Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house — Attraction in Windermere

The house is beautiful and the view through every window is like a painting. The inglenook fireplaces are just magical and you can imagine sitting in their glow on a dreary lake district day. The arts and craft movement was simple and elegant yet stunning and all can be seen at this house. The living pictures are a nice touch and help to bring the house and its inhabitants to life. It was fairly quiet on the Wednesday afternoon when we visited which was nice. Unfortunately the dressing room to the master bedroom and the library, although visible on the house map, are no longer set up as depicted on the map (the master dressing room having been set up as a play area for visiting school groups and the library door locked). The gallery was also closed while they refresh the exhibition which was a shame. There are some gorgeous items in the gift shop but all quite expensive which makes it difficult to take away a nice keepsake. The cafe has some nice food and friendly staff but was missing a bit...

A great place to go and visit if interested in the arts. Lots a beautiful artwork to appreciate. At the time of my visit it was beautiful ceramics by William De Morgan…fabulous. Included in the entry price is an introduction to Blackwell, this is a very relaxed and informative tour which explains the beginnings and ownership of the house. The property was designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott and is a Grade I listed building. There is a lovely tea room here serving up cakes and sandwiches teas and coffees and on warmer days there is the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful lakeside views while enjoying your food. There is a lift available if needed. What I liked was the freedom to browse around the rooms, at your leisure, after the introduction in order to take...

Well worth driving an hour and a half for our second visit to Blackwell. A unique and fascinating house. Our thanks to volunteer guide David for an unhurried tour and detailed insight into Blackwell's history. The cafe staff were superb as was the food and the Duty Manager was extremely enthusiastic and clearly smitten with the house herself. Her introduction to Blackwell on our arrival was most informative and we were amazed to see her gladly involved in carrying out a full range of tasks ranging from waitressing in the cafe to even cleaning the toilets as we were the last to leave - good management by example and at its very best. Allow good time to appreciate the Blackwell's design and high level of presentation as well as its beautiful setting. We could have spent a...