The quaint Sussex cottage owned by Effie Gibson and partner Darren Phizacklea (known as Phiz) oozes fairy-tale charm, both in appearance and its woodland setting. Nestled among deciduous trees and conifers where fallow, muntjac and roe deer roam freely, it is as enchanting as any mythical forest might be. ‘We also have stoats, weasels, foxes and many other mammals,’ explains Phiz, ‘and a huge variety of birdlife such as yellow wagtails, fire crests, owls and other birds of prey.’ Architecturally the cottage is a historic beauty, with a traditional timber frame, low-slung thatched roof, stamp-sized windows and patchwork walls of brick and clay, dating it to the late 16th century.
Appearances of course can be deceptive. Prior to Effie and Phiz taking ownership, the cottage had been in the family…
