Star Attraction

Charlotte and Will Tracey took delight in discovering the intriguing history of this beautiful home and awakening it from its beauty sleep

EXTERIOR Hummingbird House is a unique Grade-II listed manor upon which the Tracey family have lavished luxurious touches and given the gift of new life

HOME TRUTHS

LOCATION:

Near Lewes, East Sussex

THE OWNER:

Charlotte and Will Tracey with their children Ruby and Reuben

THE PROPERTY:

Detached 16th century Georgian farmhouse

ROOMS:

Entrance hall, kitchen/dining room, utility room, media room, sitting room, WC, four bedrooms (two with en suites), family bathroom, attic bedroom, study area

The Grade-II listed Wealden farmhouse near Lewes in East Sussex presented an exciting opportunity for Londoners Charlotte and Will Tracey. Charlotte described how she felt when they first saw what was soon to become their new home, “It sounds clichéd but we both instantly fell in love with the property as soon as we drove through the gates, and spotted rabbits hopping for cover, and dripping wisteria resplendent in the dappled sunlight. It was such a refreshing and welcome change from our life in the City.”

Starting life over 300 years ago as a dwelling for the farm labourers of neighbouring Arches Manor, Hummingbird House had a strong agricultural background and most

We discovered that Edwardian starlet Lily Elsie lived at the house during the 1950s and enjoyed entertaining famous friends here such as the flamboyant entertainer Noel Coward

recently was part of a local cottage industry in poultry. All very sedate and rather unglamorous. But the intuitive Traceys spotted a twinkle of star quality which tempted them to purchase the farmhouse in the summer of 2009. The couple took great delight in piecing together the intriguing history of this enchanting home and the more they discovered, the more they felt honoured to be part of its history. Will explained, “We discovered that Edwardian starlet Lily Elsie lived at the house during the 1950s and enjoyed entertaining famous friends here such as the flamboyant entertainer Noel Coward.” He continued, “Lily was known for her beauty and charm and was one

BEST BUY

“It has to be the antique Indian sideboard in the hall which is great for storing shoes. Kicked off messy shoes are a bugbear of mine!” said Will

MEDIA ROOM This cosy room is adorned with soft furnishings to create a sanctuary of relaxation; leaf motifs combine with rich berry colours to reflect the nature on the family’s doorstep

“The study positioned underneath the attic bedroom. It’s a peaceful nook with brilliant sunlight streaming in first thing in the morning”

LEWES TILE SHOWROOM

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The unexpected juxtaposition of the old and the new has successfully breathed new life into this Sussex home

of the most photographed women of Edwardian times, so we felt it only right that the house should take on some of this beautiful elegance too.”

The structure of the house had already been sensitively restored when the Traceys purchased it; the 16th century wooden porch and heavy original beams throughout were lovingly maintained and, due to the property’s listed status, even wattle and daub had to be used for the walls. The couple felt that though quite obviously beautiful, the house was sleeping and needed to be awakened from its slumber in order for it to fulfil its true potential and be loved as a family home once again. They decide to enlist the help of an interior designer, Paul, who had vast experience in transforming lacklustre properties into beautifully designed homes radiating with character and style. Paul explained, “My ideas for Hummingbird House first came when I visited on a summer’s day in July – the

MASTER BEDROOM Sumptuous fabrics and rich colours combine to create a luxurious space in which to retreat at the end of the day

gardens and enormous grounds bursting with wildlife completely captivated me – it felt like such an oasis. I remember loving the simple vernacular building with its amazing 16th century porch and couldn´t wait to see inside.”

The designer set about adding bold punches of colour to the house to lighten and brighten, using images inspired by nature to bring the glorious outside in and reflect the house’s beautiful surroundings. Paul said, “Charlotte had a beautiful handmade lampshade in the hall with lovely linocut hares running through the long grass, and it was this that I used for my inspiration.” Working under the careful guidance of Paul, Charlotte had a beautiful handmade lampshade in the hall with lovely linocut hares running through the long grass, and it was this that I used for my inspiration

GUEST BEDROOM With a nod to Scandinavian design, the guest bedroom embraces a fresh and contemporary look

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Stunning range of carpets and flooring on display

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the Traceys decided to use the original kitchen tiles as their basis for repainting the dark wooden cupboards and used celadon green but with punchy red and splashes of cobalt for the scheme. Brave choices perhaps, but they are delighted with the freshness of the final look. Under the dark stained kitchen floor, they found the most wonderful original oak boards which luckily were in a pristine condition and so these were sanded and brought back to life. The Traceys worked with Paul to try to add a little twist in all the rooms; a burnt orange umbrella stand contains vintage walking sticks by the front door, and bright primary green coat hooks are a jolly space for caps and scarves in the alcove.

The unexpected juxtaposition of the old and the new has successfully breathed new life into this Sussex home and returned it to its star potential. The red oversized anglepoise lamp commands space in the sitting room by proudly standing in front of the medieval fire, whilst the bright yellow table lamps sit as bold as brass on the hall table as a direct contrast to the worn oak beams. Designer Paul said, “Hummingbird House’s starring turn as one of the most beautiful homes in East Sussex is worthy of an encore.” And we most definitely have to applaud that. l

Copy GAP Interiors / Claire Fulton-Ray Photography GAP Interiors / Tony Timmington

GARDEN The arboretum and landscaped gardens comprise two acres and revel in tranquillity within the heart of the Sussex countryside

A Great selection of stoves, fires& accessories

Woodwarm Stoves – An example of British Excellence. Many different sizes and models available including the new Eco Range

The oldest British Range Cooker on the market

Esse cookers are available as electric, wood or multifuel. Available in 20 enamelled colours and a variety of styles and sizes

3 Station Road, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8LD 01435 868686

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