Inside a Charming 17th-Century English Farmhouse | Smart is Beauty

Twenty-two years. That's how long I have lived in Sweden. And I can safely say it's home. Having said that, I have always felt I have two homes: England will also be home too. Are any of you living outside the country you grew up in and feel that way too? 

So, after a very Swedish, very beautiful weekend last week where the sun shone on Midsummer's Eve celebrations up and down the country, I am hoping you won't mind indulging me here with a tour of a very traditional English country home. I felt extremely nostalgic the moment I saw it as it reminds me very much of my friend Natalie's home in the South Downs. 

Tucked away in the East Sussex countryside, this beautiful 17th-century farmhouse in Pett is full of character and charm. Original features are everywhere — including the incredible beams — adding to its warmth and deep sense of history. I don’t think there’s a single new piece in the entire house, from the tables and chairs to the wall units and the old pull-chain loo (we used to have those at school along with a very waxy loo paper!).

Known as ‘French Court Farmhouse’, the property’s name actually predates the Norman Conquest. The house itself was built around 1640, with later 18th-century additions - how cool is that? C.S. Lewis even stayed here once, writing about the beauty of the woods and the quiet, grounding pull of rural life. That magic still lingers. 

Ready to take a peek inside? 

So beautiful! I love the garden — it reminds me so much of home (even if it does have a Mediterranean touch). And while the interior is very English, there are also hints of faraway places — objects, perhaps, collected on travels.

I used to visit East Sussex on antique auction hunts with my mum (a proud West Sussex native), and this place feels like the embodiment of everything we were chasing — timeless, peaceful, and gently spellbinding.

Does this farmhouse look quintessentially English to you as well? Was there anything that caught your eye?

Would you like to see a few more country homes to wrap up the week? Head over to the country style archive for beautiful rural homes across Scandinavia and beyond. Such a treat! 

I hope you have a lovely weekend — see you Monday!

Niki

For sale via Inigo (if you lover English country homes this estate agent website is like a glossy copy of House & Home magazine - there are so many incredible homes to look at (and buy!). 

Smart is Beauty

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