Some of us suit city living; others prefer the country. Julia is lucky to enjoy both lifestyles – which was fortunate when, in the early 80s, her husband relocated his business interests to the UK. Having lived happily in the centre of Paris for some time, Julia approached her family’s relocation as an exciting challenge.

view from the hall through to the dining room

view from the hall through to the dining room

the oak panelling in the hall was added in the 1930s by Mrs Cornwallis

the oak panelling in the hall was added in the 1930s by Mrs Cornwallis

the cool, dark pantry provides magnificent storage space

the cool, dark pantry provides magnificent storage space

the drawing room has magnificent views over the garden and Wealden landscape beyond

the drawing room has magnificent views over the garden and Wealden landscape beyond

first-floor guest bedroom

first-floor guest bedroom

this attic room is used as a nursery by visiting grandchildren

this attic room is used as a nursery by visiting grandchildren

the ceiling in the main bedroom was lowered in the 1920s

the ceiling in the main bedroom was lowered in the 1920s

the garden, which slopes away from the house, is a haven for wildlife

the garden, which slopes away from the house, is a haven for wildlife

this paved courtyard is at the side of the house

this paved courtyard is at the side of the house

a border of Evening Primroses

a border of Evening Primroses

The three-bay hall house built during the reign of Elizabeth 1 sits in five acres of gardens which are a haven for wildlife

The three-bay hall house built during the reign of Elizabeth 1 sits in five acres of gardens which are a haven for wildlife

  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether
  • styling: Cherry Whytock

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