The Straw family lived in the house for over 60 years with minimal changes to the original 1920s décor, furniture, or layout.
Following the death of the last family member, William Straw Jr., the house was found largely undisturbed, essentially functioning as a time capsule.
The house contains original period food packaging and medicine bottles that have remained untouched for decades.
The interior wallpaper, curtains, and carpets are original, offering an authentic look at middle-class domestic life of the era.
The property is managed by the National Trust specifically to preserve the 'unimproved' nature of the home, prioritizing conservation over restoration.
The garden is a key component of the visit, maintained to reflect the layout and plantings preferred by the family during their residency.
Mr Straw's House is a preserved 1920s semi-detached family home in Worksop, maintained exactly as it appeared when the Straw family occupied it. The property serves as a time capsule, showcasing original 1920s interiors, decor, and daily household items rather than a curated museum collection. William Straw purchased the house in 1923, and his sons lived there with few modernizations until the 1990s. The site offers a unique insight into the social history of the British middle class through the lens of a family that resisted significant changes to their domestic environment. Visitors explore the house primarily through guided or timed entry, viewing rooms filled with the family's authentic personal belongings. The small garden remains laid out in the style typical of the early 20th century.
The external view of the house from the street front, which highlights its modest 1920s semi-detached architecture.
Book your entry slot well in advance as the house has a limited capacity for visitors at any one time.
Prepare to remove your shoes or wear provided overshoes to protect the original floor coverings and carpets.
Use the onsite small exhibition area to learn about the family history before starting your tour of the house.
Attempting to visit without pre-booking, as the small interior space requires timed entry management.
Operates on a seasonal basis, typically from spring through autumn; closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Strict rules apply regarding touching artifacts; photography is restricted in certain areas; food and drink are prohibited inside the house.