Stoneywell, Leicester

Stoneywell, a National Trust property in Ulverscroft, Leicester, is a striking example of the Arts and Crafts architectural movement. Designed in 1899 by renowned architect Ernest Gimson in collaboration with Detmar Blow, Stoneywell was built as a summer residence for Gimson’s brother, Sydney Gimson. It is the largest of a small group of cottages in the area that reflect the vernacular ethos of the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasizing craftsmanship, natural materials, and harmony with the surrounding landscape.

For over a century, Stoneywell remained in the Gimson family, preserving much of its original furniture and design elements. Its architectural significance and historical importance made it a well-known site among Arts and Crafts enthusiasts. In 2013, after a year-long fundraising appeal, the National Trust acquired Stoneywell, along with its carefully curated interiors, gardens, and surrounding woodlands. The property was subsequently opened to the public in February 2015, allowing visitors to experience a rare, intact example of Gimson’s craftsmanship and design philosophy.

Nearby, other Arts and Crafts cottages contribute to Ulverscroft’s architectural heritage. Lea Cottage, built at the same time as Stoneywell, sits along Lea Lane and was expanded in 1972 with the addition of a southwest wing. Unlike Stoneywell, it retains its original thatched roof and whitewashed exterior, maintaining its rustic charm. Rockyfield Cottage, built for Gimson’s sister Margaret in 1908, was another addition to the Ulverscroft group.

Stoneywell and its neighboring cottages were celebrated in early 20th-century architectural literature. Sketches of Stoneywell and Lea Cottage appeared in R. A. Briggs' 1904 book, Homes for the Country, while Lawrence Weaver, the architectural editor of Country Life, documented their construction in his 1911 volumes, Small Country Houses of To-day.

Today, Stoneywell stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Arts and Crafts movement, offering a unique glimpse into a period when architecture sought to embrace traditional craftsmanship and integrate with the natural environment.