Arts and crafts gem given top praise

A NATIONAL TRUST gem near Markfield has been recognised in a tourism award scheme for the second year running.

Stoneywell, the Arts and Crafts cottage, garden and woodland near Ulverscroft, was commended in the Great Day Out category in the Leicester and Leicestershire Excellence in Tourism Awards 2016.

A spokesman for Leicester Shire Promotions, which hosted the awards ceremony, said: “We would like to congratulate Stoneywell on its commended accolade in the Leicester and Leicestershire Tourism Awards.

“The judges believed that Stoneywell has shown great progression as a leading local visitor attraction and has matured into a delightful addition to Leicestershire’s offer for visitors.

“One of the key factors in their commendation was the great enthusiasm that the team at Stoneywell evidenced for sharing the importance of Gimson and the Arts and Crafts movement across the world.”

The rare surviving example of an Arts and Crafts homestead designed and built by Leicester-born Ernest Gimson was acquired by the National Trust in 2012 and opened to the public in February 2015.

In 2016, previously unseen parts of the property were opened to the public, including the potting shed, and new visitor activities were introduced, including crafts workshops and family storytelling sessions.

The cottage is surrounded by four acres of garden, boating more than 150 different kinds of rhododendron, and 11 acres of woodlands which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Stoneywell’s general manager Stewart Alcock said: “This award is a great recognition to everyone who works hard to bring Stoneywell to life.”

Stoneywell has been closed for winter maintenance and will re-opens on February 1.

Because of its size, entry numbers are restricted, so all visits must be booked in advance either online at www.nationaltrust.org. uk/stoneywell or by calling 01530 248048.