An innovative online funding campaign to secure the future of one of Highgate’s most historic houses has kicked off with a bang.

Grade II listed Lauderdale House, in Waterlow Park, is in desperate need of restoration so it can remain a landmark on the Highgate skyline for generations to come.

The house’s fundraising team - joined by the Ham&High - have taken to the internet to launch a crowdfunding campaign to try and raise a much-needed £125,000 to secure its future.

The campaign went live last Wednesday as supporters gathered at Lauderdale for the launch.

The crowdfunding video has already proved a hit, raising £4,000 - an encouraging start.

But Lauderdale needs to escalate the donation rate quickly to reach its ambitious target of raising £125,000 in the next 26 days.

Director Katherine Ives said: “I’m enormously touched by the very special people who have given already.

“We know that lots of people have personal connections with Lauderdale House.

“This place becomes part of people’s lives and it would be wonderful if everyone who values the place would at least look at the website and encourage people to donate.”

There was wide support on launch night last Wednesday, as visitors were among the first to donate to the crowdfunding site.

Local businesses are also starting to take notice, with Streathers solicitors becoming the first corporate donor.

In return for the company’s £1,000 donation its name will be engraved on the new glass wall in the house’s Upper Gallery.

“We are delighted to be helping Lauderdale House to secure a sustainable future for education and the creative arts in the heart of our community,” said the firm, which has offices in Highgate and Crouch End.

Lots of exciting donor packages are on offer.

An exclusive tour of historic Highgate with Dr Tim Hochstrasser of the London School of Economics, followed by cocktails in the gallery, is just one of the packages up for grabs.

Highgate councillor Liz Morris, who has been a regular visitor for years, was one of the very first donors.

“I hope as a community we can help Lauderdale House raise enough money to secure its future,” she said.

Supporter Simon Briscoe added: “I really hope that the thousands of people who visit Lauderdale will join the ‘crowd’ and each be able to find a few pounds to help fund this project.”