After a lifetime of running a successful catering business, most of us would relish the thought of putting our feet up and taking it easy, which is exactly how Fanny Brogden felt after retiring from Fanny’s Kitchen in 1998. 

the formal drawing room is used by B&B guests and is the Victorian addition to the house and reflects the eclectic tastes of the Brogdens who often find gems at the Granary Salerooms in Battle

the formal drawing room is used by B&B guests and is the Victorian addition to the house and reflects the eclectic tastes of the Brogdens who often find gems at the Granary Salerooms in Battle

the inglenook in the dining room previously housed an ugly and noisy boiler, now replaced in a more discreet position; with its French doors leading straight out into the garden, the dining room is a bright and sunny room where guests enjoy their breakfast

the inglenook in the dining room previously housed an ugly and noisy boiler, now replaced in a more discreet position; with its French doors leading straight out into the garden, the dining room is a bright and sunny room where guests enjoy their breakfast

the longcase clock was repaired by a grateful guest

leading off from the dining room is the kitchen where Fanny prepares home-baked delights

the half-wall opening into the drawing room makes the Victorian hallway seem even wider; the sumptuous curtain was added by Fanny to allow more privacy for guests

the half-wall opening into the drawing room makes the Victorian hallway seem even wider; the sumptuous curtain was added by Fanny to allow more privacy for guests

the view from the landing into one of the guest suites

the view from the landing into one of the guest suites

silver teapots and fine bone china are just some of the luxuries enjoyed by guests in the tulip bedroom

silver teapots and fine bone china are just some of the luxuries enjoyed by guests in the tulip bedroom

it’s hard to imagine that the garden room was once a damp and leaking storeroom; the local clay pammets are originals from the Queen Anne part of the house and were found beneath six inches of concrete

it’s hard to imagine that the garden room was once a damp and leaking storeroom; the local clay pammets are originals from the Queen Anne part of the house and were found beneath six inches of concrete

both Fanny and Vivian enjoy sharing the gardening which is a labour of love; the roof of the old schoolhouse can be seen at the end of the garden

both Fanny and Vivian enjoy sharing the gardening which is a labour of love; the roof of the old schoolhouse can be seen at the end of the garden

the perfect spot in the garden from which to appreciate the surroundings and enjoy afternoon tea

the perfect spot in the garden from which to appreciate the surroundings and enjoy afternoon tea

  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether
  • styling: Julie Simpson

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