Blackwell: The Arts & Crafts House Overlooking Windermere

Explore Blackwell, a stunning Arts & Crafts house near Windermere, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, historic charm, and breathtaking Lake District views.

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Blackwell is a Grade I listed Arts and Crafts house near Bowness-on-Windermere, designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott between 1897 and 1900 as a holiday home for Sir Edward Holt. It exemplifies early 20th-century craftsmanship with original interiors, decorative features, and gardens by Thomas Mawson, offering visitors a rich insight into the Arts and Crafts movement amid stunning Lake District scenery.

A brief summary to Blackwell

Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3JT, GB
+441539446139
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Join a guided tour to fully appreciate the intricate Arts and Crafts details and the house’s rich history.
Visit the gardens to experience Thomas Mawson’s original terraced design and enjoy serene lake views.
Check the exhibition schedule as Blackwell hosts changing contemporary art displays alongside historical exhibitions.
Plan your visit between 10am and 5pm, as these are the regular opening hours year-round.
Allow at least 2 hours to explore the house, gardens, and exhibitions at a relaxed pace.

Getting There

Car

Driving from Windermere town center to Blackwell takes approximately 10–15 minutes via local roads. Parking is available on-site but can be limited during peak times. Expect a parking fee of around £3–£5. The route involves rural lanes with some narrow sections.
Bus

Local bus services from Windermere or Bowness-on-Windermere to stops near Blackwell run approximately every 30–60 minutes. The walk from the nearest stop to the house is about 15 minutes on country lanes. A single bus fare costs around £3–£4.
Taxi

Taxi rides from Windermere or Bowness-on-Windermere to Blackwell typically take 10 minutes and cost approximately £10–£15. This option offers direct access but may have limited availability on weekends or holidays.
Walking

For active visitors, a scenic 45-minute walk from Bowness-on-Windermere to Blackwell is possible via country paths and minor roads. The terrain is mostly gentle but includes some uneven surfaces, so suitable footwear is recommended.

Blackwell location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Blackwell

Architectural Vision Rooted in Craftsmanship

Blackwell stands as one of England’s finest examples of the Arts and Crafts movement, designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott and completed in 1900. Rejecting Victorian rigidity, Baillie Scott embraced open, adaptable spaces flooded with natural light, using locally sourced materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The house’s exterior, with its whitewashed roughcast walls and steep slate roof, blends harmoniously into the Lake District landscape, reflecting traditional farmhouse architecture. Inside, visitors encounter original oak paneling, stained glass, plasterwork, and metalwork, all carefully integrated to create a cohesive artistic environment that balances functionality and beauty.

A Living Canvas of Arts and Crafts Ideals

The interiors showcase original decorative features such as rare Hessian wall-hangings, William de Morgan tiles, and bespoke furniture by Baillie Scott and other leading designers of the era. The central great hall, inspired by medieval design, features a striking inglenook fireplace and a minstrel’s gallery, while the white drawing room offers an airy, Art Nouveau atmosphere with intricate plaster ceilings and panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the Coniston Fells. The house’s layout fosters a seamless flow between communal and private spaces, embodying the movement’s philosophy of integrating art into everyday life.

Historical Layers and Wartime Adaptation

Originally a holiday retreat for the Holt family, prominent Manchester brewers, Blackwell’s story deepened during World War II when it served as a school for evacuated girls from Liverpool. This period left a unique imprint on the house’s history, with the wartime headmistress famously creating an ice rink in the courtyard. After varied uses post-war, including offices for English Nature, the house was restored by the Lakeland Arts Trust between 2000 and 2001, preserving its architectural integrity and opening it to the public as a cultural site.

Gardens Designed to Complement the Home

The gardens, laid out by renowned designer Thomas Mawson in 1902, originally featured terraced flower beds and herb borders that created sun traps on the south-facing side of the house. Though much of the original landscaping has been lost, ongoing efforts aim to revive Mawson’s vision, enhancing the connection between the house and the Lake District’s natural beauty. The terraces and lawns provide peaceful outdoor spaces that extend the Arts and Crafts ethos beyond the walls.

Contemporary Cultural Engagement

Today, Blackwell hosts a dynamic program of exhibitions, including works by contemporary artists, alongside permanent displays on the Arts and Crafts movement. Visitors can explore rooms dedicated to the movement’s history and Blackwell’s wartime role, enriched by guided tours that illuminate the house’s design and stories. The recently restored master bedroom offers a glimpse into Baillie Scott’s original style, while the house’s location provides breathtaking views that inspire reflection and appreciation.

An Enduring Legacy in the Lake District

Blackwell remains a testament to the Arts and Crafts movement’s ideals of craftsmanship, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Its preservation allows visitors to experience a unique architectural and cultural heritage site that continues to celebrate creativity and design innovation in one of England’s most scenic settings.