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National Trust saves stately home National Trust saves stately home
(about 7 hours later)
A Northumberland stately home, described as one of the finest in England, has been saved for the nation.A Northumberland stately home, described as one of the finest in England, has been saved for the nation.
The National Trust began a campaign to save the 18th Century Seaton Delaval Hall when it was put up for sale by its owner Lord Hastings.The National Trust began a campaign to save the 18th Century Seaton Delaval Hall when it was put up for sale by its owner Lord Hastings.
More than £3m has been raised since the appeal began in July last year.More than £3m has been raised since the appeal began in July last year.
The National Trust now plans to open the Grade I listed hall, its gardens and 400 acres of surrounding land to the public in the spring.The National Trust now plans to open the Grade I listed hall, its gardens and 400 acres of surrounding land to the public in the spring.
More than 30,000 people from as far as Canada, Egypt, Japan and New Zealand donated money to save the house.More than 30,000 people from as far as Canada, Egypt, Japan and New Zealand donated money to save the house.
It was built between 1718 and 1731 by Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. The hall, near the coastal town of Seaton Sluice, was built between 1718 and 1731 by Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.
Seaton Delaval Hall is a masterpiece of 18th century architecture and I am delighted that it has been saved Culture and Tourism Minister Margaret HodgeSeaton Delaval Hall is a masterpiece of 18th century architecture and I am delighted that it has been saved Culture and Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge
It is widely regarded to be the finest work of the English Baroque period and one of the most important historical houses in England.It is widely regarded to be the finest work of the English Baroque period and one of the most important historical houses in England.
Fiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust, said: "This is a wonderful Christmas present for the nation.Fiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust, said: "This is a wonderful Christmas present for the nation.
"It has been an incredible journey and we have been thrilled by the goodwill and support we've received from so many people."It has been an incredible journey and we have been thrilled by the goodwill and support we've received from so many people.
"From the start of the campaign we've worked together with the public - and especially the local community - to shape Seaton Delaval Hall's future and decide how the building, gardens and grounds can best be used for the benefit of everyone.""From the start of the campaign we've worked together with the public - and especially the local community - to shape Seaton Delaval Hall's future and decide how the building, gardens and grounds can best be used for the benefit of everyone."
Culture and Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge said: "Seaton Delaval Hall is a masterpiece of 18th Century architecture and I am delighted that it has been saved.Culture and Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge said: "Seaton Delaval Hall is a masterpiece of 18th Century architecture and I am delighted that it has been saved.
"The hall will now be available for everyone to enjoy and to learn from for many generations to come, and add to the region's attractions as a tourist destination.""The hall will now be available for everyone to enjoy and to learn from for many generations to come, and add to the region's attractions as a tourist destination."
During the course of the campaign messages of support came from former Newcastle United legend Malcolm Macdonald and the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.During the course of the campaign messages of support came from former Newcastle United legend Malcolm Macdonald and the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.