A country estate in Lincolnshire has an opportunity for a new tenant for one of its historic almshouses.
A low cost, self sufficient community housing scheme for local people in need, almshouses have supported vulnerable people in the UK for more than a thousand years. Today, they are supported by the Almshouses Association and run on a charitable basis.
Originally built for Joseph Banks in 1729, the almshouses on Revesby Estate were built by Joseph Banks – father of famous botanist Sir Joseph Banks – to house older ‘distressed farmers’ during the 1700’s and 1800’s. Modest in size, with just one reception room and one bedroom accessible from a ladder, the houses offered valued support for the rural community.
The single-storey almshouses have been modernised with support from the Almshouses Association with a total refurbishment to include a bedroom, bathroom, and sitting room with the kitchen as an integrated side annex.
In keeping with Almshouses Association rules, Revesby Estate is now looking for an older resident currently residing in the East Lindsey area and who is in need, either financially or for health reasons, to reside in the vacant almshouse.
Peter Wiggins-Davies, from Revesby Estate, said: “This is a great opportunity for an older, local resident who is self-sufficient to reside in one of our historic and picturesque almshouses on Revesby Green. “Having a vacant dwelling of this type on the estate is a rarity, and it offers a great chance for a new occupant to be welcomed into our community.
“The almshouses are in fantastic condition and in a beautiful setting, and we’ve also made them wheelchair accessible, to help our residents live independently.”
The new almshouse occupant will abide by the rules under the Almshouses Association, which includes contributing to the weekly maintenance costs – helping with the upkeep of the dwelling and garden.
The Banks family bought Revesby Estate in 1714. Four generations of Banks – all confusingly called Joseph – played their part in developing Revesby Estate into something recognisable today.
