‘Destroyer or saviour?’ ‘Vulgar barbarian or romantic restorer?’

The questions are put to visitors to one of the region’s most intriguing, if rather sombre, historic homes.

It refers to the work carried out in this splendid residence by its former owner Frank Green, an eccentric industrialist from Wakefield, who created, decorated and furnished 13 rooms to house his fine collection of antique furniture, ceramics and other pieces.

As well as sweeping away later extensions and outbuildings, Frank and his architect Temple Moore, made major changes to the interior, including creating a replica medieval Great Hall that divides the house in two, with bedrooms at each side accessible by two grand staircases.

Frank’s radical remodelling of the house over a long period of time is seen by some as wrong - it is for visitors to decide whether they agree.

A cosy home it is not. But that was never the intention. Each room is decorated in the style of a different period, according to the plan set out by Frank.

There’s much of interest. The dining room - part of the 16th century section of the house - has a magnificent ceiling and walls that, though they appear to be wood panelling, are in fact made of plaster.

In the Court Room, so called as it overlooks Grays Court next door, a glass case contains a galleon made by French prisoners of war at the time of the Napoleonic wars. And, my favourite thing in the house, The Dutch Children, a wonderful 15th century painting of two grumpy young siblings sitting side by side with a basket of cherries.

I also loved the pendulum from a clock on the first floor, that hangs through the ceiling to the Great Hall beneath.

And - pointed out by one of the friendly volunteers (one aged 95) - there are a couple of paintings that perform a bit of visual trickery. In one, a man’s foot appears to move position as you walk along, and in another, and in another, the subject’s eyes follow you around the room.

However splendid, in my opinion, the Great Hall isn’t right for the building. It doesn’t gel, and splits the house in two.

A bachelor, Frank was a stickler for detail. One of the many friendly guides showed us studs in the floor, to mark the exact spot where he wanted furniture to stand.

Having handed the house and contents to the National Trust in 1930, when he retired to Somerset, Frank got wind that someone has moved furniture in one room ‘Mark my words,” he commented to the trust’s representative James Lees-Milne: ‘I may not have long to live. But I warn you that, if ever you so much as move one chair leg again, I will haunt you till your dying day.’

Over the years the house attracted some very prominent guests. In 1617 King James I was entertained at Treasurer’s House. And in 1900, during Frank Green’s time, Edward VII and Queen Alexandra visited as Prince and Princess of Wales along with their daughter Victoria.

It is in their honour that the King’s Room, Queen’s Room and Princess Victoria’s Room were so named.

In the shadow of York Minster, the centuries old Treasurer’s House was originally home to the cathedral’s treasurer.

Standing on the site of the mansion of the Medieval Treasurers of York Minster, it has passed through a number of hands and been subdivided into three properties. When Frank took over it was falling into disrepair.

Any visitor should not forget the garden, which is peaceful and charming. For those not visiting the house, or who just want to sit in the garden, access is free, from the cobbled lane at the rear.

And the basement, where, in 1953, 18-year-old apprentice heating engineer Harry Martindale saw at least 20 Roman soldiers, visible only from the knees up, marching. Tours of this hidden part of the house take place on selected days during the year.

There’s a café, serving snacks and a gift shop, though lacking on postcards of the house. I’d have loved one of the Dutch sisters’ painting.

A short film made by York-based Yorkshire Film Archive, about the house and its history, is both interesting and evocative.

Christmas sees the house decked out in Edwardian pink glory, with a decorated tree in the Great Hall - it’s well worth a visit.

*Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, York YO1 7JL. For details and admission times visit nationaltrust.org.uk/treasurershouse; T: 01904 624247