The house was built into the existing rocky terrain rather than leveling it, resulting in floor levels that shift unexpectedly between rooms.
Ernest Gimson lived in the cottage as a summer residence before it became a permanent family home for his descendants.
The cottage was designed to demonstrate the Arts & Crafts principle of using local materials, with granite sourced directly from the site's own excavation.
The roof is thatched with Norfolk reed and features distinctive 'eyebrow' dormer windows.
Until 2013, the cottage had never been sold and remained under the ownership of the Gimson family since its construction.
The gardens were designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding Charnwood Forest landscape, avoiding formal boundaries.
Stoneywell is a Grade II listed Arts & Crafts cottage designed by Ernest Gimson for his own family in 1899. Nestled within the Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire, the property is constructed from local granite and retains a distinct, organic integration with its rocky woodland setting. The interior features bespoke vernacular furniture and original fixtures preserved by the Gimson family for over a century. Acquired by the National Trust in 2013, the cottage provides a rare look at the designer's personal residential vision. The grounds include seven acres of rugged hillside gardens that showcase native ferns and woodland flora. Tours are strictly controlled due to the delicate nature of the house and its historic furnishings. The structure remains a prime example of the 'truth to materials' philosophy central to the Arts & Crafts movement.
The view of the cottage exterior from the base of the woodland garden path.
Book your tour slot well in advance, as the small size of the cottage limits visitor numbers and spots sell out quickly.
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear as the path from the visitor center to the cottage is uneven and involves a short uphill walk.
Consider visiting during the off-peak season to experience the interior with fewer people in the small rooms.
Attempting to visit without a pre-booked tour, as entry is generally not permitted for walk-ins.
Tours generally operate seasonally from mid-spring through late autumn; closed on certain weekdays during the shoulder season.
Strict no-photography policy inside the cottage; keep personal belongings to a minimum as storage space is limited.
