When John Sutton Nettlefold—a pioneer of early housing reform in Birmingham—and his wife Margaret were looking to build their Winterbourne House, they wanted somewhere that reflected their modern worldview. So, they tapped into the Arts and Crafts movement that had grown out of the work of William Morris and many other creatives from the Birmingham Set.
Built in 1903, Winterbourne House was once considered ‘cutting-edge’ with electric lighting, hot water and a telephone line. Over a century later, remains one of the country’s greatest examples of this English aesthetic movement. And it’s an incredible feat to be going strong so many years later—having even featured on BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club.
Inside, you will find a home bursting with colourful, handcrafted textiles, ornaments and wallpapers—from William Morris prints to Edwardian era furnishings. It’s a one-of-a-kind museum for this unique art style, where every detail reflects Arts and Crafts ideals, using local materials and craftsmanship to build a light and airy home.
Far from a family home anymore, today it’s part of the University of Birmingham in Edgbaston. Winterbourne House has been transformed by interactive displays, hands-on exhibits, a gallery, and a gift shop. Several on-site 19th-century printing presses are now used for workshops and demonstrations.
What about the gardens?
For many, the true hidden gem of Winterbourne House is the ‘secret garden’. The seven-acre botanical gardens, designed by Margaret Nettlefold herself, are home to over 6,000 different rare and exotic plant species. Made on meandering lines, you can discover Rhododendron displays, a Japanese bridge and carnivorous glasshouses in this green space.
It’s the perfect place for a picnic, but Winterbourne House and Garden isn’t just for relaxing—it’s a hive of activity! You can discover everything from stained glass workshops and beekeeping courses to Shakespearean performances and modern art exhibitions happening onsite all year round.
To get your admission ticket to Winterbourne House and Garden, head here.
