WITH a camera crew in tow, television antiquarian expert Eric Knowles, hailed Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts house at Bowness, a "real gem" as he arrived to begin filming for a stylish new show on Friday.

A familiar face on the Antiques Roadshow and This Morning, the popular presenter is fronting Real Style - a 15 part series for satellite channel, Discovery Home and Leisure, in which three properties from different periods are renovated.

He explained the show "looks at various movements in architecture and shows the viewer how they can take elements of style and incorporate it in any home."

It will also examine changes in art and architecture since Medieval times, with Blackwell the focus of an episode dedicated to the Arts and Crafts movement.

"Blackwell is a real gem of a property, probably the finest Arts and Crafts house in the country," enthused Mr Knowles.

"It was built in 1900 and is particularly interesting because it has retained all of its original features. Following a £3.5 million refit some beautiful antique and Arts and Crafts furniture has been introduced and it has been carefully restored to maintain the essence and atmosphere of the period.

"One of the shows will look at Arts and Crafts and Blackwell will be the jewel in the crown. After this programme is screened, they wil l be inundated with visitors."

Real Style, which is scheduled to air early next year, will look at interior decoration through history focusing on a Georgian townhouse in Chichester, a South London Victorian property and a 1930s house in Taunton.