Charleston

The Sussex farmhouse home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant a few miles east of Brighton was run down but basically unaltered when it was taken over by the Charleston Trust in the late 80s and restored. Bell and Grant, and Vanessa's son Quentin, had decorated virtually every surface in the house with interesting modernist designs and Matisse-like drawings. All has been beautifully restored and each room is a treat, with interesting decorations and an abundance of Bloomsbury Group paintings, ceramics and furniture, many of which have been acquired recently by the Trust. Our excellent tour guide gave us a fascinating insight into the Bloomsbury Group, their relationships and friendships. Clive Bell, whom Vanessa had married and separated from, was such a frequent visitor that she had a whole suite made for him in the house. And John Maynard Keynes similarly had his own room where he would come at weekends while working on all his economics and diplomatic stuff.

Unfortunately no photography is allowed in the house and the outside gives no hint of the quirkiness within.