Most historic homes go back centuries, so Standen House is refreshingly different, having only been built in the 1890’s by Philip Webb as a retreat for the Beale family, who owned it until 1972 when it was gifted to the National Trust. The house is much Morris & co, and presented as though expecting a weekend of house guests c1925.
And yet there are still surprises, like this Tyg, designed for three drinkers:
The house had coal-fired central heating, and ornate lighting. Clearly dirty fingerprints were an issue; every door has ornate finger plates.
Lamp shades, chandeliers, and so much more show off this lovely home:
In the dining room hangs a painting by George Clausen, completed 1890/91, of his wife and children. But all is not as it seems. Originally the painting was larger. To the right of the table stood his son, until criticism during an exhibition about artistic balance impelled Clausen to cut the boy off, thus centering the painting for the viewers eye. It’s difficult to imagine how the young lad would have felt.
The gardens of Standen House include apple trees from the 1890’s, espalliered into living architecture. The kitchen gardens gives good clues as to how they would have been, but the part-time gardener and volunteers really need a hand, if you’ve got a moment…
Unusually for the times, architect Philip Webb cared about the working conditions of staff, so the kitchen is not only large and workable, but also well lit with natural light. Augmenting his design, some remarkably handy little gadgets like this wasp catcher:
Standen House is set up so any age-group could easily spend a whole day, whether your interest lies inside or out. It’s so close to London, and in such a beautiful part of England, do visit it if you can…. and here’s a hint: the soup in the barn Cafe is delicious!
Stories for you - Enjoy! 