Neighbours save historic estate
18 January 2010
An 18th-century architectural masterpiece and its gardens have been saved for the nation after local people raised more than £3 million through fundraising campaigns.
Seaton Delaval Hall, near Blyth in Northumberland, was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, with formal gardens laid out in 1947 by plantsman Jim Russell VMH, who went on to create the arboretum at Castle Howard.
However two years ago the estate was put up for sale to pay off an inheritance tax bill of almost £5 million. The government agreed to accept the Hall, its gardens and contents in lieu of the tax and gift it to the National Trust - but an extra £3 million was needed for essential repairs and updating before the Trust could take it on.
The local community rallied round to support the campaign to save the Hall, and an energetic fundraising appeal began. Children's pocket money, sponsored events and collecting tins in local pubs all contributed, with support for the campaign from public figures from HRH The Prince of Wales to former Newcastle United footballer Malcolm MacDonald.
“It's an iconic building which really stands out in that region,” says National Trust gardens and parks adviser Raoul Curtis-Machin. “It's so important for the local people – we often take buildings so much for granted, but people really do value it.”
Along with grants from Northumberland County Council, the Art Fund, and regional development agency One North East, the money raised has now allowed the Trust to accept the Hall. It will pay for the on-going maintenance and running of the property from its own funds.
The gardens will now be developed to reflect the strong links between the estate and the people who live around it. Schools and community groups are being invited into the walled kitchen garden to return it to productivity, and the intimate feel of the gardens, which feature a pool garden, laburnum arch and rose gardens, will be preserved. The National Trust plans to open Seaton Delaval to the public from the spring.
More on the campaign to save the hall and the National Trust