This charming country house is a must for anyone interested in the Bloomsbury group. Vanessa Bell--Virginia Woolf's sister--and Duncan Grant lived and painted here for many years. The understanding landlord let them decorate the walls, fireplaces, armoires, you name it. The volunteer docents are a wealth of knowledge--including tidbits about the sex lives of these bohemian intellectuals. There's also a wonderful English garden in the back. We even found the onsite café delightful. You won't be disappointed if you visit. read more

This is a fantastic place to head for anyone interested in art and literature. The country home of the Bloomsbury Group; Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell's unconventional household of artists and writers is open to the public and contains an array of paintings, murals and painted furniture that has taken 60 years to come to fruition. As Bell herself said: "It will be an odd life, but...it ought to be a good one for painting." It takes a good half a day to enjoy everything there is to see at Charleston and in the busy weekend days, it can be a bit tricky getting people inside the rooms but there's plenty more to see around the estate if certain rooms are full. I can't recommend this place enough to form part of your day out in Lewes. A very special place indeed. read more

See all

Charlston house is tucked away down a lane on the A27 just past Lewes. You do get the obligatory brown road sign and I must admit that it took a BA History of Art excursion to get me there. Trust me, a visit is well worth it. The house was the base of the Bloomsbury art group just before and during the First World War. The best way to describe the house is a canvas for the artists. Whether its painted colanders for lamp shades or painted walls as wallpaper, this is probably a bespoke a house decor as you will ever see. The main painting studio is still set up as it would have been for the artists, including original tubes of oil paint (I inherited my granddad's old paint set and found the same tubes of oil paint that sit on the benches here) . We were lucky enough to get to see the private room of Vanessa Bell in the attic, but even without this exclusive addition, there is more than enough to see for your money. I would suggest going to the house on a nice day, as the gardens (including a pond) are very pleasant. Echoing Jame's advise, you may want to try and get to the house on a weekday, as some of the rooms and corridors are somewhat small. I'm sure that any children will be captivated by the magic of the house and if you fancy some DIY interior design, you would find great inspiration at Charlston. Certainly a top day out if you are looking for something a little different in the area. read more

I would agree whole-heartedly with the previous reviews - the house is lovely and set in gorgeous surroundings. My wife and I are fascinated by Bloomsbury history - this is a must for all fans and highly recommended for anyone visiting the Lewes area. read more

Most beautiful historical country place kept in great condition. Houses the best representation of artistic endeavors by the Bloomsbury group or artists and writers. The decorative art pieces are amazing- wall murals, lighting fixtures, painted furniture, artsy ceramics, textiles, just amazing. Very know knowledgable staff, excellent cafe and gift shop. Worth the trip- And I came all the way from America! read more