Sussex Listed Farmhouse

Sussex Listed Farmhouse

When James Wells Architects first took on this project, we were faced with a challenging task: planning permission and Listed Building Consent had already been negotiated and by a previous team, but the design was far from resolved. On top of this, the original 17^th-century construction is a grade II listed building. Despite these initial difficulties, we embraced the task and successfully navigated the complexities. Our brief was clear – to seamlessly blend the new, modern elements of the extension and interior with the traditional charm of the original 17^th-century farmhouse, ensuring that the transformation allowed for easy and fluid movement throughout the space.

The Kitchen and Open-Plan Design

James Wells Architects showcased their expertise in architectural home design with the reimagined kitchen becoming the heart of this home. The refurbished kitchen serves as the heart of the farmhouse, opening to connect with the breakfast room, dining room, and cooking area. The breakfast room offers a cosy, intimate space, while the dining area provides a more formal setting, both seamlessly connected to the outdoors. The BBQ area was strategically positioned to echo this open plan spacing, with the outside area boasting a 180º panoramic view from the kitchen to the pool and pool house, vegetable garden, BBQ and South Downs view beyond.

Ground Floor Extension and Fireplace

A single storey extension was added to the North side of the farmhouse, accommodating essential yet discreet spaces such as utility, guest WC, boot room, and plant room. This addition not only provided the owners with practical storage and utility areas but also enhanced the overall structure of the building. The boot room offers a convenient space for storing muddy boots after long walks. The scullery adds extra storage without being seen from the main living areas, while the plant room, cleverly hidden away, houses essential equipment without disrupting the original farmhouse aesthetic. The existing fireplace was gutted and replaced with a spectacular inglenook fireplace, complete with a chimney that was designed to blend seamlessly with the original structure and existing chimney. The use of locally sourced brick for the new chimney achieved a perfect balance between modern amenities and traditional farmhouse charm, promoting authenticity and aesthetic harmony.

His and Hers Studies

Tucked away within the original listed farmhouse building, the his and hers studies offer private and quiet but intimate spaces that are still conveniently connected to the heart of the home. These home offices are located in close proximity to the kitchen and dining room but are carefully positioned to provide a retreat from the hustle and bustle of family life.

First Floor renovations

Our work on the first floor was conducted in close collaboration with the interior designer Olivia Bella, ensuring that every detail met the client’s needs. The practical layout includes five bedrooms each with ensuite bathrooms. The bathrooms posed a particular challenge due to the constraints of the existing 17^th-century structure, but were carefully integrated into the listed building fabric. The first floor also offers stunning views, adding to the sense of luxury and comfort in these private spaces.

The Cellar

A significant element of this refurbishment project is a newly built basement which is tucked away under the original house and South-facing lawn. This underground extension gives the owner a sophisticated wine cellar, tasting room and pantry.

The wine cellar and its adjoining spaces were given meticulous attention to detail, with carefully constructed brickwork to create a barrel-vaulted ceiling which offers a stunning backdrop for this viticultural experience. On the South elevation of the house, a new, small extension was inserted to facilitate a stone-clad stair, taking the visitor down from the hallway into the wine cellar. The vaulted brick ceiling adds a dramatic touch, while there was both heating and cooling were commissioned to provide heating in the winter, whilst keeping the wine at the perfect temperature.

The transformation of this listed farmhouse into a modern, functional residential home is a testament to James Wells Architects’ ability to craft the client’s vision into reality. The seamless integration of new elements into the historic structure through thoughtful architectural home design allows for a fluid and effortless movement throughout the space, creating a luxury house refurbishment.

James Wells writes “Our extensive research, thoughtful planning, and careful sketching ensured that every addition – whether modern or traditional – fits perfectly within the original farmhouse”. We finished with a home that is simultaneously beautiful and practical.