HISTORY enthusiasts and property-buyers have had a preview of the restored interior of one of the region's most important historic houses.

Part of Grey Towers Hall, a Victorian mansion on the A172 Stokesley to Middlesbrough road, at Nunthorpe, near Middlesbrough, is being restored along with surrounding gardens and parkland to its 19th Century glory.

While work, by developer Country and Metropolitan, was being carried out on the ornate exterior of the main hall, the third and second storeys, which have been restored, were on view.

Potential buyers could see new apartments, which have original stained glass, carved wood and stonework features, and have views of the surrounding Cleveland Hills.

A spokesman for the developer said that hundreds of potential buyers have shown interest in the estate.

The hall was designed by EW Goodwin, and is costing £8.5m to restore.