Historical house to be renovated after £111k grant

19 November 2025

Allan WatkissEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — Maister House, in Hull's old town, was built in the 18th Century

Alamy Maister House - a historic Georgian-style brick building with a grand stone portico entrance and symmetrical sash windows. — Maister House, in Hull's old town, was built in the 18th Century

A heritage building and tourist attraction in Hull's old town is to be renovated after a project received an almost £111,000 funding boost.

The Grade I listed Maister House, owned by the National Trust, is a rare surviving reminder of the thriving international trade the city enjoyed during the Georgian period.

The building, at 160 High Street, will benefit from Levelling Up money after an application was submitted to the first round of Hull City Council's government-backed grant scheme.

The council said the grant would help to support a £277,000 National Trust project which will consist of structural works including a new roof lantern, stairwell and ceilings.

Alamy An ornate entrance hall consisting of white walls and ceiling. A mezzanine floor is visible with black iron railings. A large lantern hangs in the centre of the hall. — The interior of Maister House has been described the National Trust as "locally and nationally important"

The Maister family were merchants who specialised in trading with the Baltic ports and the property was completed for Henry Maister in 1744.

It is a rare surviving example of such a merchant house and its exterior is a typical feature of Palladian architecture.

Historic England has described the interior of the house as "of importance both locally and nationally".

The grant will allow the National Trust to accelerate long-term ambitions to make the building more accessible and open to a wider and more diverse audience, the council said.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: "The Levelling Up funding has already unlocked some fantastic potential in Hull city centre.

"Part of the criteria is to restore and link to the city's heritage, something which we are rightly proud of in Hull, which is exactly what this grant for Maister House will do, safeguarding its future for generations to enjoy."

Maister House is currently occupied by Eclectic Music which provides music tuition, rehearsal space and instrument repairs.

Creative director Danny Thompson said: "The Levelling Up funding is going to help us continue to offer and deliver our range of creative services whilst continuing to support some of the amazing independent grassroots artists and practitioners right here in the heart of Hull."

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