Sussex isn’t just pretty countryside – it’s the birthplace of inspiration for literary legends like Kipling, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf. Tucked away in Rodmell near Lewes, you’ll find Monk’s House, a charming 17th-century cottage that was once Woolf’s sanctuary.

Monk’s House: A Time Capsule of Literary History

Now owned by the National Trust, Monk’s House has been preserved just as Virginia and her husband Leonard left it. The cosy rooms are packed with original belongings – books piled high and even Virginia’s glasses resting by the bedside.

The Woolfs snapped up this rundown cottage for just £700 at an auction in 1919, seeking refuge from the hustle of Bloomsbury, London. They gradually modernised it with a kitchen, hot water, and a two-storey extension in 1929 – but kept its old-world charm intact.

Gardens That Inspired a Literary Genius

Virginia adored the garden, with its colourful flowerbeds, veggie patch, and stunning views of the South Downs. So much so, she bought the field next door to protect that iconic vista. The garden was her sanctuary and the place where she hosted friends and muses.

At the bottom of the garden is her writing lodge – a simple wooden shed with large windows and a desk facing the Downs. It’s here Woolf penned masterpieces like Mrs Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and Between the Acts.

Plan Your Visit

• The National Trust runs seasonal events including well-being walks, Bloomsbury Group talks, and garden sketching days.
• Monk’s House is small, so book tickets in advance: £11 adults, £5.50 children.

Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of one of Britain’s literary greats at Monk’s House – a Sussex gem for culture lovers!