In the heart of the Weald stands a medieval house, the home of Jemima, her husband and two daughters. The house, built in 1292, is 700 years old and is known to be one of the oldest houses in East Sussex – it also contains intriguing echoes of an enduring love of the East. 

the large kitchen is warmed by an Aga, a boon on power-cut days, and the large dresser is from the house where Jemima was brought up

the large kitchen is warmed by an Aga, a boon on power-cut days, and the large dresser is from the house where Jemima was brought up

stars like the one in this bay window in the kitchen are a regular sight in India over Christmas

stars like the one in this bay window in the kitchen are a regular sight in India over Christmas

the drawing room is in the Georgian part of the house and its large windows flood the room with light

the drawing room is in the Georgian part of the house and its large windows flood the room with light

the Christmas tree in the drawing room has traditional decorations which have been collected by the family over the years

the Christmas tree in the drawing room has traditional decorations which have been collected by the family over the years

wooden chests in the drawing room were brought back from the family’s travels

wooden chests in the drawing room were brought back from the family’s travels

the Christmas tree stands in front of the drawing-room window

the Christmas tree stands in front of the drawing-room window

the old bakehouse is hung with a collection of antlers

the old bakehouse is hung with a collection of antlers

Jemima’s collection of baskets from around the world

Jemima’s collection of baskets from around the world

part of the decorated arched oak beam uncovered 30 years ago

part of the decorated arched oak beam uncovered 30 years ago

the main bedroom has an en suite bathroom and a large dressing roomthe main bedroom has an en suite bathroom and a large dressing room

the main bedroom has an en suite bathroom and a large dressing room

a glorious, free-standing bath sits near a window giving a beautiful view of the garden. Jemima says: “this is the best position for a bath ever – such a wonderful view”...

a glorious, free-standing bath sits near a window giving a beautiful view of the garden. Jemima says: “this is the best position for a bath ever – such a wonderful view”...

cushions, throws and artworks gathered on trips overseas add a splash of Eastern colour to a traditional Wealden hall house

cushions, throws and artworks gathered on trips overseas add a splash of Eastern colour to a traditional Wealden hall house

jewellery, made from silver and semi-precious stones, was sourced by Jemima on a buying trip to India

jewellery, made from silver and semi-precious stones, was sourced by Jemima on a buying trip to India

the house, which originated in medieval times, has evolved over the years

the house, which originated in medieval times, has evolved over the years

guinea fowl enjoy the late winter sunshine

guinea fowl enjoy the late winter sunshine

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

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