Signed, Sealed & Delivered

Victoria and Jonathan Sainsbury have rebuilt, restored and really put their stamp on this former village post office.

- Jill Shearer

The description ‘Tardis-like’ is overused when the modest first impressions of a house belie the grander dimensions within. However, it scarcely does justice to Victoria and Jonathan Sainsbury’s Dorset home. Behind the front door of this undeniably charming former post office is a sumptuous country-house interior replete with fine oil paintings, carved marble fireplaces and exquisite period furniture, yet it somehow manages to feel warm and inviting, too.

‘I’ve always liked the expression “decayed elegance”,’ says Jonathan, who runs the family furniture business started by his great-grandfather Daniel Sainsbury just over 100 years ago. ‘I love decoration, but I don’t want it to become too precious – it works best if it looks a bit lived in. Imperfections create a sense of comfort and warmth.’