The Red House was the only building ever commissioned by 19th century artist and designer William Morris. Now owned by the National Trust and open to the public, the house, in Bexley Heath, just south of London, was designed s Morris's first marital home by his friend and design partner Philip Webb.
Artists and writers of the period were frequent visitors, including Dante and Christina Rosetti, Augustus and Gwen John. Some added their own personal touches, which can still be seen. Pre-Raphaelite Edward Burn-Jones, a frequent visitor, designed some of the stained glass and, inside an upstairs closet, there's a primitive painting attributed to Gwen John.
Morris believed a garden should "clothe" a house and the gardens at The Red House have been landscaped according to drawings and pictures of Morris's original designs.
How to Get There: Bexley Heath is the nearest train station. Trains from London Victoria or Charing Cross Stations take about half an hour.Plan on visiting in good weather as The Red House is a 3/4 mile walk from the train station.
