An 18th century stately home designed by renowned architect Sir John Soane and now used as an events venue is on the brink of closure.

Letton Hall, near Shipdham, has hosted residential and school groups, as well as conferences, for more than three decades.

But the trust which owns the Grade II* listed Georgian building says it will be forced to sell the hall if it cannot raise at least £30,000 in the next two months.

The Letton Hall Trust, which is a Christian charity, said this is due to operating costs, which have risen steeply since the pandemic.

Eastern Daily Press: Letton Hall, in ShipdhamLetton Hall, in Shipdham (Image: Osprey Photographic)

Jon Horrox, the centre manager, said: “All we need is two bad months and we’ll be on the brink of closure.

“We’ve put an appeal out, but if we don’t get £30,000 before July we’ll have to sell the property. It’ll be over.

“Before the lockdowns the trust had a healthy reserve and our income covered our operational expenditure.  

“The lockdowns used up that reserve. Because we’re in hospitality we couldn’t operate, so there was no income at all for over 18 months.

“The cost-of-living crisis has finished our reserve off.”

Eastern Daily Press: Jon Horrox, Letton Hall’s centre managerJon Horrox, Letton Hall’s centre manager (Image: Jon Horrox)

Letton Hall has been run by the trustees since 1979.

Built between 1783 and 1789, it was once the home of the Gurdon family, and was the first domestic commission of the famous architect Sir John Soane.

Now, its 130 beds across the main hall and stables mainly host residential and school groups.

Eastern Daily Press: Letton Hall Letton Hall (Image: Letton Hall)

“Major repairs we’ve always had to fundraise for,” Mr Horrox said.

“We’ve got a constant battle with roofs, which are deteriorating, but we’ve never had an issue where we couldn’t afford to operate – this is the first time.

"The frustration for us is we haven’t done anything different, yet all of a sudden none of our numbers add up.

"There’s nothing we could do to change our fortunes - it’s been out of our control - and that’s why we’re having to ask for help."

Eastern Daily Press: Letton Hall Letton Hall (Image: Letton Hall)

To donate to save Letton Hall, visit the Jon Horrox Letton Hall Trust Just Giving page.