Outstanding Standen House – An Arts and Crafts Family Home

Standen House is near East Grinstead and a 50 minute drive from Steyning

It was designed between 1891 and 1894 by architect Philip Webb, a friend of William Morris, for a prosperous London solicitor, his wife and their family of seven children.

The house is constructed in the Wealden vernacular style with sandstone quarried from the estate and locally made bricks and tiles.

You will see William Morris carpets, furnishings, fabrics and wallpapers inside. Originally the house had electric power, originally generated by a donkey engine in a shed by the old barn. The original electric light fittings are still there.

The National Trust has owned the property since 1972

Standen House December Treat

Go into the house past the lit fireplace in the hall. You will find each room dressed for a different decade in which the family celebrated Christmas at Standen. Once you have enjoyed the festivities in the house, check out the Arts and Crafts inspired gifts in the shop. After that enjoy a warming drink and Christmas treat in Barn Café.

Find out more about Standen House

Read about 10 of my favourite things to see and do in my Sussex Guide