A MAJOR project to revive the little-known Arts and Crafts past of one of North Yorkshire’s most beautiful buildings has reached a milestone.

During its medieval heyday, the honey-stoned Manor House at Mount Grace Priory, near Osmotherley, was the guest house for dignitaries visiting the Carthusian monastery, whose hermit-like monks led a life of solitude and piety.

Centuries later, it received a makeover under the guidance of wealthy owner Sir Isaac Lowthian Bell, who virtually founded Teesside’s steel industry.

Now, one of two rooms being restored to the vision mapped out for Bell by leading designers in the early 1900s is being hung with hand-printed wallpaper, based on original fragments discovered at the priory.

The delicate job of hanging the floral-patterned paper on wooden batons covered with canvas fell to wallpaper conservator James Caverhill, 48, of Darlington.

Twelve rolls have been specially made using the original 22 wooden printing blocks which were discovered in the archive of Morris and Co, the Arts and Crafts firm set up by William Morris.

A leading UK manufacturer was commissioned to produce the wallpaper, with each role taking up to a week to make.

Mark Allfrey, head curator with English Heritage, said: “This part of North Yorkshire was a real hotbed for Arts and Crafts, inspired by the patronage of Lowthian Bell.

“The wallpaper is central to our ambitious project to revive the rooms and help recreate the ambience and feel that he brought to this wonderful building.”

When the rooms are completed and furnished, they will be opened to the public.

● Mount Grace Priory is off the A19 and winter opening times are 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Entry costs £4.70 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2.40 for children.

A family ticket costs £11.80. For more information, call 01609- 883494.