Blackwell The Arts and Crafts House

Located to the south of Bowness-On-Windermere with views across the lake, Blackwell is a Grade I listed building created by Baillie Scott that was originally intended as a holiday home for Sir Edward Holt.

Completed in 1900, the building epitomises the Arts and Crafts style and is filled with furniture, art, and sculptures from the period. No parts of the house are roped off, meaning that visitors can view Blackwell as it would have appeared during the early 20th century.

History

The Arts and Crafts movement was a style of arts that dominated the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century, and was defined by its use of traditional crafting techniques and style that echoed that from the medieval and romantic periods.

Blackwell is thought to be a fine example of this movement and its architect, Baillie Scott, has been recognised for his works in this style. Due to the unique history of the building, most of the intricate interiors and furnishings have remained in place.

Following the death of Sir Edward Holt’s son the house was used infrequently, and was later used as a school, and then an office with much of the decorative plasterwork preserved by being hidden away behind filing cabinets. A trust was formed in 1999 to buy the house to try and preserve it and it was opened as a museum in 2001.

Things To See

As you walk through Blackwell you will see many fine examples of Arts and Crafts decoration, including around fireplaces, on plasterwork, and on wall hangings. See the dining room with its beautiful open fire place set out as though the Holts were about to sit down for dinner, view the main hall with its impressive mock Tudor designs, and explore the bedrooms that are laid out exactly as they would have been at the turn of the 20th century.

Throughout the year there are multiple displays, exhibitions and events that give you the opportunity to learn more about the arts and crafts movement, including tuitions on specific crafts.

The house has plenty to keep younger visitors occupied, with trails, eye-spy activities, and dress up clothes. Visitors can also borrow an iPad from reception and using an augmented reality app you can “meet” the Holt family in rooms throughout the house.

Useful Information

Blackwell has a tea room with cakes and light lunches available and the opportunity to sit out on the terraces during warmer weather. You can also purchase your own piece of craft from the shop which stocks beautiful handmade items in a plethora of materials including ceramics, silver, and wood.

The house is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased on the day and there is no need to book in advance, unless you are travelling as a group. Group rates apply for groups of ten or more people.

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