At the turn of the 19th century, the Book Room at Wimpole Hall was remodelled by neoclassical architect John Soane. Driven by Wimpole’s owner’s keen architectural interest, the room doubled in size and this neutral green was specified as a foil to the room’s fine white plasterwork and shelving, and the thousands of deep red embossed leather book spines which covered the walls. The property was later acquired by Captain George Bambridge and his wife, Elsie, daughter of Rudyard Kipling. Kipling’s legacy and own book royalties paid for the refurbishment of the house before it was left to the Trust in 1976.