Tucked away in the East Sussex countryside, this beautiful 17th-century farmhouse in Pett is full of character and charm. Original features are everywhere — including the incredible beams — adding to its warmth and deep sense of history. I don’t think there’s a single new piece in the entire house, from the tables and chairs to the wall units and the old pull-chain loo (we used to have those at school along with a very waxy loo paper!).
Known as ‘French Court Farmhouse’, the property’s name actually predates the Norman Conquest. The house itself was built around 1640, with later 18th-century additions - how cool is that? C.S. Lewis even stayed here once, writing about the beauty of the woods and the quiet, grounding pull of rural life. That magic still lingers.
Ready to take a peek inside?
So beautiful! I love the garden — it reminds me so much of home (even if it does have a Mediterranean touch). And while the interior is very English, there are also hints of faraway places — objects, perhaps, collected on travels.
I used to visit East Sussex on antique auction hunts with my mum (a proud West Sussex native), and this place feels like the embodiment of everything we were chasing — timeless, peaceful, and gently spellbinding.
Does this farmhouse look quintessentially English to you as well?
I love how the front lawn has been left largely natural — allowing the grasses and wildflowers to grow freely. In my book Lagom, I talked about how closely cut lawns can be like a desert for insects, and how they truly thrive in longer grass like this. I've been so happy to see rewilding take England by storm — it's become popular in Sweden too!
Was there anything that caught your eye?
Would you like to see a few more country homes to wrap up the week? Head over to the country style archive for beautiful rural homes across Scandinavia and beyond. Such a treat!
I hope you have a lovely weekend — see you Monday!
Niki
A most interesting home! The modern kitchen would be so functional, but is such a contrast to the rest of the home. It gives one a little break though which might be good. The beams are gorgeous, such an outstanding feature!! I was also intrigued by the ornate sink in the bathroom! Thank you for sharing this lovely abode. : > )
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree on the kitchen, personally i'd prefer something with a more farmhouse kitchen vibe with a lovely Aga etc.
DeleteI have always felt exposed beams add instant character to a room - love them!
I love this so much. Are the beams and boards on the wall left rough or do they have a varnish on them? It would be hard to dust if they are rough. I love it though
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good question. It's hard to tell, but great point.
DeleteYou had me at "English farmhouse", and then I read that C.S. Lewis stayed here. 💕 The beams and the wooden floors--what stories they could tell!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of rewilding, although when my kids were small, it was helpful to have a mown yard. Unfortunately, ticks have moved north into my area in recent years, and when I see tall grasses, all I can think about is "tick heaven". If I lived in a rural area, I'd be more likely to try it.
I absolutely love that C.S. Lewis stayed there too!
DeleteI know exactly what you mean. Here in Sweden, not only are there lots of ticks these days, they can also be quite dangerous if you aren't vaccinated, so it would be better to admire meadows like this from afar!
Simply lovely thought.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I don't love,are the low ceilings.
ReplyDeleteTraditional old English houses are known for their low ceilings. I remember my Father having to hunch over when we stepped into some of our friends' farmhouses as a kid!
DeleteEverything looks so perfectly suited and true to its original beginnings. What a lovely garden, too. Love the bold blue cabinets in the kitchen. They appear to be very serious about their coffee!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I see what you mean about the coffee! Total aficionados!
DeleteI am totally in love with this home. English Country is my #1 favorite style and I dream of living in a place of this caliber.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like this post was made for you! I love them to. A family friend used to have this incredible old cottage with a thatched roof. All the floors, ceilings and stairs were sloping with age - it held so much history!
DeleteAbsolutely enchanted by this place! The natural lawn is a triumph — it’s like nature’s own version of snake game: untamed, flowing freely, yet somehow perfectly in balance. And yes, it feels quintessentially English, but with a twist that makes it feel personal and layered.
ReplyDelete