Where is Standen House and Garden?
Nestled amidst the picturesque countryside of West Sussex, National Trust – Standen House And Garden is a true gem situated near East Grinstead. It offers a glimpse into the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement was all about traditional craftsmanship, simplicity, and harmony with nature.
When was Standen House built?
Standen House was built in 1894, designed by esteemed architect Philip Webb for James Beale, a successful solicitor. From its redbrick exterior to its intricate woodwork and decorative interior, every aspect of Standen House focuses on attention to detail. Standen was ourposely constructed using local materials, and the house and garden were designed to complement each other.
Who lived at Standen House and Garden?
It was originally the home of the Beale family – James Beale, a wealthy solicitor, and his wife, Margaret Beale, plus their seven children. They wanted the home to be a comfortable country retreat, rather than somewhere extremely opulent.
They lived at the house for many years, but in the mid-20th century, the house was passed down to their daughter, Helen Beale, who eventually sold the property. In 1972, Standen House was acquired by the National Trust.
The Beale family were friends with the Morris family, which is why the interior features a remarkable collection of William Morris wallpapers, textiles, and furnishings, many of which are original.
What is there to see at National Trust’s Standen House and Garden?
Wandering through the rooms, you’ll find yourself transported to a bygone era. The drawing room, with its cosy fireplace and sumptuous fabrics, invites you to imagine the lively conversations that would have taken place within the four walls. The dining room, adorned with handcrafted furniture and vibrant wallpaper, showcases how it would have been set up for dinner parties and family gatherings.
One of my personal favourites was the morning room, which had lots of natural light and was where the Standen ladies would write letters, plan their day, and work on embroidery. The fantastic built-in shelving contained several hundred books, including Margaret Beale’s gardening books, which she consulted as she planned her ideas for Standen’s grounds.
There’s plenty of other rooms to look around too including the kitchen, the billiard room, and several bedrooms. The collaboration with William Morris is evident everywhere you look. As a fan of William Morris since I learnt about him back in school, the variety of his prints and fabrics is what makes this property really stand out in my opinion.
One of the highlights when visiting is the stunning gardens. Here you’ll encounter meandering paths, vibrant flower borders, and tranquil water features, all meticulously designed to create a sense of harmony.
There’s different areas to explore, including the main lawn, the charming kitchen garden where veg is still grown, the pretty rosery, and the leafy, mysterious quarry garden – only the Beale’s most privileged guests were allowed in this area!
As well as the more-kept gardens, the estate covers 12 acres in total and encompasses woodland walks and open meadows too with countryside views. The ideal place to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature! Footpaths from the estate lead further afield to High Weald woodland and Ashdown Forest – fresh air is in abundance here.
Is National Trust – Standen House and Garden dog friendly?
Dogs on short leads are welcome at Standen in the garden and wider estate. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house. As you move out of the formal gardens and into woodland and countryside paths, pay attention to local notices. These will inform you about livestock, the lambing season, and any ground-nesting birds in the area.
Are events held at Standen House?
Yes, Standen House offers a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year. From guided tours that delve into the house’s architectural significance to workshops and lectures on various aspects of the Arts and Crafts movement, there’s always something to engage and inspire visitors of all ages. It’s worth checking the website to see if there’s an event coming up that you’d like to coincide your visit with.
Is there somewhere to eat at Standen House?
Yes, there is a café in a converted 18th-century barn, serving seasonal lunches and homemade cakes, some made with produce from the kitchen garden. There’s also a second-hand bookshop on site, and a gift shop including Morris & Co. inspired gifts, textiles and ceramics with a range of seasonal plants and pots to fill your garden.
Standen House and Garden is a must-visit for anyone that is a fan of William Morris’ work, or for those seeking a deeper appreciation of the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th/early 20th centuries. To check ticket prices and opening times (which vary throughout the year), visit the National Trust page for Standen House and Garden.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
