Red House

Address: Bexleyheath, Southeast London

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am-1.30pm. The house can be viewed by the public, preferably through booked guided tours. Meanwhile, unguided visits to the house are only offered for limited times.

Contact: Telephone 0208 304 9878 

Red House, which is located in Bexleyheath of southeast London, is a National Trust property. The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty has chosen this example of 19th century British architecture possibly for its unique red brick color and use of natural materials. Though the property goes back to the 19th century, having been designed in 1859, it was only acquired by the National Trust in 2002.

A National Trust property is one that is considered to be worth preserving, at least in the eyes of the members of the non-profit organization. Usually though, the beauty and historical interest that the property can offer is also widely accepted by the general public.

Red House was designed by the architect Philip Webb, with suggestions from owner William Morris. There are also additional aesthetics such as stained glass effects and wall paintings by Edward Burne-Jones. The house was designed mainly because Morris wanted to create a home with his wife, Jane. Moreover, he also wanted a “Palace of Art”, wherein he and his companions could leisurely create art works.

The house is attractive, with its use of red brick. The roof is tiled and there is general domestic style. There is also a garden, which Morris wanted to be an important part of Red House itself. He even considered the design of the garden as that of a group of exterior “rooms”. Each room has its own garden that offers herbs, vegetables, flowers and fruits.

Unfortunately, Morris’s dream ended after a mere five years when he had to sell the house because of financial difficulty. Other families came to enjoy the house and Red House became witness to family lives for almost 150 years.

At this point, the National Trust is still performing more restoration on the house to get it back to its former, even original condition. The house can be viewed by the public, preferably through booked guided tours. Meanwhile, unguided visits to the house are only offered for limited times.

Red House is worthy of worldwide fame due to its iconic architecture. The garden is very much a part of the charm of the house and also offers a means to relax while being right in the middle of a suburban neighbourhood. The National Trust property also offers the architects’ drawings for viewing. The tea room offers refreshments for those who care to visit. Come over especially if you know what it is like to want a dream house so badly.