The Trust

Almshouse Mural carving

The Trust manages two groups of Grade 2 listed almshouses which are conveniently located in the centre of Winchcombe, close to all the amenities of the town and public transport.

• Dent’s Almshouses, built in 1865, are a row of ten cottages off Abbey Terrace, each with two bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom.
• Chandos Flats , dating from 1573, are  just off Mill Lane and offers ten self-contained studio flats and one larger one bedroom flat. These flats were refurbished in 2017-18 and the Almshouse Association awarded the Trust the coveted Patron’s award in 2019 for providing suitable modern accommodation while preserving the features of a listed building.

The Trust offers accommodation to people of limited means and good character who live in the area.  Preference is given to those who live in the Parish of Winchcombe.  Appointments are made without prejudice to the interests of the existing residents.  Residents of Dent’s Terrace are normally over 55 years of age. 

Almshouses fall outside the provisions of the Housing Act 1996.  If you live in an almshouse, you are known as a resident or beneficiary.  You sign a Letter of Appointment, not a Tenancy Agreement.  Instead of paying rent, residents pay a Monthly Maintenance Charge.  Residents are expected to live as part of the almshouse community, respecting the needs of their neighbours.

A resident who ceases to qualify to live in an almshouse will be asked to leave.  This very rarely happens, but could occur, for example if they receive a large inheritance; behave in a manner which is detrimental to the peace and security of the other residents; or if they need a level of care that cannot be met in their home.  The Trust does not provide any form of personal care, nor does it provide wardens on site.

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee and live in the Winchcombe area, please complete  the contact form and we will arrange an informal discussion. 

Trustees