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The Lakes Top Ten Attractions Blackwell - The Arts and Crafts House at Bowness “On crossing this threshold, we pass into a charmed territory where everything shall be in harmony.” (Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott.) And that summarises Blackwell very nicely. Designed by M H Baillie Scott (1865-1945) and built between 1898 and 1900, Blackwell is one of Britain’s most important examples of Arts and Crafts architecture. Sir Edward Holt, a wealthy Manchester brewery owner, had it built as a holiday home - and a spectacular one at that, with stunning views across Windermere to the Coniston fells. Blackwell is a large house, but with its half-landings and split-level spaces its architect created a house with the atmosphere of an intimate family home. It is furnished simply but beautifully, in harmony with Baillie Scott’s own furnishing ideas. Nature’s flowing lines, which inspired Art Noveau, can be seen throughout the house, from the design of the stained glass plants and flowers to the rhythmic scrolling foliage in the wooden panelling in the Hall. Visitors are encouraged to sit and soak up the tranquil atmosphere in Blackwell’s fireplace inglenooks, which boast fine examples of tiles by the renowned Arts and Crafts designer William de Morgan. Visitors are free to enjoy the house as it was originally intended, without roped-off areas, and the inviting window seats offer stunning views of the surrounding Lakeland scenery. Blackwell has survived in a truly remarkable state of preservation and retains almost all of its original decorative features, including the rare and fragile hessian wall-hangings in the Dining Room. One of the real joys of Blackwell lies in its wealth of detail, from the leaf-shaped door handles and curious window catches to spectacular plasterwork, stained glass and carved wooden panelling. Since its restoration in 2001 Blackwell’s period rooms have been carefully furnished with the blend of Arts and Crafts furniture and early country-made pieces favoured by Baillie Scott, bringing the spaces to life once more. The Arts and Crafts Movement was a reaction against the increasing dominance of mechanisation brought about by the Industrial Revolution. John Ruskin and William Morris, the ‘fathers’ of the movement, championed the qualities of honest, hand-made objects and sought to re-establish the importance and worth of designer-craftsmen. Britain’s consumers were urged to achieve beauty, simplicity and practicality in the home. Blackwell’s period rooms contain furniture and objects by many of the leading Arts & Crafts designers. You will find furniture by Morris & Co., C F A Voysey and Ernest Gimson, metalwork by W A S Benson and ceramics by Pilkingtons, Maw & Co. and Ruskin Pottery. Blackwell offers more than most historic houses; several of its first-floor rooms have been adapted for use as galleries, and exhibitions are held throughout the year.
The Tearoom Serves a range of delicious homemade food and drinks, including specialities, homemade lemonade and Blackwell chocolate brownies. Opens daily at 10.00am; entrance is free to the Tearoom. Visitors who have purchased an entry badge to the house can lunch outside or take tea on the terraces and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and mountains, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. Contemporary Craft Shop The Craft Shop stocks the work of leading craftsmakers selected by Blackwell’s curator, and has gained a national reputation for selling studio ceramics and glass, jewellery and textiles, all of the highest quality. Entry is free to the Craft Shop Book Shop There is a wide selection of specialist books on architecture, the applied arts and crafts. The Gardens The gardens have been designed in a series of terraces to get the best views. Blackwell is bordered by beautiful flower beds set against a terrace of York stone paving, which provides one of the loveliest outdoor places anywhere in England to enjoy morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. The herbaceous terrace on the second level provides yet more shelter for tables and chairs, surrounded by fragrant flowers and exotic herbs. On the final terrace, climbing flowers are trained against the retaining wall and there is a long sweep of lawn (originally designed as tennis courts) where visitors can stroll and take in the intoxicating beauty of the Lake District.
Restrictions Due to the nature of the grounds only service dogs are allowed in the grounds and house. Picnics are not allowed. Group visits There is a reduced rate for pre-booked groups of 10 or more, coming together in one coach or vehicle, subject to availability. Photography There are great opportunities to photograph the stunning views from the gardens, but due to the restrictions of copyright placed on items on loan, photography is not allowed inside the house. Room closures Occasionally rooms may be closed to change the exhibitions. Pushchairs, bags & backpacks Owing to the delicate nature of the interiors, objects and floors, please leave large bags, backpacks and pushchairs at the reception desk. How to get here A 20 minute drive from M6 j36.
Blackwell is situated 1˝ miles south of Bowness just off the A5074.
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