An essential destination for anybody even vaguely interested in Virginia Woolf, modernist literature, or the Bloomsbury Group. It's a small domestic space but full of rich history and beauty, conserved as if Leonard and Virginia had just stepped out for a ramble. Instead of interpretive signs, room guides (such as myself) provide information and background instead. The collection includes Vanessa Bell's famous 1912 portrait of her sister, which features in many book editions, and dozens of original paintings and furniture items by members of the Bloomsbury Group such as Duncan Grant. Literary guests hosted here back in the day include T.S. Eliot, John Maynard Keynes, and E. M. Forster.The living room was where Virginia and Leonard would host friend gatherings and local Labour meetings, and retire to classical music in the evenings. You can also visit Virginia's bedroom and writing lodge where she wrote her most famous works. It's an immersive, moving experience. Leonard Woolf's peaceful garden is another highlight here, changing dramatically by the month. Different sections offer different surprises: A Tunisian pond, an orchard, and a terrace to name a few. A large lawn offers rolling views of Mount Caburn and an opportunity to bowl (bowls provided!) or read and sit around (lawn chairs and benches also provided). In the heat of summer you can help yourself to grapes grown on the property in exchange for a small donation. It's a perfect place to picnic.The gift shop offers a range of National Trust goods, Virginia Woolf's writing, local and Bloomsbury-related literature, and small tubs of ice cream. The nearby Abergavenny Arms provides hearty food and beer if you desire a meal in the village. I room guide here on weekends.
An exquisite little jewel of a place that feels much more intimate than Charleston. Do come by bike or public transport if you can though. Southease Station is only a mile away.
Very interesting place. Gardens and views are good and in the summer they do book readings and a bit of am dram which was good fun. The house is pretty small and only the ground floor open to public so if the weather is rough then I would suggest not going as it won't be worth it just to see the house. Parking is limited but if you combine your visit with lunch or cream tea at the local pub I am sure they won't mind you parking there. You will not need more than an hour at monk's house in total.
Atmospheric former home of Virginia and Leonard Woolf. Great sense of the personalities, full of Bloomsbury artwork especially the paintings and decorative work of sister Vanessa Bell and partner Duncan Grant and memorabilia. Great place to get a feel for the spirit of Virginia - an apparently calmer and more serious environment than nearby Charleston. Beautiful, peaceful garden including Virginia's writing studio. The place from where she walked to end her life in the nearby river. The ashes of both of them are buried in the garden.
Lovely place to visit. Only a few rooms to look in but guides very informative. The gardens are spectacular with benches and deckchairs scattered around so you can sit and enjoy the views and the peace of the gardens. No tea room but the pub on the corner serves a lovely coffee.
Monk's House is a UK Museum based in Lewes, South East England. Monk's House is located at Rodmell, Lewes BN7 3HF, UK.
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