Standen, House museum in East Grinstead, United Kingdom
Standen is a late Victorian country house designed by architect Philip Webb, built from handmade bricks and local stone in the Arts and Crafts style. The building features distinctive architectural details that emphasize craftsmanship and the use of natural materials throughout its structure.
The Beale family commissioned the house in 1891 as their country retreat, reflecting the Victorian desire for rural homes away from cities. They kept the property until 1972, when it passed to the National Trust for preservation and public access.
The interiors reflect Arts and Crafts principles through handmade furniture, fabrics, and wallpapers that show how the Victorians valued craftsmanship and natural materials. You can see this design philosophy in every room, from the carefully chosen patterns to the way objects are arranged for daily use.
The site includes a café serving seasonal food, a second-hand bookshop, and garden paths for exploring the grounds. Wheelchair access is limited in some areas, so it helps to plan your route in advance.
The house is arranged to show its appearance in 1925, with furniture and personal belongings exactly as the Beale family left them. Walking through the rooms gives you a sense of how people actually lived and used their spaces during that time.
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