Sophie and Jason both confess to having led nomadic lives until they met. A former divorce lawyer and ski instructor, Sophie is now a massage therapist and reflexologist, working in London, Sussex, and Kent, visiting clients in their own homes. Jason is property valuer with Phillips & Stubbs in Rye, and also a SCUBA diving instructor who has worked in various parts of the South East. “I’d bought a cottage in Rye to use as a base,” Sophie explains. “But I still spent a lot of time in London. Then I met Jason, who was living in Sussex at the time, and, finally, it was the right time for both of us to settle.” 

The kitchen units were built by Patrick Osborne and Sons and painted Farrow & Ball’s Old White

The kitchen units were built by Patrick Osborne and Sons and painted Farrow & Ball’s Old White

The dresser and table came from Sophie’s parents – “most of the best things are theirs,” Jason laughs

The dresser and table came from Sophie’s parents – “most of the best things are theirs,” Jason laughs

Jason bought the dresser from a house sale and kept it in storage for many years until he found the right house for it

Jason bought the dresser from a house sale and kept it in storage for many years until he found the right house for it

Another cosy sitting room leads off the kitchen; some of the floorboards are original but others were carefully matched from reclaimed boards that have been pieced into positionAnother cosy sitting room leads off the kitchen; some of the floorboards are original but others were carefully matched from reclaimed boards that have been pieced into position

Another cosy sitting room leads off the kitchen; some of the floorboards are original but others were carefully matched from reclaimed boards that have been pieced into position

The windows were bespoke made under strict ecological guidelines in Denmark to withstand the coastal weather

The windows were bespoke made under strict ecological guidelines in Denmark to withstand the coastal weather

The upstairs sitting room

The upstairs sitting room

Sophie and Jason have gathered an eclectic mix of treasures. As Jason says: before they moved to the coast they “had all the ingredients but no house to put them in”

Sophie and Jason have gathered an eclectic mix of treasures. As Jason says: before they moved to the coast they “had all the ingredients but no house to put them in”

The spectacular view across the harbour from the second-floor balcony

The spectacular view across the harbour from the second-floor balcony

Jason bought the shutters from Andy McConnell at Glass Etc in Rye. Originally from France, Jason knew exactly what he was going to do with them. “But it took three years before I took delivery of them and made them into a wardrobe,” he explains

Jason bought the shutters from Andy McConnell at Glass Etc in Rye. Originally from France, Jason knew exactly what he was going to do with them. “But it took three years before I took delivery of them and made them into a wardrobe,” he explains

The staircase was repositioned to make the most of the light and available space; the hoists on the window ledge were probably used originally by local fishermen. The seagrass was sourced from Avalon Flooring

The staircase was repositioned to make the most of the light and available space; the hoists on the window ledge were probably used originally by local fishermen. The seagrass was sourced from Avalon Flooring

The ground floor houses Jason’s collection of African and Indian tribal artefacts. More tulip bulb cases are in use as bookshelves in the hallway; the floorboards here are reclaimed scaffolding boards

The ground floor houses Jason’s collection of African and Indian tribal artefacts. More tulip bulb cases are in use as bookshelves in the hallway; the floorboards here are reclaimed scaffolding boards

Sophie’s treatment room will be opening soon

Sophie’s treatment room will be opening soon

The couple sourced the Turkish travertine used in the wet room via the internet from a London dealer

The couple sourced the Turkish travertine used in the wet room via the internet from a London dealer

The terrace is a perfect spot to sit and relax after a walk along the beach

The terrace is a perfect spot to sit and relax after a walk along the beach

  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether
  • styling: Lucy Fleming

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