Standen House is a lovely family home designed by the architect, Philip Webb, a friend and colleague of William Morris.  It was built for the prosperous Beale family in the 1890’s.  We are especially lucky in that we will be accompanied by TASH member Hugh Fitzwilliams, a great grandson of the original owner James Beale and who will share with us his childhood memories of visits to Standen while it was still a family home.   It was built for the prosperous Beale family in the 1890’s.  We are especially lucky in that we will be accompanied by TASH member Hugh Fitzwilliams, a great grandson of the original owner James Beale and who will share with us his childhood memories of visits to Standen while it was still a family home.

The house features work by renowned designers of the Arts and Craft movement, including furniture, textiles and wallpapers by William Morris, ceramics by William De Morgan, metal work by W.A.S. Benson and rare examples of the furniture by the interior designers Agnes and Rhoda Garrett.   From the first it was lit by electric light and still has its original light fittings.

In a beautiful situation with views of Ashdown forest, the extensive gardens created by Mrs Beale have recently been restored. They are especially lovely in the spring when 10,000 tulips are in bloom on the terraces.

Close by is the delightful timber framed Priest House built in the early 15th century and containing country furniture and domestic objects from the 17th and 18th Centuries.  Amongst the unusual exhibits it has a handkerchief embroidered with the signatures of the suffragettes held in Holloway prison.  There is a charming cottage garden and opposite an interesting, historical church which has changed little since the 15th century.