Cedar Swiffe Farm, Heathfield, Kent

Cedar Swiffe Farm is set within just under seven acres of private grounds, against a backdrop of ancient woodland in Heathfield, East Sussex. Converted from a large bungalow and unfolding across a single storey of nearly 2,700 sq ft, this four-bedroom house has been lovingly renovated to sit in harmony with its bucolic setting. Timber cladding, inside and out, and rustic detailing draw on the vernacular of rural architecture, while a rich and joyful palette lends the interiors a distinctly contemporary character. The house is a nine-minute drive to Heathfield for essential amenities, and a short drive to Stonegate station, where direct trains run to London Bridge in under an hour.

The Tour

The house is approached via a quiet lane that leads to a parking area.

The building's streamlined silhouette stands out among the surrounding natural landscape. White-painted masonry define the foundation, topped with dark-stained timber along the upper elevations and a Cembrit cement fibre roof. The façade's tactile materials and earthy colour palette are lightened by window frames picked out in a playful yellow accent.

Entry is through a glass-paned double door leading to an open-plan kitchen and dining room, a bright and welcoming room set beneath a timber-clad ceiling. Engineered oak floorboards extend underfoot, grounding the space in warm tones. A large central island provides a focal point, fitted with bespoke soft-grey cabinets and joinery.

Designed by Inglis Hall, the kitchen is beautifully fitted with an induction hob, fluted Belfast sink, and a Rangemaster cooker. A walk-in pantry discreetly occupies one corner and convenient storage cupboards are plentiful. A traditional stable door has been added and leads to a garden at the rear.

Seamlessly woven into the space is a living area, with a wood burning stove by Esse - used by the current owners to make warming stews in winter - that has been fitted within an open, brick fireplace.

To the left and at the front of the plan is a generous sitting room, where picture windows frame far-reaching views of the landscape. It currently serves as a dedicated area for music and hosting, and has a separate functioning log burner tucked between amber-hued tiling.

An internal corridor runs straight through to the principal bedroom at the rear, finished in soothing tones and connected to a balcony with serene views over ancient woodland. The en suite bathroom is well appointed with a free-standing bathtub by Lusso, sage-green wall tiling, and elegant brass fittings.

Three additional bedrooms are found in this section of the house, all characterised by colourful hues and equipped with built-in storage.

Accessible from the living room, and currently arranged as a study, a versatile area sits beneath a pitched ceiling with exposed beams. An adjoining utility room is finished in cheerful yellow-painted timber boarding, and has a sink, washer/dryer, and direct access to the outdoors at the front.

At the rear, a garage provides additional storage space.

Outdoor Space

The seven-acre grounds encompass vegetable gardens, woodland and a collection of gardening outbuildings, creating a varied landscape that is both productive and restorative. A delightful field hut, ingeniously constructed from reclaimed timber offcuts, provides a secluded spot from which to enjoy the surrounding countryside.

The Area

Cedar Swiffe Farm occupies a wonderfully secluded position on the edge of the High Weald National Landscape, surrounded by rolling countryside and ancient woodland. The nearby market town of Heathfield has a wealth of cafés, shops and regular farmers' markets, while the historic towns of Lewes, Rye and Tunbridge Wells are all within easy reach. The area is particularly well placed for exploring the Sussex countryside, including the celebrated Cuckoo Trail and the South Downs beyond.

Local favourites include The Gun, a renowned countryside gastropub, The Pink Cabbage Co., set in the former Heathfield railway station, and The Cow Shed Blackboys for coffee and seasonal snacking. Further afield, the galleries, gardens and cultural programme of Charleston (the former country home of the Bloomsbury Group) and Glyndebourne (the world-renowned opera house) are within easy reach.

Well-regarded schools nearby include Burwash CofE School, Mayfield School and Skippers Hill Manor Preparatory School.

Etchingham and Buxted stations are both within easy reach by car, providing regular services to London Charing Cross and London Bridge. The A21 is also readily accessible, offering convenient road connections to Tunbridge Wells, the Kent coast and central London.

Council Tax Band: G