With 2,500 post offices set to close by 2009 due to rising losses, the upside is some will be converted for residential use.
One former post office (that also was a pub for the best part of 200 years) currently for sale is the Old Post Office in Ewhurst, Surrey.
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Known as the Bulls head public house until the early 1900s, the building was turned into the local post office until its conversion to a residential property in the Forties.
The charming Grade II-listed property dating back to the 16th century in the heart of the village, with a part timber-framed exterior, flagstone floor and wide Inglenook fireplace, is on the market at £950,000 through Browns Estate Agents in Cranleigh (01483 267070; www.brownsestateagents.com).
Other features include colour washed brickwork, fish-scale and club pattern tile hanging on the first floor, a partly vaulted sitting room and a drawing room for more formal entertaining. There is also a study/games room converted from the former beer cellar, kitchen/breakfast room, main bedroom suite and three further double bedrooms.
The enclosed cottage gardens offer a small swimming pool, pool house and various outbuildings, including a garage and workshop.
