During its medieval heyday, the Manor House at Mount Grace Priory, near Northallerton, hosted dignitaries visiting one of the nation's few Carthusian monasteries, whose monks led a life of solitude.

But centuries later it was given a make-over by wealthy owner Sir Isaac Lowthian Bell, who made his fortune in the Teesside steel industry.

leading light

Not only was Sir Isaac a keen supporter of the Arts and Crafts movement, which advocated a return to well-made, handcrafted goods instead of mass-produced, machine-made items, he was also a leading light in the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

Now two rooms are to be restored by English Heritage to the vision mapped out for Sir Isaac by leading designers at the turn of the 20th century.

One will be hung with specially made, hand-printed wallpaper, based on original fragments discovered at the priory.

monastic inspiration

English Heritage's curator of properties for the North, Mark Douglas, said: "Arts and Crafts has really never gone out of fashion and was initially a reaction to perceived Victorian fussiness and signalled a return to simpler designs inspired by nature.

"It drew on medieval monasticism for some of its inspiration.

"This part of North Yorkshire was a real hotbed for the movement, inspired by the enthusiasm and patronage of Sir Isaac Lowthian Bell."

The project will cost £150,000, with the two rooms due to open to the public in July.

A new oak floor will also be installed, ceilings re-plastered and other restoration work undertaken.