The Old Stout House, Rye, East Sussex

Belying its demure clapboard-clad frontage, this late 18th-century house in Rye is a resplendent celebration of colour, texture and pattern. It has a storied past, having previously served as an ale house, a grocer’s and a haberdasher’s. Just shy of 1,500 sq ft, the house now encompasses four bedrooms across four spirited storeys and has a delightful garden at its rear. It is a perfect spot to explore all of Rye's brilliance from and is a short distance from Camber Sands, Dungeness and Hastings.

Setting the Scene

The town of Rye - once an island - has always been a port. The Romans used it to export iron, and over the years it has dealt in fish, timber, wool, wine, and luxury goods. Lamb House, the home of Victorian novelist Henry James, sits at the centre of the town and is close to the atmospheric Mermaid Inn, a coaching house with cellars dating back to the 12th century.

The Old Stout House was built around 1770 and is sited on Ferry Road, a street that holds significance as the historic thoroughfare for goods entering Rye. Uniform black clapboard lends the house a subtlety, one that makes the joyful and vibrant interiors within something of an unexpected delight. The house's current owner has curated a palette of tactile materials, intricate wallpapers and jewel-toned paint hues that create at once a bright and comfortable home.

The Grand Tour

Entry is to a coral-painted kitchen that sets the decorative tone for what unfolds beyond. Terrazzo tiles add visual interest underfoot, while a deep roof light draws in light from above. Grey units provide plenty of storage space and conceal a fridge/freezer, dishwasher and laundry facilities. A deep butler's sink rests below a backsplash of pearly glazed tiles and an open shelf that provides plenty of display space. Grey-framed French doors on one side provide easy passage to the garden beyond.

The dining room lies adjacent and is set beneath a nest of exposed beams. An especially generous provision of storage can be found here, and there is plenty of room for a large table atop playful patterned tiles.

Stairs wind up to the ground floor, where the primary reception space lies. A beautiful design by April Mawhinney adorns the walls, its pinkish shade pairing effortlessly with the original floorboards underfoot. Wide windows with sky-blue shutters cast light across the room, bringing to life its assuredly bold scheme. On one side of the room, a cast-iron fireplace set within a green surround lends a warming focal point during the winter months.

The first of the house's four bedrooms also lies on the ground floor, its panelled walls picked out in a cheery sunshine shade. An exquisite and generous en suite adjoins, its walls predominantly lined with glossy, vertically-laid tiles. A luxurious freestanding bath has been positioned at the far end, while a walk-in shower sits at the other.

Upstairs, on the first floor, are a further two bedrooms; the room at the front is especially spacious and has a wonderful tripartite window that overlooks the street beyond. Its walls are dressed with Sanderson wallpaper and the same original floorboards spread out underfoot. Another fireplace here is framed by striking green tiles; its broad, grey-painted surround provides a mantel for cards or favourite objects.

The top floor of the house is home to a cosy bedroom suite nestled beneath the house's sloping roofline. Exposed brick and beams interact to create a texture-laden, atmospheric space. A sky-lit en suite bathroom adjoins, its walk-in shower surrounding by blushing pink tiles.

Finished with the same colourful flair, an adjacent shared bathroom pairs lilac walls with mustard-yellow tiles. It has both a freestanding bath and a walk-in shower and receives a serene light from a dormer window with views across the town.

The Great Outdoors

Steps from the kitchen lead up to the house's south-facing rear garden. A timber terrace provides plenty of space for a large dining set-up and large, potted olives and palms. Borders are planted with mature palms and climbing roses, and a rare, mature Gingko tree provides good shade on hot days. Mains powered festoon lights give the garden a magical air at night. Sage-green fencing runs around its perimeter as well as a characterful original brick wall to one side, lending plenty of privacy.

Out and About

Beyond its wealth of period architecture, Rye has become known in recent years for its brilliant independent dining and boutique scene. The twisting lanes are peppered with independent galleries and there is even a popular independent cinema, Kino, set within an old church building. Popular places to shop include Merchant and Mills, Puckhaber, Sailors, and The Rye Bookshop.

Rye has an established culinary scene; The Landgate comes highly recommended for special occasions, while The Union serves delicious pub fare. The Fig, The Olde Belle, The Standard, Globe Inn Marsh and Simply Italian are other local favourites. The original branch of Knoops lies in the town and serves wonderfully warming hot chocolates. Salts Farm Shop is nearby and is a lovely spot to shop or stop off for coffee and cake. For fresh catches, Rye Bay Fishery is an excellent local fishmonger.

Sussex meets Santenay, the rolling hills of the South Downs even offer Tillinghams Vineyard, set across 70 acres from Rye to the sea and the Romney salt marshes. Tillingham is a working winery for natural wine, seasonal food, and stylish accommodation.

Some of the south coast's best beaches are easily accessible from Rye, including Dungeness (also home to Derek Jarman's inimitable Prospect Cottage), Camber Sands and Hastings, known for its thriving art scene. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a short drive out of the town centre and has a brilliant café with arresting views.

There is a wide choice of state and private schools in the area, including Claremont School, Battle Abbey School, Buckswood at Guestling, Eastbourne College, Vinehall at Robertsbridge and Marlborough House in Hawkhurst.

Rail connections from Rye are convenient, with branch-line train services to Brighton and Ashford offering high-speed connections to London St Pancras; the latter takes a little over an hour.

Council Tax Band: Currently council tax exempt as the house is regularly rented as holiday home accommodation.