Seriously, moving from New Cross in South East London to the village of Wangford in Suffolk?

They couldn't be more different but that’s exactly what Cara did after falling in love with Southwold, which is just ten minutes away from this fabulous one bedroom apartment on the ground floor of this extraordinary, grade 2 listed corner building. Initially just a base to escape to from frenetic London life, the flat eventually became a full-time home as village life turned out to be vastly more appealing.

Originally housing the Post Office, the building subsequently became a local department store and thankfully the shop detailing hasn't been removed. In fact, it enhances every corner of Cara’s favourite area, the living room.

Those wonderful oversized shop windows, coupled with the amazing ceiling height, add serious drama to this room. The room itself is vast, and very bright. All that glass means light floods in during summer months but with the onset of winter, simply lower the blinds, heating on and enjoy a thoroughly cozy room; throw in the exquisite parquet flooring and you have something that is clearly a wonderfully social space.

To one side of the living area, the “kitchen in a cupboard” (and no, we haven’t seen one before either) is a lovely touch. The units – with their distressed paintwork – and built-in appliances, all disappear behind cupboard doors when not wanted.

The bedroom and adjoining bathroom are both well proportioned and enjoy the same exceptional ceiling height. They too have wonderful natural light, thanks to the oversized windows.

Outside, the flat has its own parking space, laundry room and a private store cupboard – ideal for housing all the paraphernalia that you’ll be using when you head to the beach at Southwold, which is only a short drive away.

In the walled, rear courtyard, you’ll find a private space to settle in the sun and enjoy a glass of something chilled or a morning coffee.

If you prefer a more social environment, just head a few paces across the road to  The Angel pub, or head further out and enjoy the award winning ales at The Nelson in Southwold or wonderful food at The Ship at Dunwich or The Anchor and The Bell, both in Walberswick.

“I must admit I’ll miss the walks”, Cara explains, “Reydon Woods is a must, especially in May when its famous field of bluebells is in its full glory”.