Little Holland House
Visit the former home of Frank R. Dickinson (1874-1961), artist, designer and craftsman, who built his house in the English Arts and Crafts style between 1902-4, following the teachings and philosophies of William Morris and John Ruskin. The result is a unique blend of traditional and Art Nouveau, which has featured in several recent television series on architectural history. Inside the Grade II Listed building are his hand-made furniture, paintings, interior decoration, carvings and metalwork, which still inspire visitors today. With very limited financial resources Dickinson actually built the house and its furniture himself – the ultimate in D.I.Y.
Location and opening times
40 Beeches Avenue, Carshalton SM5 3LW
Open Days
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Little Holland House usually opens on the first Sunday of each month. Join one of the guides for regular tours about the history of the house, Frank and the whole Dickinson family, or drop by for your own self-guided visit.
Open Days are currently scheduled for: 8 June, 6 July, 3 August and 7 September 11:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00) 5 October, 2 November and 7 December 10:30-16:30 (last entry 15:30) FREE entry. Book tours at sutton.events.mylibrary.digital Scroll down for details of Group Tours of Little Holland House. CAOS 2025 at Little Holland House 29 June 11:00-17:00 To celebrate the legacy of Frank Dickinson as a notable Carshalton-based artist, the house is opening up for an extra day in June as part of the popular Carshalton Artist Open Studio annual event. Join our volunteers inside the house and in the garden as they share the delights of this special creative place. Artistic members of our volunteer team will be painting in the garden 'en plein air' and sharing examples of their work in our pop-up gallery shed. |
Visiting
Visitors may arrive by train at Carshalton Beeches (3 minute walk, and not to be confused with Carshalton). Bus route 154 passes the house, and passengers should alight at Carshalton Beeches Station and walk up the hill away from the railway; Little Holland House is on the left hand side of Beeches Avenue. If travelling by car Little Holland House is located on the B278 (no off-street parking).
Visitors are welcome to take photos, so long as it is done sensibly and in respect of other visitors.
Visitors are welcome to take photos, so long as it is done sensibly and in respect of other visitors.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access: the building has an exterior front step but level access can be gained via the back door. The ground floor interior is all on one level. Visitors visiting the ground floor only will be offered the option to view a 3D scan of the upstairs rooms via a portable tablet device, please speak to the staff and volunteers on site for guidance.
Due to the unique nature of the interior, we are unable to provide disabled toilet facilities. We are also unable to allow dogs entry onto the premises with the exception of service dogs. Access for children’s buggies is limited, please speak to the staff and volunteers on site for guidance.
Due to the unique nature of the interior, we are unable to provide disabled toilet facilities. We are also unable to allow dogs entry onto the premises with the exception of service dogs. Access for children’s buggies is limited, please speak to the staff and volunteers on site for guidance.
Group tours at Little Holland House
This unique interpretation of the English Arts and Crafts movement makes a fascinating and beautiful house to visit. Small groups are also invited to visit for private tours on weekdays during each month. Private tours can be booked for a minimum of 5 people (maximum of 20) at a cost of £7.50 per person. To make enquiries, please email honeywoodmuseum@sutton.gov.uk.
Forthcoming events at Honeywood Museum and Beddington Park
Interactive 3D Scan
A new interactive 3D scan of Little Holland House has been made available. Click/tap on the image below to explore this delightful Arts and Crafts building.
Below is a short virtual tour that was produced for Open House 2020.....
Volunteer at Little Holland HouseIf you're interested in local history, arts, crafts or gardening, and are keen to meet other people who are too, volunteering with Sutton Council's Heritage Team might be for you! Tour guides, general stewards, gardeners and those who can support educational activities are just some of the exciting volunteer roles offered.
As well as helping to preserve and promote local heritage and beautiful unique buildings, volunteering provides an opportunity to be part of a friendly team, learn new skills and enhance current skills, and improve your CV and future job prospects. For further details about volunteering at Little Holland House, please check the Council's website here. |
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Frank, Florence and their children Julie and Gerard in the garden around 1910. The second man is probably one of Frank’s brothers. Courtesy of LB Sutton Local Studies Collection.
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A painting by Frank Dickinson showing the back garden in 1936. Courtesy of LB Sutton Museum collection.
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