Stoneywell an Arts & Crafts Cottage
Stoneywell Cottage National Trust
I visited Stoneywell as part of a group of volunteers from the Sunnycroft National Trust property. Stoneywell is like Sunnycroft in that in comparison with many of the National Trust properties they are both quite small, but both very beautiful. Built in 1898 with the aim of looking as though it has emerged from the earth, its zig zag design really does allow it to be part of the landscape. Originally it had a thatched roof, but following a fire this was replaced with stone.
Pressed pattern detail in the guttering
Quirky stone staircase
Bedroom entrance
You must book in advance to visit Stoneywell, they are only able to manage a small number of visitors on site at a time. But it really is well worth the effort.There is a dedicated car park off site from the property, a free mini bus runs to and from the cottage and car park.
Once you arrive you can choose a time slot for taking a tour of the cottage, which lasts around 45 minutes. There are of course toilets on site at the entrance, nearby the wash house has been converted into a small tea room which also sold some gifts.
Country Life
Stoneycroft Sitting Room
Blogging in the 1900's
A view to the garden
Here are some of the highlights from my visit to Stoneywell:-- Stoneywell Cottage is unique, and displays many exquisite arts and crafts items so be sure to pay attention during the cottage tour.
- Patterned guttering.
- Bonus points to Stoneywell for baking their own scones on site! The ladies in the tea room managed very well with the influx of our group, the sandwiches made to order were very tasty too.
- They have a rustic walled garden.
- The bedroom in the roof was called Olympus, after Mount Olympus this theme was even carried through by the National Trust in the tea room. You can order a 'Gift from Olympus' a fruit scone with jam and cream.
- The cottage is just as beautiful outside as it is in.
- Unusually cottage layout and shaped internal doorways.
- Set in beautiful countryside and gardens. The Spring flowers were just starting to bloom.
- The Blue Tits in the garden.
A walled garden somewhat rustic
Tea, Coffee, Scones...
The old Wash Room water boiler in the tea room
Essential Visitor InformationStoneywell Cottage is set into a small hillside, there is very little on the flat walking, and there are some unusual and quirky staircases - so take your time. If you are planning a visit and have particular mobility limitations, I would recommend phoning the property first. There are a number of benches at the entrance of the cottage, where visitors can sit prior to their tour.
Stoneywell is a small property, once you have toured the cottage and walked the gardens if the weather is poor and the small tearoom full you will probably be ready to leave. Other than outside there is nowhere else to seat. This is not a criticism in fact quite the opposite if the sun is out I could think of nothing nicer than sitting outside in this picturesque setting.
Entry is free for National Trust Members, check the Stoneywell website for the current cost of admission.
I love a display of flowers on steps
Flowering Currant
The Stoney well
