DiscoverThe Bloomsbury Connection Blue Door Barns lies within the grounds of country house Cobbe Place which was once the home of Quentin Bell, artist and ceramicist and son of Vanessa Bell (nephew of Virginia Wolf). The outbuildings, which have now been converted into guest accommodation, were once used by Quentin as his art studio and potting space for his ceramics work. This little pocket of East Sussex is steeped in Bloomsbury history with some wonderful highlights very much worth a visit including Charleston House, Monks House and Berwick Church. Charleston Artist Vanessa Bell and her lover and friend Duncan Grant moved to Charleston from London in 1916 as conscientious objectors looking to avoid conscription. The farmhouse, now stunningly restored and open for visits and tours, became the enclave for their friends who included radical artists, writers and thinkers, where their progressive social and artistic beliefs could be explored. They remained at Charleston until the end of their lives. Charleston remains a place which brings people together to share creative ideas and works. There’s a range of exhibitions and festivals throughout the year, plus a beautifully restored barn with excellent cafe/restaurant. Visit Charleston House Monks House This 16th century cottage in the nearby village of Rodmell was the home of Virginia and Leonard Wolf, and is full of Bloomsbury treasures. The writing lodge was where Virginia wrote the majority of her most eminent works. Monks House is now part of the National Trust organisation and is open for visits from April. Visit Monks House Berwick Church The artworks at Berwick Church were commissioned by the Bishop Bell of Chichester and created by Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and Quentin Bell in 1941, in the height of the Second World War. This artwork is in mural form and has attracted interest from all over the world. Visit Berwick Church view Morethings to do Our guide to eating out: Brighton read more Our guide to eating out: Lewes read more Our guide to eating out: Pubs read more Cycling the Sussex Countryside read more
