Talks over future of stately home

May 15 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

THE owner of one of the region’s most famous and impressive stately homes is in talks with the National Trust over its future.

Lord Hastings is having discussions with senior National Trust officials which could result in the conservation organisation taking over his family’s 18th Century Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland.

Norfolk-based Delaval Astley, the 23rd Lord Hastings, became the owner of the imposing country house and its surrounding estate when he succeeded to the family title following the deaths of his parents last year.

He does not intend moving his wife and children up to Northumberland and is now said to be considering a number of options for the future management of Seaton Delaval Hall.

The National Trust, which exists to protect and preserve special places and historic buildings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, already includes Wallington Hall, Lindisfarne Castle, Cragside and Ormesby Hall in Teesside in its North East portfolio.

Seaton Delaval Hall was built between 1718 and 1728 for Admiral George Delaval and is regarded as architect Sir John Vanburgh’s masterpiece and crowning achievement. It is located at the end of a long driveway next to the road between Seaton Delaval and Seaton Sluice and is open to the public during the summer months.

Regarded as one of the great architectural feats of the early 18th Century, the Baroque house comprises a central block between two arcaded wings. Its grounds contain extensive gardens and statues, as well as a Norman church and an ice house.

Seaton Delaval Hall was painstakingly restored over more than 50 years by Edward Delaval Henry Astley, the 22nd Lord Hastings, and his wife Nicki. He died in April last year at the age of 95, followed by his wife eight months later. The current Lord Hastings is a 48-year-old farmer and businessman. Yesterday his agent Tom Warde-Aldam, who is based on the Bywell Estate in Northumberland, said: “Lord Hastings is considering a range of possible options for Seaton Delaval Hall.

“It is true that he is in discussions with the National Trust but no deal has been done at this stage. He lives in Norfolk with his wife and children and is not contemplating moving into the Hall, but he is very keen to safeguard the future of the estate.

“He is very concerned to keep it all going and in due course, whether it is months or longer, he will be making some decisions.”