£100,000 appeal to plug Killerton's leaking roof

Killerton House near Exeter, looked after by the National Trust, has launched a major fundraising campaign to plug the holes in its leaking roof.

£100,000 is needed to help pay for work due to start in late February which will prevent the threat of water damage to the much loved house and collection, which includes a unique Trust fashion collection.

The money raised will also go towards carrying out vital work to conserve the roof over the house, exterior walls, windows, chimneys and parapets, as part the Trust’s ongoing commitment to care for Killerton.

Thanks to a very generous gift in a Will left to Killerton by volunteer Mr Laurie Marshall, the Trust already has some funds available to start the work, however it is asking supporters to help plug the funding gap and ensure it can carry out the vital conservation work required.

The focus of the project will involve replacing the main lead flat roof. The scaffolding structure being used will also enable vital restoration to be carried out to the stonework, chimneys and parapets. It will also allow access to undertake internal and external house redecoration, including a new lick of paint to help preserve the exterior.

For some time water ingress has been causing visible damage to the stairway inside the house where water marks can be seen. During heavy rain, buckets are placed at the top of the stairway to catch water coming through the roof. Without urgent repairs, the house and collections are under increasing threat of damage.

When complete, the conservation work will result in a watertight building with an improved interior environment, protecting the special collections for the enjoyment of future generations. The building will also be more sustainable with new ventilation methods, improved insulation and refurbished windows.

Mr Marshall’s cousin Elizabeth Havard said: “Laurie enjoyed many happy years volunteering at Killerton. I’m sure he would be delighted to see his legacy has helped this vital conservation work”.

The Acland family, who left the intact estate to the Trust in 1944, did so for the benefit and enjoyment of everybody. Caring for the large estate, which includes 6,400 acres of land, 250 cottages and 18 farms, is an ongoing commitment for the charity.

Phillip Smart, General Manager of Killerton said: “We’re delighted that with the support of Laurie Marshall’s kind legacy, we’re able to start this vital work. As a charity, we rely on donations and legacies alongside memberships and visitor income. Killerton is such a special place to so many and with your support we can continue vital conservation to keep it that way.”

He continued: “We’re looking forward to welcoming many visitors into the house when it reopens in February – and please do look out for opportunities to donate to our roof appeal!”

The project is due to start in late February. The ground floor in the house will be open throughout the project. The first floor, which normally displays the fashion exhibition, will be closed until the project completes for operational reasons.

Supporters can donate online here and find out more about the project on Killerton’s website.

Roof project information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/care-for-killerton
Killerton website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton

Photo: Staff and volunteers gather at Killerton House, near Exeter, to raise awareness of funds needed to plug holes in leaking roof. Photo credit: National Trust/Ewins Aerial Photography.