From royal guests to ghostly legends, Preston Manor has seen it all, now this historic Brighton home needs public support to survive
Brighton’s historic Preston Manor, an architectural treasure with over 700 years of history, is deteriorating, and the charitable trust that cares for it, Brighton & Hove Museums, is urgently calling on the public to help save this beloved landmark.
Launched today, To the Manor Reborn is a bold public fundraising campaign that aims to raise significant funds to restore the building’s damaged facade, weakened render, and weather-worn shutters. These are vital repairs that are needed to stop further damage and preserve this treasured building for future generations
Preston Manor was once home to the powerful Stanford family, the most prominent landowners in Brighton. In its remarkable history, it has hosted aristocracy, royalty, literary legend Rudyard Kipling, and later served a wartime role during WWII. It’s also known far and wide as one of Britain’s most haunted houses, drawing paranormal enthusiasts from across the country.
However, years of exposure to harsh coastal weather have left the building’s exterior compromised. Render is falling away, cracks are spreading, and the original wooden shutters, which are part of its unique character, are rotting.
Conservation experts estimate a total of £150,000 is needed to carry out the works. The campaign aims to raise at least half of that through public support — with suggested donations from just £5, helping fund everything from patching cracks to full-scale specialist restoration.
- £5 to help fund the materials to patch a historic crack
- £10 to help repair a section of render
- £25 to give a tired window a well-deserved glow-up
- £50 to help restore a shutter
- £100 to fund specialist conservation work
All donations will be tracked through a live ‘Manor-meter’ which gives supporters a visible, layer-by-layer update as restoration progresses.
Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums said:
“We were absolutely thrilled to welcome visitors back to Preston Manor this April after five years of closure, unveiling a brand-new visitor experience inside. But while we’ve breathed new life into the interior, the exterior still tells a different story. Unfortunately, we simply didn’t have the funds to restore the outside at the same time. As a charitable trust responsible for five nationally and internationally significant heritage venues across Brighton & Hove, we often need a little extra support to care for our historic buildings, especially in today’s challenging financial climate.”
“Preston Manor is one of the most atmospheric and historically rich sites in the UK and we can’t afford to lose it. Whether you come for the ghost stories, the Edwardian interiors, or the connection to Brighton’s past, this place has an essence that can’t be recreated elsewhere, and it urgently needs help to survive.”
The work is being undertaken by Julian Harrap Architects LLP who are well known their specialist architectural services for the repair and restoration of historic buildings, estates and landscapes.
Robert Sandford, Partner at Julian Harrap Architects said:
“As heritage architects, it is a privilege to lead the restoration of the rear façade of Preston Manor. Our aim is to honour its rich heritage while transforming it into a stunning backdrop and welcoming venue for local events, breathing new life into a historic place for the community to enjoy.”
The appeal, launched today, will run until November 2026 when it is hoped Brighton & Hove Museums will have enough funds to undertake the work.
To donate to the Preston Manor fundraising appeal: To the Manor Reborn, visit brightonmuseums.org.uk/to-the-manor-reborn
Donations can also be made at Preston Manor during opening hours, Friday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
