Sunday at Stoneywell

On our way to Bradgate Park last night, we drove past Stoneywell, which Mr Bee spotted straight away. He asked a few times whilst we were out if we could visit tomorrow, so when we got home I booked us a parking space for first thing in the morning.

 This little dude followed up around ALL DAY. No word of a lie!

The first stop on our adventure was of course, the Fort. Mr Bee was quite happy in his 'new house', with a 'stove' and a 'garden' however he was quite put out that the roof was not up to his standards. Then we went for a little wander around to kill some time before heading off to lunch.

 (I love this view, all of the angles are so quirky, Mr Gimson, you were one hell of a house designer!)

A Crafters Lunch. Cheese scones, pickle, extra cheese and tea for two. Devoured.

 (A bit more climbing...)

I think the bee was the only child visiting today which meant that he not only had free roam of the Fort but also unlimited swings on the swing in the tree. I think King Louie ( the king of the swingers of course ) spent a good hour playing on the swing whilst I relaxed on a bench nearby. He is getting so good at this swinging lark!

Then we hurried home ready to greet Pappy home from his trip to Burnley. What a gorgeous way to spend a Sunday.

Wightwick Revisited

It was a cold and wintery morning, Mother Hen had a taste for adventure so off we popped to the West Midlands, to pay a visit to Wightwick Manor. Last time we visited, the house was closed and the weather was incredibly soggy. I was super excited to visit here with the house open though, to explore the arts and crafts interior and the abundance of William Morris furnishings.
I wasn't disappointed.

There was so much to see, it was a little treasure trove. Every where we looked, we were surprised by something different and interesting. I knew it would be a winner with Mom and Roger. The house was so full of glorious light, I could bask in it for hours.

So it was a peaceful weekend without my boys. And luckily, this time, I didn't manage to get myself in any trouble! What a relief!

Stoneywell

Today I had the incredible opportunity to visit Stoneywell, the National Trust's newest treasure, nestled in the Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire. It is something I have been incredibly excited about for many, many months (if not years...) since the National Trust announced that they had inherited the arts and crafts cottage owned by the Gimson family.

 

Stoneywell was the summer house of Earnest Gimson, an architect and designer who was dedicated to the arts and crafts movement. This house has particular interest to me as the main Gimson house in Leicester was turned in to a primary school in the 1950's, the primary school that I attended! I do remember being taught some of the history of the family whilst at school, and of course, I couldn't forget the design of the buildings.

The interiors of the beautiful cottage remain as they may have been when the latest generation of the family moved into the house full time in the 1950s. Many of the furnishings were designed and made by hand, specifically for this house, making it a completely unique experience. William Morris, a close friend of Ernest Gimson and a pioneer of the arts and crafts movement, created many textile designs, which can be seen dressing each and every window. The details and the amount of care that has gone in to all parts of the house are just breathtaking.

 The grounds offer spectacular views over Charnwood, part of the National Forest. I can't wait to return in the spring and summer to see the gardens in full bloom, though you can't beat the russet colours sweeping over the landscape.

It was an inspiring visit which evoked many, many emotions and memories from my childhood, seeing furniture that reminds me of pieces my father would have had. I can't wait to visit again!