All Hallows Convent to feature on Interior Design Masters

The new series of Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr kicks off this evening and the first challenge is to help redecorate a convent turned B&B in Norfolk.

The former Sisters of All Hallows Convent in Ditchingham closed in 2018 after 150 years and was taken over by Norfolk-based homeless charity, Emmaus, with plans to convert the building into a B&B. 

Sisters enjoying time to sew, knit and write in the All Hallows Convent in March 1954 (Image: Newsquest)Once fully restored, the B&B will feature 23 bedrooms, providing both work experience and revenue for the charity.

The annual income made from each room will go towards housing a homeless person for an entire year. 

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In the Radio Times review of the episode Jane Rackham said: "You dread to think how they’ll demonstrate their signature style when transforming the former nuns’ cells in a convent into bijou, B&B bedrooms.

"There is one that’s inspired by The Sound of Music, another that’s like a Victorian railway carriage, as well as a riot of mismatched patterns, pops of colour and statement wallpapers."

Judges Abigail Ahern and Michelle Ogundehin in front of the B&B (Image: BBC)Francesca Kletz, a former University of East Anglia student and one of the amateur designers competing on the show, said: “I did my MA in Norfolk and love the countryside in that part of the country so was so excited to spend a very sunny week in Norfolk at the convent doing crafts and DIY.

"It felt like a very special first episode challenge and the results of all the rooms are so different and unique that I think it’s going to make really incredible viewing.”

The episode will air tonight at 8pm on BBC One.