Leaking roofs and pest infestations are putting historic collections at Knole House under threat.

The stewards who look after the stately home say its at crisis point as it is in urgent need of funds to carry out emergency repairs.

The National Trust has launched a public appeal to help raise £2.7m needed to fix the crumbling exterior of the Sevenoaks property.

It also wants to rid the damp and dust in the state rooms putting 17th century collections at risk of ruin.

House steward Emily Watts said: "Knole is at crisis point at the moment - the condition of the collection is at the point where if we aren't able to invest in them now then their condition will go beyond the point of fixing and it'll have to be taken off display."

The appeal is part of the first phase of The Inspired by Knole project. The second phase hopes to secure money from the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out further development work in 2014.

Ms Watts added: "We need to remind people how important Knole is. This also provides a fantastic opportunity for people to come and see the work before their eyes.

"We hope people will really take Knole into their heart."