The Old Post Office, in the grounds of Hilton Hall, has emerged from many decades of disuse to being delightfully restored and fully functioning. It has taken some months of negotiation and work to create a well-equipped, warm and bright little house.

For several people in the village (and beyond) The Old Post Office is a building they have known for many years, even occupied in some cases. It has been very rewarding to behold the interest and delight shown by the many passers-by as work has progressed.

So, what is it like? In order to improve the comfort and facilities, a couple of extensions have been added to the original, one-up-one-down building. From the side entrance, there is a cloakroom then an orangery, with a patio beyond facing towards Hilton Hall. The old ground floor room, now an open-plan area, comprises of a comfortable sitting room, with limestone floor and wood-burning stove, a well-equipped kitchen and dining bar.

Up the winding staircase is the large double bedroom, sporting windows to front and rear, and an adjoining shower-room. Underfloor heating and upstairs radiators keep the place warm and cosy.

Ann and Mark Goodridge, of Hilton Hall, are making The Old Post Office available for self-catering or B&B use, for at least some of the year, “It is far better that it is used and enjoyed rather than sitting empty”. If anyone is interested then they can simply call at Hilton Hall or contact Ann via her email address: ann.goodridge@gmail.com.

In restoring the building, original features have been revitalised where feasible, including the brick floor of the orangery and the archway that housed an old baking oven. Traditional materials have been used, as far as possible, alongside a modern kitchen and utilities. The shutters that were on the front of the house will be restored in due course, though it is refreshing to see how the windows bring the building to life.

Though some of its history has been learned from a few previous residents of Hilton, any information about The Old Post Office will be welcomed.

 

The Old Post Office sits at the High Street end of Grove End, in the centre of Hilton village. It is available for some of the year as self-catering accommodation. Continental breakfast can be made available.

There is one, upstairs double bedroom with king-sized bed and space for a cot (not provided). Off the bedroom is a shower-room.

There is a bed-settee in the sitting area on the ground floor (specific requests to use for sleeping guests). There are also a wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside tables and handy chairs.

Downstairs there is a sitting room, kitchen and dining bar, orangery and toilet. Utilities include:

·Desk; wifi; TV; radio

·Two cane sofas in orangery, small table and stools

·One bed-settee in sitting area; wood-burning stove (logs available on request)

·Well-fitted kitchen with gas hob, electric oven, separate microwave oven; fridge; washing machine; fitted cupboards stocked with crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils and pots

·Gas underfloor heating on ground floor, radiators upstairs, heated towel-rails in en suite and toilet.

Contact: Ann Goodridge at ann.goodridge@gmail.com