Explore the unexpected at Red House

Rose detail on the Entrance Hall settle exposed from underneath 1940's brown paint.

Commissioned by William Morris in 1859, Red House is considered one of the most influential buildings in domestic architecture history. With our expert tour guides, you can experience the home of this renowned artist and its prodigious story.

The Red House staircase, designed by Philip Webb, with hand-carved newel posts representing towers or turrets.
Red House   London

Experience Red House in a new way

Built in 1865 for artist and designer William Morris, Red House was host to artists and the founders of the Arts and Crafts movement who brought about revoluntionary changes to art, architercure and interior design; the effects of which are still visible around the world today. Thanks to our wondeful volunteer tour guides, you can discover how the decoration of the Morrises' family home at Red House influenced this talented group of friends to produce the incredible works of art we know today. 

May Morris scratched her name into this panel on the glass screen at Red House.
Red House   London

Layers of history

On your tour you will see layers of history, left behind all the different residents of the house since 1859. Standing out from the crowd are the intricately designed repeating patterns, which William Morris and his wife Jane, painted onto their ceilings. Often surrounded by their artistic friend circle, William and Jane were given unusual wedding presents in the form of hand-painted furniture and wall murals in the style of the pre-Raphaelites, many of which are still visible for you today.  When the Morris family left the house in 1865, the house and garden went through decorative changes that have also left their mark on the furniture and decoration. From a guestbook inscribed on a glass door to a painting hidden beneath a wardrobe, on one of expert guided tours you'll be exploring the unexpected at Red House. 

The bothy in Summer at Red House, Bexleyheath, London

What to expect on your visit to Red House 

Find out everything you need to know about visiting Red House and how to pre-book your tour of the house.

Find out more
Face of Aphrodite embroidery

Red House, a history 

The only house designed, built, and lived in by William Morris, pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement, Red House was the birthplace of this decorative style and a haven for the Pre-Raphaelite artists. Explore further the history behind this extraordinary home and the key figured behind it.

Discover the Red House heritage

The Garden Snug Project at Red House

Woman seated in the Garden Snug at Red House, Bexleyheath, London

The story behind the Garden Snug project at Red House 

What are we doing and why are we doing it? Find out all about the Red House Garden Snug project here.

Gardener in Charge, Rob Smith, sits in the Garden Snug project at Red House

Keep up to date with the Red House garden 

Read our regular updates about our work on the Garden Snug project at Red House.