The south front of Stoneywell. ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler
It has just been announced that the National Trust is acquiring Stoneywell, an Arts and Crafts house in Ulverscroft, Leicestershire.
The back of Stoneywell. ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler
Stoneywell was built by the architect-designer Ernest Gimson (1864-1919) for his elder brother Sidney and his wife Jeanie. Gimson consciously used local materials and tried to fit the house harmoniously into its undulating site.
The dining room at Stoneywell, with the Barsnley table and Gimson chairs. ©National Trust/Chris Lacey
Stoneywell has remained almost unaltered and still contains items of furniture created for it, such as a Sidney Barnsley dining table and a set of Ernest Gimson ladderback chairs.
Slate steps and curved doorway at Stoneywell. ©National Trust/Chris Lacey
The acquisition has been made possible by grants from the Monument Trust and the J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust, as well as donations from local supporters and from the Gimson family.
The eponymous well house at Stoneywell. ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler
The National Trust is still raising funds to make repairs, put visitor facilities in place and allow Stoneywell to open to the public in 2014.
The stables at Stoneywell. ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler
Ernest Gimson’s furniture can also been seen at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum and Rodmarton Manor. The Owlpen Manor website features a good introduction to his work.
