Cooksbridge, Lewes, Sussex De L'est

This charming Grade II listed period home dates from 1700s and combines period character with modern comfort. The property is understood to date from an earlier timber-framed building, subsequently refaced in red brick with grey headers, beneath a half-hipped tiled roof, with a chimney dated 1713, making it a notable example of the area’s vernacular architecture. Historic England’s listing notes the presence of horizontally-sliding sash windows and a former shopfront, reflecting the building’s origins and contribution to the character of the village streetscape. It was converted to residential use in the 1970s, when it was significantly extended at the rear.

The Old Post Office has been comprehensively upgraded in recent years, including the installation of new central heating radiators, rewiring with copper conduit, replumbing works, insulation improvements, new carpeting and redecoration throughout, including lime plastering and Farrow and Ball paint. The house has also benefited from roofing works, and the chimney has been repointed and lime plastered.

The accommodation is arranged over three floors and offers an appealing blend of formal and informal living space; the floorplans give an excellent overview of the layout and should be used as a guide.

The principal sitting room centres upon an impressive inglenook-style brick fireplace with an electric stove, exposed beams and lime plasterwork wall finishes, creating a warm and inviting focal point. It is open to the former Post Office itself, now arranged as a dining room where the original post box remains in situ, providing a particularly unusual and attractive period feature. This open plan reception space is dual aspect, with large windows ensuring excellent natural light. A second reception room has stripped timber flooring, a fireplace with a wood-burning stove and fitted shelving, creating an ideal television room, snug or family room.

The country-style kitchen lies at the rear, and is fitted with granite worktops, a two-oven oil-fired AGA, SMEG freestanding cooker, porcelain sink, and a freestanding island. The kitchen opens into a generous breakfast area with French doors leading directly onto the south-facing terrace and gardens beyond. Additionally, there is a study with access to outside, a pantry/larder, a utility room and a ground floor shower room with WC.

The bedrooms are arranged over the upper floors. The principal bedroom features wide floorboards, a decorative fireplace, a fitted cupboard and access to an en suite bathroom, also accessed from the landing. There are two further first-floor bedrooms, one enjoying garden views. A family bathroom completes this floor.

The upper floor provides two interconnected attic-style bedrooms with attractive wide floorboards and exposed beams, creating flexible accommodation suitable for family life, guests or home working.

Outside
The property is screened from the road by tall hedging and is set in attractive gardens; brick pathways lead around the house, whilst established roses and mature shrub borders provide year-round interest.

The enclosed gardens lie predominantly to the south of the house and are arranged into distinct areas, divided by attractive box hedging. Immediately adjoining the breakfast room is a paved sun terrace providing an ideal setting for outdoor dining and entertaining. Beyond lies an expanse of lawn, well-suited for garden games or providing space to create further beds, enclosed by mature hedging and fenced boundaries.

The swimming pool occupies a slightly elevated section of the garden and has a paved surround with space for table and chairs; it is complemented by a detached garden room/studio, equipped with electric heating, insulation, and comprising living area and a shower room with WC. There is a lean-to store.

Behind the house, a timber shed and brick out house, now a log store, provide practical external storage.

The Old Post Office also benefits from driveway parking for several vehicles.