standen

N2739WEjohnb

This place is relatively local to us and we visit about once every 2 years.The house was designed between 1892 and 1894 by the architect Philip Webb, a friend of William Morris, for the wealthy London solicitor James Beale and his large family. Lovers of the 'Arts and Crafts' movement will find Morris carpets, fabrics and wallpapers throughout the house, which was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1972.The interiors remind me of my grandparents' house which I would regularly visit until the mid 1970's, with its 'lived-in' ambience, homely décor, quiet atmosphere and gently-ticking clocks in each room.The gardens and wider estate are worth one's time as well. Those with mobility problems may experience some difficulty in these areas are there are some inclines and steps.There was a riot of colour in the gardens and terrace of the house when we were here in the late Summer.The NT shop is up some steps.We didn't use the café/restaurant facilities.Thoroughly recommended and at least 3 hours is needed to do this place justice.

ZhooZhoo

We visited Standen on a bitter cold February Saturday. Needless to say, we enjoyed the interior much more than the exterior. Inside was the best Arts and Crafts period decor that we've so far seen with lovely William Morris wallpapers and fabric designs and a really warm, welcoming feeling overall. We took two looks around the house, which I would recommend as there is so much to miss the first time. The gardens were very muddy in places and weren't at their best at the end of winter, so we agreed that we'd love to visit again in the growing season. If you're visiting in the winter, take wellies for the outside!The barn restaurant served up typical National Trust food, a lot of which I always find quite basic and uninspired, but the delicious hot vegetable tagine was welcome on such a chilly day.Be aware, much of the garden has steps which are steep in places and this is not a good place for wheelchair users and the gardens could be difficult for people with walking impairments.

Wilcoxm51

The house is known for it lovely Morris interior and is interesting to visit. The house feels more like a home than many of the national trust properties and contains a lot of original furniture and fittings. There are good views from the gardens and its possible to walk around the estate including an interesting woodland area.

Catkin1944

This house was built at the end of the 1800s as a family weekend and holiday home for the Beale family. It has a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere so that the visitor can imagine the big family parties that took place. The wallpapers are William Morris designs. The gardens are being beautifully restored to their origin state as the lady of the house was a very keen gardener. Various special events laid on for chilren. Splendid old barn transformed into restaurant. Well worth a visit.

happybunny7

I had recently rejoined the National Trust, and this place is close to home. On arrival,greeted by charming volunteer who guided us to the car park. We strolled up,a small hill back towards the beautiful Arts and Crafts family home, with beautiful interiors, if you love William Morris designs. It's been left as if the family are still living there, you are in for a treat. It's an idyllic location with splendid views of the Sussex countryside. We had a lovely walk around the grounds, and can imagine in spring/summer this will be a wonderful spot to come with a picnic. cafe lovely, although I know it's now closed for a refurb, until 9 March 2015. prices reasonable for coffee and cake. Plenty to do for children of all ages, noticed kid friendly, rooms and dens dotted around. if you want a day out to make you feel happy about the world, you cant go wrong with Standen. The volunteers are exceptional and really very helpful. I picked up a fantastic secondhand gardening book in the bookshop for £1.50. Happy Days. Bring Wellies, it's muddy!

bettysmate

Standen is a great NT house to visit because it is not too vast. You can really imagine the family life here. The gardens are lovely and there are some really good woodland walks and also a great restaurant in an old barn. Easy parking, too. I also liked the fact that there was no great swarms of people, no timed entry and you could spend as much time as you liked examining things closely and reading all the infomation about the history of Standen . The was also a feature on William Morris who was afriend of the family. No entry charge for NT members.

RichardB17

A splendid house with some wonderful pre Raphaelite and arts and craft movement pieces. The decoration of the house and much of the contents were designed by William Morris for a friend of his who was a wealthy doctor. A lovely Burne Jones stained glass window. The garden is excellent as well, sloping down towards the Medway valley. Well worth a visit. A National Trust property.

CarolineH875

Behind the scenes tours were advertised in our National Trust Newsletter. We had been to this house, the home of the Beale Family, before.This one hour tour was set to run at 30 minute intervals. It really was behind the scenes. We were taken first of all to the kitchen where we sipped spiced cider warmed on the black-leaded range. Then it was through the servants area, down to the cellars, up the narrow oak stairs to bedrooms and landings up to the attics, the water filtration system and the huge slate tank. Then up to the top of the tower, overlooking chimneys,, kitchen gardens etc. We walked around the outside balcony to see the breathtaking views of kent and sussex countryside and the modern (built in the 60's) Weirwood Reservoir. Everywhere we went it was clear that the Architect Philip Webb was ahead of his time and designed the house with the comfort of both the family and their servants in mind. In short we thoroughly enjoyed our peek into the living house.

glamama

Read about this house an we decided to visit. Free car park, but we had NT yearly tickets.Beautiful interior......gorgeous china and artefacts, very helpful staff inside if you need to know anything.Gardens ok, not bad for the middle of winter. Some great walking paths around the grounds. Def worth a visit. Cafe good too!

JRSpigot

We visited on a bright clear February weekend. The views from the house and gardens were wonderful. We toured the house , walking into the hall where there was a log fire burning and a chap playing the newly restored grand piano. Lots of fascinating original content in the various rooms from the snooker room through to the dining, living and bedrooms. The view from the water tower , which you can do during weekdays , would be amazing. We walked down to Weir Wood reservoir (which wasn't there when the house was built) , but the footpath at the bottom is a bit constricted. The south facing terrace was very pleasant in the sunshine. We were going to eat in the cafe but the menu seemed a bit limited. Soup , baked potato , quiche , cauliflower cheese.Will definitely visit again to look around the house. We are NT members , signed up for the online offer of 3 months for free , otherwise it might seem a bit pricey.

SoniaShoreham

Standen itself is an unattractive house and the gardens aren't special. However, if you are a William Morris fan you'll love the interiors. The National Trust café is fun and worth a visit, as is the quaint little shop. If you are a National Trust member already Standen is perhaps worth a visit, but if you have to pay to get in I'd consider going somewhere else.

Rainbowandmarshmellow

If you go to standen make sure you park at the bottom car park and go on the trail through the deep woods which is nice as not a lot if people know about that! There is a bridge, stairs, benches, we pretend we are looking out for the fairies and the trolls when we go. It's a lovely family afternoon and they do a great Easter egg trial at Easter!

KateLondon_9

Maybe it's better to come in the summer when the gardens are prettier. The house belonged to a solicitor so not much interesting history. The food in cafe looked congealed and horrible. Wouldn't return. There are much nicer national trust places to visit.

751kerryc

There are lovely pieces by William Morris and William de Morgan. An arts and crafts lover should definitely visit. The gardens are wonderful too. A must for National Trust members

195SueS

Newly opened over Christmas period, had a lovely festive feel.Volunteers very helpful and knowledgeable.