Delaval Hall is a masterpiece by Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. Photo courtesy The National Trust. © NTPL

The National Trust is seeking public help to raise £6m to save Seaton Delaval Hall, one of Britain’s most important Baroque houses.

As part of its biggest public consultation ever the Trust is also asking community groups, schools, clubs and societies to not only get involved in the fundraising campaign but also input into the plans for transforming Seaton Delaval into a major cultural centre for the North East.

The Trust is to provide a £6m endowment for the house and its surrounding gardens, but if a further £6m is not raised by January – half from public grants and half through an appeal – the Trust cannot make an acquisition of the house.

The National Trust hopes that the future of this romantic and partly-ruined hall is brighter than its unfortunate history. Photo courtesy The National Trust. © NTPL

John Bridge, chairman of the National Trust in the North East, said: “The North East relishes challenges – they don’t come much bigger than this.”

The romantic, partly-ruined hall is said to be one of the finest works of English Baroque. Sitting in a large area of countryside in Northumberland near Blythe, it was built between 1718 and 1731 by Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.

The future of Delaval Hall is brighter than its unfortunate history. Neither architect nor patron lived to see its completion, and successive heirs only lived there intermittently. The fire of 1822 gutted the hall's Centre Block, after which it was deserted for 160 years.

These stone stables once housed the Delaval family's fine horses. Photo courtesy The National Trust. © NTPL

“Because of the 1822 fire, Seaton is no typical country house," said David Ronn, the Trust’s Regional Director for the North East. "It promises to be a fantastic and romantic venue for all sorts of activities.”

Current attractions at Seaton Delaval are the Coach House, which houses a collection of interesting vehicles, and the restored Ice House. The gardens, designed by James Russell in 1947, and improved by wife of current owner Lord Hastings, contain statues, exqusite topiary, and a tranquil pool and fountain.

“My father spent many years restoring Seaton Delaval Hall and its gardens and putting together the collection within the House," added Lord Hastings.

"I am very keen to see his vision continued and to safeguard the future of the house, therefore I would like to give the National Trust every opportunity to acquire the property.”

To register your views on the future of Seaton Delaval or to make a donation visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seatondelaval.