art installation event, said she was not sure whether it would become a regular event.

“We have found the element of surprise to be a really good thing, so I really don’t know,” she said.

“It definitely was a success but we won’t be rushing to do another one straight away, but who knows, maybe it could be a night time event next time.”

The food on offer was incredibly popular, with arancini sold out and a pizza line that never abated. Ms Carr said it was good to be able to support local businesses with the event, and was glad to hear that nearby cafes reported a good trade as a result that afternoon as well.