Stoneywell
Stoneywell is one of Leicestershire’s most enchanting Arts and Crafts houses, a hillside retreat designed in 1899 by Ernest Gimson, one of the movement’s leading figures. Built almost entirely from local stone and timber, it embodies the philosophy of handcrafted beauty, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Originally a holiday home for the Gimson family, it remained in their care for more than a century, preserving an unusually complete record of Arts and Crafts domestic life. Inside, Stoneywell feels intimate and personal. Rooms twist and step with the slope of the landscape, creating cosy corners and unexpected views. The sitting room showcases Gimson’s furniture, including oak settles and ladder‑back chairs made by master craftsmen. The dining room retains original textiles and ceramics, many produced by the Gimson circle. Upstairs, the bedrooms reveal the family’s modest yet thoughtful lifestyle, with handmade furnishings and simple decorative touches. The house is surrounded by a delightful woodland garden, full of rocky paths, heather banks, and natural terraces. It reflects Gimson’s belief that gardens should blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Together, the house and grounds offer a rare, immersive glimpse into the Arts and Crafts ideal—an escape into craftsmanship, landscape, and quiet creativity.
Markfield United Kingdom
Stoneywell is an enchanting, eccentric Arts and Crafts cottage built directly into the rocky hillside of Charnwood Forest. Designed by architect Ernest Gimson in the late 19th century as a summer retreat, this National Trust property feels almost like a fairytale home with its slate roof and rustic stone walls. It is situated in the hamlet of Ulverscroft, near Markfield in Leicestershire, England. The full address is Whitcroft's Lane, Ulverscroft, Markfield, LE67 9QE. The cottage is surrounded by four acres of informal gardens and eleven acres of picturesque woodland, but there are plenty of other attractions close by to complete a day trip. Just a short drive to the east lies Bradgate Park, a vast medieval deer park home to free-roaming deer, dramatic rocky outcrops, and the historic ruins of Bradgate House. To the west, you can explore Snibston Colliery Park in Coalville or visit the romantic ruins of Ashby de la Zouch Castle a bit further north. History lovers can also head south toward the city of Leicester to visit Leicester Cathedral, the King Richard III Visitor Centre, and the Medieval Guildhall. If you prefer quiet countryside sights, the medieval Ulverscroft Priory ruins are located right in the immediate area, nestled peacefully within the Charnwood countryside.