The Old Post Office

The Old Post Office is a house dating from the early 19th century located on Westcombe Hill in Batcombe. It is constructed of painted random rubble with ashlar quoins and brick dressings, while the rear elevation is rendered. The roof is covered with slate and features brick stacks towards the right-hand end.

The building has a linear plan with a two-storey main section that has three bays, a two-storey two-bay range to the right (west), and a single-storey range beyond that. There is also a single-storey lean-to addition on the left side.

The front elevation faces north and originally featured a double shop front with large windows and glazing bars on either side of paired panelled entrance doors, all beneath brick relieving arches and a continuous cornice, flanked by fluted pilasters. On the first floor, there are three sash windows, each with three over six panes and raised surrounds. The two-bay range to the right has a blocked central door opening that now contains a six-pane window, flanked by hornless sash windows. Above this are two casement windows. The single-storey right-hand range has an entrance doorway as its only opening. The left-hand section, which serves as a garage, contains a pair of double doors and has front walls that curve southward, running parallel with Holy Hill, along with a single doorway.

The interior has not been inspected since 2006. Historically, part of the building served as the village post office in the 20th century, with evidence of this former use including a wall-type letter box and some post office signage on the front elevation. The building has since reverted to residential use.

The Old Post Office is a notable example of a late Georgian house that was adapted for commercial use as a post office until the late 20th century. It is of special interest due to its architectural quality and contributes to the character of Westcombe Hill.