A Contemporary Woodland Retreat in the Heart of East Sussex

Tucked away along a quiet private road in the charming village of Forest Row, this remarkable modern home is a striking example of architecture working in harmony with its surroundings.

Designed by award-winning architect Jeff Morehen for his own family, the house is nestled into a landscape of mature trees, wildflowers, and orchard groves, offering a peaceful retreat just moments from Ashdown Forest.

Spanning over 3,600 sq ft, the home blends warm natural materials with high-performance design. Thanks to exceptional insulation, a discreet solar array, and thoughtful energy-conscious planning, it achieved a rare EPC ‘A’ rating.

But beyond its environmental credentials, the house is first and foremost a place of calm, creativity, and connection to nature, to light, and to everyday living.

At the heart of the home is a stunning open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room, where oak-fronted cabinetry, Caesarstone surfaces, and top-tier appliances from Gaggenau and Barazza come together in a chef-worthy setup designed by Kitchen Architecture.

Shuttered concrete ceilings, full-height sliding glass doors, and a log-burning stove create a space that’s both dramatic and grounded.

The double-height entrance hall sets the tone with vertical timber cladding, natural light from above, and sweeping lines that draw you into the space.

A staircase made of Douglas fir, set behind a slatted oak screen, leads to the first floor, where light pours in from a series of glazed roof sections and wide openings at each end of the home.

A private sitting room offers a cozy retreat, opening directly onto the terrace with its own serene garden views.

The eastern wing of the house includes two generous double bedrooms, each with built-in wardrobes and a shared bathroom featuring a spacious double shower.

Toward the northwest corner of the home, a second library space leads into a self-contained apartment, offering flexibility for guests, extended family, or creative work.

The gardens are every bit as thoughtfully designed as the house itself. Spread across two-thirds of an acre, the grounds include semi-wild lawns, orchards, a kitchen garden, and a large Victorian greenhouse that’s still in productive use.

Fruit trees, like Granny Smith apples, were planted to expand the existing grove, while perennial beds draw in pollinators and wildlife.

The home’s Kebony-clad façade, softened by tall ribbons of glazing, is quietly striking. It was carefully placed among the existing trees, none of which were removed during construction. A bold sandstone wall leads to a cantilevered porch, framing the entry with quiet strength.

The house is listed for £2,850,000 at The Modern House.