What a fabulous day out we had at Blackwell House overlooking Lake Windermere. The weather was lovely and the house stunning. Blackwell is an Arts and Crafts Grade 1 listed building, designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott. Lots of original features, with furniture and objects by leading Arts and Crafts designers to see. We had a very interesting and informative talk and then plenty of time to wander at our leisure and explore, with lunch at the cafe, sitting on the terrace taking in the view. Lots of photos below to give a flavour of the house; I particularly enjoyed all the different door handles and window fastenings! Even the drain pipes were beautiful.
(Images are the property of Skipton Branch of The Embroiderers' Guild)
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In the Great Hall, with the peacock wallpaper. There is a recurring theme of Rowan trees and berries which was incorporated into the Holt family coat of arms.
The room is full of beautiful carvings.
The dining room. The wallpaper has been restored and features the rowan tree theme with bluebirds - the blobby things! It's made of hessian and although it appears brown, originally the background was indigo; this was discovered during restoration when the colours from the turn of the last century were uncovered where the pieces of hessian overlapped.
There was a group ooh and ahh when we moved into this room - it was such a contrast to the previous two with their panelling and oak. It's a beautiful room, all white with plaster ceilings and lots of detail.
Lovely stained glass windows.
Not forgetting some embroidery!
Some more interesting bits and bobs.
In the dressing up area!
And here's some of the window fastenings and door knobs - lots of different styles.
And finally.... the view.
