The National Trust launched a campaign to secure the stunning 18th century property after it was put up for sale by its owner, Lord Hastings.

More than £3m has been raised since the appeal was launched in July last year and more than 30,000 people – from as far away as Canada, Egypt, Japan and New Zealand – contributed to the cause.

The National Trust now plans to open the Hall, its gardens and 400 acres of surrounding land to the public.

The Grade I listed building was built between 1718 and 1731 by Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.

It is widely regarded to be the finest work of the English Baroque and one of the most important historic houses in Britain.

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.

"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."

Ms Reynolds also thanked everyone who had helped raise the money to secure the Hall's future.

"I pay a warm tribute to Lord Hastings for giving us the time to put this package together and in particular to his parents whose love of the Hall, gardens and estate ensured their survival into the 21st century," she said.

"We also thank everyone who has helped us - from the highest echelons of Government, to the children in the local school."

The National Trust said its appeal had been made possible by the donations of thousands of people, charitable trusts and companies across the country.

However, the Hall could not have been saved without the help of HM Revenue & Customs, the department for culture, media and sport and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

The Hall, its gardens and the majority of the contents of Seaton Delaval were accepted by the Government in lieu of inheritance tax and gifted to the National Trust through the Acceptance in Lieu scheme.

Additional investment has been received from the regional development agency One North East as well as contributions from other funding bodies including The Art Fund.

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 thanks to the Government's AIL scheme and fantastic campaigning and fundraising.

"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 also poured in, ranging from former Newcastle United legend Malcolm Macdonald to the Hairy Bikers, and from Royal well-wishers The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and Northumberland's Lord Lieutenant, The Duchess of Northumberland.

Jonathan Scott, chairman of the Acceptance in Lieu Panel, added: "The importance of Seaton Delaval Hall, a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, was immediately apparent when Museums, Libraries and Archives Council's AIL Panel visited the property in the summer of 2008.

"I am delighted that the Hall and its contents as well as the gardens have been secured for the future through the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme.

"This is a major heritage attraction for the North East and will be a significant boost to the tourism of the area.

"For the first time, all of the property will be accessible to visitors."

The National Trust plans to open Seaton Delaval Hall to the public in spring 2010, with a vision to make it a top class visitor experience and a valued community resource over the next five years.


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