Grade I listed Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland has been saved for the nation, following a fundraising campaign, supported by some of the leading lights of British architecture.
Richard Rogers, Norman Foster, Will Alsop and Terry Farrell all supported the National Trust’s attempts to buy the 18th century, John Vanbrugh-designed house and its 162ha grounds.
The baroque hall, most of its contents and its gardens have been accepted by the government in lieu of inheritance tax and have been gifted to the National Trust, following the death of the house’s owners.
A further £4.2 million has been raised from donations, and a series of grants, to buy the grounds and fund restoration work to the house.
Architecture minister Margaret Hodge said: “Seaton Delaval Hall is a masterpiece of 18th century architecture. The hall will now be available for everyone to enjoy and to learn from for many generations to come.”
Fiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust, said: “It has been an incredible journey and we have been thrilled by the goodwill and support we’ve received.”
The trust plans to open Seaton Delaval to the public in the spring. It was built between 1718 and 1731 and is widely regarded to be the finest example of English Baroque architecture.
Link to bd online news item
Link to National Trust Article
Link to MLA Press Release
