Century-Old Rectory in Sussex

About this project

Imagine stepping back in time and into this warm and charismatic family home boasting a mix of romantic French country style with Swedish Gustavian design pieces.

Timber ceiling beams, herringbone parquet floorboards, full-height windows overlooking the garden, engineered mountain oak flooring with wide planks, and a contemporary chimneypiece are key highlights of the house, each decorative element adds a distinctive twist throughout the interior design of the space.

With so much history and character, the client maintains as many of the house’s original features as possible while also giving it a renewed sense of vitality. The living room transcends all expectations of understated luxury. Its colour palette is kept quite soft and subdued so there is nothing to startle. Graceful sofas from I Gigi, upholstered in Pierre Frey’s ‘Craft’ linen in pétale, face each other across a pair of vintage coffee tables. Artwork by Peter William Ibbetson hangs above the chimneypiece, with an antique Indian wooden horse sculpture beside it adding a bit of intrigue.

The kitchen interior effortlessly blends old and new, providing a light-filled space that manages to be inviting and comfortable at the same time. Vintage wall lights from Retrouvius and pendants from Hector Finch complement a convex mirror from Ardingly Antiques Market. Carrara marble worktops accentuate bespoke Bulthaup units — whilst the refectory table from Maison Artefact, antique Swedish bench seat covered in a linen by de Le Cuona and salvaged oak flooring sourced from a French chateau infuse charm and character to the scheme of things.

When designing the interior of her home, the client ensured each space establishes its own distinct personality, while maintaining a coherent flow throughout. The dining area accommodates a ‘Mirror Ball Pendant’ by Tom Dixon that easily creates a focal point above an antique table completed with Gustavian chairs from Maison Artefact. A Luke Irwin area rug anchors the space and adds comfort underfoot.

In the family room, a floor lamp from Lee Wright Antiques and a ‘Black Tray Table’ by Hay pick up on the metal-framed doors by Fabco. Cushions in Rose Uniacke fabrics add a colourful touch to the sofa in ‘Washed Linen’ in sand from The Cloth Shop. The vintage marble coffee table lends a contemporary touch whilst the engineered oak boards from The Reclaimed Flooring Company gives a sense of depth, texture and timeless character.

One of the most significant parts of the home is a new veranda which was added to the back of the house a few years ago with the aim of making it appear more streamlined and symmetrical. With a panelled ceiling and pillars in ‘Down Pipe’ by Farrow & Ball, this handsome structure attaches a refurbished couch structure to the main house. The veranda looks over the walled garden and provides a strong backdrop for cane furniture from Hadeda.

Source: House & Garden
Images: Paul Massey