The owners of this characterful cottage were looking for a lifestyle change when they bought it. 'We both grew up in the country, so we wanted our children to have a similar rural upbringing.' Explains the owner, an interior designer. The county, West Sussex ticked all the boxes as it was close enough to London yet, here they would be surrounded by pretty countryside.
So, after heading down from London, the Grade II listed building was the first property they saw and fell in love with its cottage charm and historical character instantly. The grade II listed building came on the market at just the right time and they felt it so was perfect, the owners put an offer in within seconds of viewing it. 'It was in a good state of repair, so we wouldn't have to spend crazy money on it'.
The cottage was quite compact with a small garden but this didn't deter, as soon as they moved in they began to redecorate and put their own stamp on it. As the interior was dark the owners painted all the rooms off-white to maximise the natural light and then continued suit by filling the space with plenty of colour and pattern. 'I wanted to create an eclectic urban, country-cottage look with a modern edge.' says the owner.
1/11 Exterior
Follow the smart rows of topiary balls that line the brickwork path to the idyllic cottage and you are met with an array of colourful surprises within...
2/11 Hallway
As soon as you walk through the rustic front door you are greeted with a mix of modern vibrancy juxtaposed with vintage touches. The white walls are filled with graphic art and floral prints. A pink console table adds a fun touch while a cowhide rug warms the white stone floor. Above, a wire-work pendant light offers urban industrial interest.
Similar ceiling light
Habitat
Similar rug
Cowhide Rugs London
3/11 Staircase
A striped stair runner is a smart touch while a simple rope handrail keeps the look rustic and in keeping with the cottage period. A small chair is positioned perfectly for little ones to remove shoes before heading off into the large open-plan lounge beyond.
Similiar stair runner
Roger Oates
Similar children's chairin
Ikea
4/11 White period living room with statement sofa
Two sofas arranged around a roaring fire sets a homely and social scene in the light and airy living room. Rustic foundations are laid with a sisal carpet and stone mantelpiece which are then brought to life with a modern striped rug and colourful cushions. However, the 'piece de residence' has to be the beautiful, antique chesterfield sofa that has been recovered in Flying Ducks fabric by Mulberry to give the room wow factor.
Nimmo and Spooner
Fabric
Jane Clayton
Similar coffee table
Loaf
5/11 Kitchen
The kitchen units were natural wood so the owner wanted to make a statement with the flooring and so choose patchwork ceramic tiles that are practical as well as eye-catching. Berry toned splash black tiles pick out the floor while a butler sink and butchers table are quintessentially 'country'.
Units and butchers table
Unfitted
Floor Tiles
Topps Tiles
6/11 Kitchen diner
Adjacent to the kitchen units fitted wooden benches create a delightful kitchen dining nook. The owners confident use of stripes and pattern sing against the chunky wooden, cottage beams. The fabulous fringed pendant lamp and colourful vintage dining chairs add to the fun eclectic personality of the room. A mismatched selection of cushions keep the benches comfortable.
Blind
Fabrics and Papers
Pendant Light
Rothschild & Bickers
Chairs
Cult Furniture
7/11 Dining room
In the dining room motif wallpaper chimes with the country vibe. A matching pendant light keeps the theme coherent throughout the house while a round dining table with green upholstered chairs make the room refreshing and spacious.
Table
Oka
Wallpaper
Daniel Heath
8/11 Master bedroom
Upstairs the cosy eaves bedroom is bursting with vibrant retro colours and ditsy floral pattern. The beautiful eiderdown bedspread underpins the exhuberent scheme.
Similar Bedframe
Dunelm
Similar Bedspread
Etsy
9/11 Children's twin room
Fun wallpaper on all four walls set a busy and boisterous scene in owners sons bedroom. Matching twin beds painted cool modern grey as well as the grey pendant light above balances the lively pattern while two funky night lights are yet another nod to the owners love of quirky modern accessories.
Wallpaper
Daniel Heath
Pendant light
Hollaways of Ludlow
Beds
The Dormy House
10/11 Children's single room
A collection of ditsy floral and bird patterns in ice cream shades dress the walls, window and white bed making this, the perfect little girls vintage style room. Pretty eclectic furniture completes the country charm and feminine character.
Similar bed frame
The Great Little Trading Company
Curtains
Cabbages & Roses
Wallpaper
Designer Wallpapers
11/11 Bathroom
A grey roll top bath, tongue and groove panelling and floral curtains are again a quintessential country style in the in the cottage bathroom.
Similar bath
Drummonds
Towel
Cath Kidston
Neutral colours create a calming sanctuary while artwork on the walls adds just a splash of personality to the small yet inviting space.
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