Monk’s House was once the home of Virginia and Leonard Woolf. Today it’s owned by the National Trust and the unassuming 18th century cottage with a beautiful big garden and orchard is a world away from the grand buildings it’s known for.

Virginia’s writing shed can be found in the orchard, and she resides here too, as her ashes were scattered amongst the trees.

Virginia and Leonard Woolf owned this place as a retreat from London. In it they made welcome several notable members of the ‘Bluestockings’ literary and artistic set in the 1930s.

There’s a real sense of simplicity about the place. It’s a home first and foremost – but that’s not to say it isn’t interesting. It’s full of books, colourful rugs, painted furniture and vases of flowers. There’s colour and light and inspiration in every corner. Yet it’s also homely and peaceful. I can definitely see why Virginia loved this place as a place to calm her mind and feed her soul.

If you’re a member of the National Trust and you’re into your authors, it’s definitely worth a look.

The garden is beautiful, full of flowers and ponds and nooks and cranies to escape into. Many visitors were enjoying a picnic on the summer afternoon we visited.

I think you either love Virginia’s work or tend to admire it. I’d say I fall into the latter category. I’ve read a number of her works (my favourite is “The Years”) and I’ve been fascinated by her themes and her use of words – but I’m not as passionate about her writing as some are. Her influence on the literary world and development of Feminism cannot be underestimated. Monks House offers a mere glimpse into a complicated mind – but an interesting glimpse nonetheless.

Anyone else been to Monks House?

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