Almshouses were established from the 10th century in Britain to provide a place of residence for poor, aged and distressed people. In Aynho, there are eight village almshouses, dating from 1822, located at the junction of Butts Close and Bowmens Lea (OX17 3AQ). Our Bicentenary has been celebrated.
The almshouses are a terraced row of houses with a central archway, all within a secure outer perimeter stone wall with front and back access gates. Each house consists of a ground floor – living room and kitchen – and a first floor of bedroom and bath/shower room. The houses have central heating. Each house has a stone built shed at the rear with power and water, and a garden at the front. Residents provide their own furniture and furnishings.
The houses are managed, maintained and decorated by the Charity Trustees, who are residents of Aynho.
Residents pay a weekly maintenance charge (almshouse version of rent), which is set at a very reasonable level and approximately 50% of the equivalent fair rents for other rental properties (as assessed by the Local Council). In addition to the weekly maintenance charge residents pay their own council tax and utility charges.
The houses are dwellings designed for a single person – usually of age 50 and above – for both men and women who demonstrate both a need for an almshouse and a connection to Aynho (e.g. family or have lived/worked in the village or nearby). Trustees will consider applicants who do not have the connection when they have a vacancy they cannot ordinarily fill.
Residents must be able to live independently, although the Trustees may offer some support if required. Unfortunately, the almshouses are not suitable for a resident who requires a mobility scooter, or a wheelchair.
Currently there are no vacancies; a list of interested applicants is maintained but the Trustees actively seek new expressions of interest.
For more information including the application process please contact the trustees at 01869 810847/810418.