An old Whitstable shop is up for sale for the first time in more than 150 years.

Formerly home to WJ Cox printworks and stationers, established in 1863, the High Street premises was a familiar spot to buy newspapers, stationery and tobacco. In its heyday, shoppers would have picked up the highly-regarded ‘WJ Cox’s guide to Whitstable and its surroundings’, which was published in 1876.

More recently it has been home to an art gallery.

Now for sale with agent Christopher Hodgson is the entire three-storey premises. The guide price of £575,000 includes a retail space on the ground floor and office spaces and cloakroom above.

There is also a 50ft courtyard.

Will Roalfe, of Christopher Hodgson, said: “Formerly home to WJ Cox printworks and stationers, this building has been sympathetically renovated to provide a modern space while retaining a wealth of period character.

“We have been informed by the seller that the property has not been sold since 1863.”

The property is offered for sale as a freehold commercial premises, with vacant possession on completion. There may be potential for an extension and to convert the upper floors to residential use.

The address, at No 37, High Street, Whitstable means the shop is close to good restaurants, the seafront and bus routes.

It is a short walk away from the town’s fashionable Harbour Street.

Whitstable’s mainline railway station has frequent services to London’s Victoria station, with the journey taking 80 minutes. The high speed Javelin service provides access to London St Pancras with a journey time of 73 minutes.

For information ring the agent on 01227 266441