In the Leicestershire countryside near Loughborough sits a beautiful cottage which is a fantastic example of the ‘Arts & Crafts’ movement. Stoneywell was built in 1899 and is operated as a visitor attraction by the National Trust.
The house is significant because it was designed by renowned architect Ernest Gimson for his brother Sydney. It remained in the family as a holiday home for over a century and retained much of its original interior as a result. Visiting today is like going back in time! It’s also incredibly ‘homely’ with a snug fire, cosy rooms and comfortable beds. The joy here is the detail. Much of what you see is hand-crafted and the design has been carefully thought out to fit with the ethics of the Arts & Crafts movement. For example, the stone for exterior was all gathered from the surrounding land. Gimson designed several other cottages in the area, but this is the only one open to the public.
One interesting feature of the cottage is that it is spread over 7 levels. There are multiple stairways as a result, but it makes the most of the original shape of the land it was built on. You’ll enjoy unusually shaped rooms, quirky features, twisty stairs and tiny windows on a visit here. The house also has an attractive cottage garden, walled veg garden and 11 acres of heath and woodland surrounding it.
Stoneywell only opens from February to October each year and places to visit are limited. You’ll need to book in advance via the National Trust website. Adult admission is £11 (2025 prices).
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: Stoneywell, Whitcroft’s Lane, Markfield LE67 9QE
Phone: +44 1530 248040
Email: Stoneywell@nationaltrust.org.uk
Stoneywell has a car car which is a short walk away from the property. A courtesy bus runs regularly from the car park to the house entrance.
MORE ON STONEYWELL
Stoneywell – Wikipedia