Built in 1922 and purchased by C.S. Lewis, Major Warren Lewis and Mrs. Janie King Moore in 1930, The Kilns is a modest twelve-room brick cottage.

Lovingly restored by the Foundation and many volunteers to reflect the home Lewis knew in the early 40’s, the home also boasts many of the conveniences of modern living. Guests will take pleasure in discovering the cottage’s many rooms, including six bedrooms scattered throughout the house.

Guests may partake of afternoon tea, and/or pre-dinner aperitifs in the Dining Room of The Kilns, a homey, light-filled room, with a lovely view of the gardens ablaze in color just outside its windows. There, inviting lawn chairs in the summer sun or cool evening breeze will add to the day’s contentment.

Whether one is enjoying a cup of morning coffee, afternoon tea served beneath blossoming fruit trees, or watching the sun set while dining at a medieval inn, seminar participants will be treated to many eclectic dining experiences both at The Kilns and at Oxfordshire’s many historic pubs, including the Eagle and Child, the Trout, the Victoria Arms.

Just across the entry hall from the dining room one finds the Common Room. Although no longer smoke-filled, it offers comfortable couches, easy chairs, book-lined walls, and a large walnut desk. Here, one can easily imagine the days when Lewis entertained friends, wrote a letter to a child, or entered into hearty debate with the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien, Warnie, Joy and other Inklings and friends.

At the other end of the house, one finds the spacious, paneled Library, which provides the setting for many of the lectures and discussions.