The Blackwell Arts and Crafts House is one of the most important centuries-old English houses that have survived time. Built at the turn of the 20th century, the Blackwell house was designed by H. Ballie Scott between 1989 and 1900. Its architectural details have become the toast of an architectural movement that celebrated that Arts and Crafts movement.

Scott fused the philosophies of John Ruskin and William Morris and the product of the said assimilation has served as his inspiration in designing the house. With such revolutionary approach, Scott created a house that employed (and still employs) a very modern style that possessed obvious hints of Victorian influence such as the use of space and light to create an atmosphere of large and very welcoming rooms. Scott also put into use traditional methods of carved oak paneling, stained glass, decorative plaster work, metalwork and fabric designs.

Simply put, the Blackwell Arts and Crafts House is a celebration of Victorian and Modern architecture. Overlooking the majestic Lake Windermere in the Lake District, the Blackwell House is simply a masterpiece that still thrives up to this day.

With such importance looming over such magnificent architectural creation, the Blackwell House has been preserved carefully. Its interior decorations and details have been kept intact by expert staff. With its recent restoration and reopening to the public, the Blackwell House has become one of Lake District’s iconic landmarks.

Now a gallery for applied crafts and arts, a visit to the Blackwell House is very imperative for travelers and tourists, especially for those who are staying in nearby cities like Keswick. There are many Keswick Hotels like the Swinside Lodge that are situated near the Blackwell House. A short drive is all it takes to get to such architectural gem. Most of the Blackwell House’s visitors are architecture and arts students and enthusiasts and most of them find great hotel deals in Keswick when they plan their trip to the Blackwell House.

Since its reopening, the Blackwell House has served as a great destination for those who are into applied crafts and Victorian architecture. Among the Blackwell House’s most frequented rooms is the Tearoom, where visitors can lounge and marvel at the preserved interiors and at the same time, satisfy their cravings for homemade lemonade and Blackwell chocolate brownies; the bookshop; and the very intricate gardens located outside the House. Guests are encouraged to bask in the gardens so they can experience the scenic beauty of Lake Windermere.

The Blackwell Arts and Crafts House is currently running an exhibition that showcases William Morris’ writings, journals, early works, and other memorabilia that expose his experiences and total outlook in life. The exhibition, entitled William Morris: A Sense of Place, will run until the October 17th 2010.