Emily Barron, Author at Bee Cottage, Rye

Puckhaber

Specialists in French decorative antiques – think elegantly aged wrought-iron garden furniture, oak refectory tables and hessian-upholstered seating – Puckhaber’s Rye outpost (it started out in London’s Fulham, where the original shop remains) has morphed into more of a lifestyle store. This means that sitting artfully alongside the antiques, there are products that complement Puckhaber’s distinctive aesthetic, including cosy wool blankets from Forestry Wool, heavenly fragrances from cult Brooklyn brand DS & Durga and nail polish from Milan’s Licia Florio.

1 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JE

www.puckhaberdecorativeantiques.com

Rae

Rae is basically Kinfolk magazine come to life: no shiny plastic or bright colours here, only ethical brands, muted tones, handmade objects and things that soothe the senses. Practice self care with natural beauty products from small independent brands such as Legra, snuggle up in Yonder Living slippers or adorn yourself with folk-inspired jewellery from Studio Rua. Rae has everything you need to make your dreams of a slower and more meaningful life come that little bit closer to reality – and after all that slowing down, a take-away flat white or turmeric latte from its coffee hatch will rev you up again.

77a The Mint, Rye TN31 7EW

www.raelifestyle.com

Soap & Salvation

The name of this handsome lifestyle shop comes from its former life as a Salvation Army chapel – “soup, soap and salvation” was one of the mantras of its Victorian founder William Booth. The lack of a proper shop window to peek into means that you might pass it by thinking it sells touristy bath products, when in fact it is full of simple, rustic wares for the home, including antique Mennonite quilts, chunky glazed stoneware crockery, cushions and candles. There’s a dinky kitchenware section out the back and a vintage bookshop to browse upstairs, and it’s all very atmospheric thanks to the high-ceilinged chapel itself.

18-20 Rope Walk, Rye TN31 7NA