Little Florence Farm, Iden, East Sussex

Conceived to emulate the local agricultural vernacular, the sublime Little Florence Farmhouse was designed by England Architecture in 2007. It lies on the quiet pastoral fringes of Rye, within the High Weald National Landscape, and sits surrounded by a whimsical naturalistic garden. Inside, a tactile and consciously pared-back decorative scheme is inviting and restorative, and has been formed using gentle natural materials and high-spec fittings and fixtures. Three serene bedrooms lie in the main home, with an additional two-storey annexe/study accessed separately.



The Tour



Despite its proximity to the wonderful amenities of Rye, Little Florence Farm sits in a peaceful rural position. A quiet, unmade road forms the approach, with a driveway in front providing space to park several cars. Stately oak trees stud the grounds.



The home’s chestnut-clad silhouette is at once traditional and contemporary: it references the surrounding agrarian tradition while having an abundance of glazing that hints at the brightness that permeates within. A galvanised metal roof crowns the building.



Entry is from the front, via two large grey metal doors beneath a canopy. This opens to the central hallway, where plenty of built-in storage provides space for shoes and coats. The home’s refined decorative scheme is here introduced: poured concrete runs underfoot, and walls are washed in a subtly textured limewash.



At the rear is the long open-plan living space, an exquisite double-height room lit by a combination of garden-facing glazing and skylights. Loosely delineated while maintaining unobstructed lines of sight, the kitchen sits on one side, and has bespoke cabinets with handless doors, granite countertops, twin stainless-steel sinks and an island formed from a reclaimed science workbench. There is a utility room with space for a fridge and white goods.



The remainder of the room is versatile, with plenty of space for a large dining table. Concealed and revealed by large sliding doors is a capacious yet intimate sitting room oriented towards a log-burning stove. On the left-hand side of the ground floor is a wonderful study, used as a music room, with dual-aspect views over the garden and plenty of built-in bookshelves. Its walls are painted a deep grey shade.



The primary plan has three bedrooms, with the principal suite on the ground floor. This is an immaculately designed space, with seamless built-in wardrobes and a serene en suite shower room.



Bespoke oak stairs ascend to the first floor, where there are two generous bedrooms, both with more built-in wardrobes, skylights, and timber floorboards. The upstairs bathroom is also grounded with ample natural light, and has a freestanding bath and walk-in shower. A ledge on one side is a handy spot for arranging ceramics or art.



Separate from the principal plan is a two-storey studio, designed in the same style and with the same decorative ethos as the main home. There is a garage or studio space on the ground floor with an adjoining kitchenette and utility room, and upstairs is a well-composed en suite bedroom. Unfolding from the reception space is a large deck with access to a sauna, outdoor shower area and cold plunge (the perfect spot for much needed self-care). The privacy of this spot makes it an excellent option for guests or for multigenerational living.



Outdoor Space



The garden that surrounds Little Florence Farm is a sensory, naturalistic space that provides visual interest throughout the year. Wildflowers grow in a dedicated area, and a kitchen garden has been created with raised beds for a vegetables and herbs. An idyllic pond sits on one side and is framed by gunnera and water irises.



A substantial decked area - also created using chestnut boards - runs along one side of the house. This is a marvellous space for dining outdoors in dry weather against a backdrop of farmland.



Overlooking the lawn is an outdoor studio and office space - perfect for home working, the garden office has bucolic views of the surrounding farmland.



The Area



The house sits around half a mile from Iden, a charming, quiet village with a community-owned shop and post office, a village hall, a pub and a wonderful Norman church. From the village are footpaths that wind through the local landscape and provide passage to the wonderful Royal Military Canal.



Rye is two miles away and is a popular south-eastern town, beloved for its period architecture and thriving independent scene. Kino Cinema is set in a former Victorian library and has three screens, a large café-bar with a mezzanine lounge and a terrace. Rye is also home to the original branch of Knoops hot chocolate café, and The George is a delightful Georgian inn with rooms and a restaurant. The town also has well-attended arts and jazz festivals. We've written more about our recommendations in Rye in our Journal.



Tillingham Winery, a mixed farm set in 70 acres of rolling countryside and woodlands, is a short drive from the house. Home to vineyards, fruit trees, ancient woodland and livestock, it also provides a place for visitors to stay and enjoy the produce from the farm and the surrounding region. Tibbs Farm is also close by, and has fruit picking, a photogenic maize maze and a café.



The popular towns of Hastings and Tenterden (which has a Waitrose) are both a short drive away. Camber is around six miles from the house, with the Dungeness and the beaches at Winchelsea and Pett Level also easily reached.



Trains run from Rye to London via Ashford in just over an hour, while the Eurotunnel at Dover is around an hour’s drive away.



Council Tax Band: G