The Old Post Office

Situated on the main street of an east Cornwall village, this project is the re-imagination of a grade 2 listed former Post Office into a family home. The street is fronted by largely Victorian terraced houses, many with their original shop fronts retained, creating a memory of the former life of the site. The property’s relationship with the street is integral to the design, particularly the tension between wanting to engage with the life of the street, and wanting to create a private home for the occupants.

The challenge of this project is in retaining the character of the property and refurbishing the historic interior, whilst creating a sense of theatricality through a series of intriguing moments as the building reveals itself. From the bright and airy kitchen and dining room located within the former Post Office, to the lower ground floor and garden which act as a refuge for its occupants, allowing a sense of sanctuary and solitude from the building’s presence on Fore Street.

Planning permission with Listed Building Consent granted July 2018. Construction ongoing.