Charleston

I spent a half atmospheric dark, wet and rainy morning and half dreamy sunny afternoon in Charleston (in Sussex, England) recently, if you are interested in learning about the Bloomsbury set (Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant etc) and love gardens try and visit one day. It truly is a painters place and the house is pretty amazing with its painted designs, handmade curtains, rugs and ceramics. I caught a glimpse of the Guest room and the dusky pinks will make me want to visit again. The designs and decor in the house overall were revolutionary for that period.

The garden (recreated in the style of how it was) itself has been described as abundant and was overflowing with Hollyhocks (apparently Vanessa Bell's favourite) and giant towering and purple flowering artichokes, fruit trees, zinnias and roses. It was a great deviation of the clipped and prim, 'controlled' gardens that had dominated garden design philosophy in western Europe.

All photos taken by myself. Photos of the interior of the house is not allowed unfortunately,however there are some good guidebooks which can give you a good insight,