Red House in Bexleyheath, William Morris's only home, invites visitors to explore

In a quiet corner of Bexleyheath stands a red brick house that changed the course of British design. Red House was the only house commissioned, created and lived in by William Morris, and it remains one of the most rewarding places in London for anyone who loves the Arts and Crafts movement.

The house was designed by Morris's friend, the architect Philip Webb, and completed in 1860 after about a year of building. Morris described it as "very medieval in spirit", and its Gothic inspired design reflects his love of the Middle Ages. His friend Edward Burne-Jones called it "the beautifullest place on earth".

Red House was the family home of William and Jane Morris and a hub of the Pre-Raphaelite circle. Friends including Burne-Jones and Dante Gabriel Rossetti helped decorate the interior, and many original features survive, including Morris and Webb details, Burne-Jones stained glass and paintings, and embroidery by Jane Morris and her sister Elizabeth Burden.

The garden was just as important to Morris as the house, and was designed to "clothe the house". It was originally divided into small square plots by rose covered trellises, with lavender and rosemary bordering the beds. Today visitors can enjoy Arts and Crafts style planting, an apple orchard and a rose arch, along with the Garden Snug, inspired by Morris's original plans.

Morris left the house after about five years, and it passed through several private owners before the National Trust bought it in 2003 and opened it to visitors.

The house is open from May to October for pre booked guided tours, running on the hour from Thursday to Saturday, with new tickets released each Thursday up to two weeks ahead. This autumn the house has also hosted The Positive Necessities of Life, a display of domestic objects inspired by Morris's ideas.

For fans of Morris, a trip to Red House pairs perfectly with a visit to the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, where he spent his teenage years.

Red House is on Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF. For tour dates and tickets, visit the National Trust website or call 020 8303 6359.