www.historic-ireland.com
Places to Visit in Lewes, Sussex
Charleston
Firle
Lewes
Sussex
Tel: +44(0)1323 811265
Email: click here
Charleston online: information and bookings
Charleston, the home of the artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell, (sister of Virginia Woolf), became the country meeting place for the group of writers, painters, and intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury Group. The interior forms a unique example of their decorative style.
GARDEN
Charleston's walled garden was created by the artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant to designs by Roger Fry. Together they transformed vegetable plots and hen runs, essential to the household during the First World War, into a quintessential painters garden mixing Mediterranean influences with cottage garden planting.
Facilities
• Historic House
• Gardens
• Tea Room
• Gift Shop
• Car Park
• Ground Floor access
Restaurant
The Outer Studio Café
During your visit to Charleston allow yourself some time for refreshments. The fully licensed Outer Studio Café, once the family laundry, apple store and garage, now offers the perfect setting for lunch or afternoon tea.
Choose from freshly prepared sandwiches, seasonal soups and salads, or if the weather permits, take a seat in the secluded Folly Garden and indulge in a large piece of home-made cake, and select a tea from the wide range of organic and fair trade teas available.
The Outer Studio Café together with the shop and gallery, is open 30 minutes before the house, and closes at 6pm every day, and can be enjoyed without admission to the house or gardens.
Additional Services
Charleston also has a shop where you will find a selection of gifts and books available by mail order.
Opening Times
OPEN FROM 1st APRIL to 1st NOVEMBER, 2009
Wednesdays - Saturdays: 1pm (12pm July and August)
Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays: 1pm
Last entry to the house is 5pm.
Directions
By road: Charleston is sign-posted off the A27 Brighton to Eastbourne road, 7 miles east of Lewes, between the villages of Firle and Selmeston. There is free parking at Charleston
By Rail: Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant’s friends frequently used to travel down to visit them by train.
Further Information
FILMING & PHOTO SHOOTS
Charleston is available for hire as a location for filming and photoshoots and over the last few years the bohemian house has been the backdrop for television, fashion and celebrity photoshoots.
The glowing colours of the painted interiors, the abundant artists’ garden and the rural farmland all inspire arresting and beautiful images.
Charleston staff understand the needs of the creative team on a busy shoot, and provide a warm and comfortable ‘green room’, big enough to serve as wardrobe, hair, make up and café. Furthermore, a Charleston staff member will be on hand all day, acting as guide around the historic setting, helping you to get the most out of your shoot.
In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting
