The Manuden Almshouse Trust in Essex has handed the keys to a new family home following the successful purchase of two brand-new properties in Manuden Village.
James, Georgia and their daughter Lily-Rae were delighted to receive the keys to their new home, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the family and the historic almshouse charity.
The purchase follows a long-term project that began in 2013, when the Trust took the difficult decision to sell its original Grade II listed almshouses at 45 to 53 The Street, Manuden. The buildings were beyond economic repair for the charity, and the funds from their sale were carefully invested until a suitable opportunity became available within the village.
That opportunity came through a new development at Narley Field Road. Under a Section 106 Agreement, the two new homes form part of the affordable housing provision for the development, allowing the Trust to continue its charitable purpose of providing homes for local people.
The remaining Trustees, Matthew Hardy and Julian Eustace, have overseen the project through to its successful conclusion before handing over the management of the Manuden Almshouse Trust to Legacy East Almshouse Partnership (LEAP).
Matthew Hardy said: “It is wonderful to see this project finally come to fruition and to be able to provide a new home for James, Georgia and Lily-Rae. After such a long journey, seeing a young family receive the keys and begin their life together here in Manuden makes it all worthwhile.”
James and Georgia, both in their early 20s, had been living with their young daughter in a single room at a friend’s home while waiting to reach the top of the housing list. With another baby due in December, the opportunity to move into their own home could not have come at a better time.
The countryside location and limited transport links meant the homes were not as popular as other affordable housing options, but for Georgia and her family, Manuden was the perfect location. Her mother lives in the neighbouring village, allowing the family to remain close to their support network.
James works as a tree surgeon and landscape gardener, while Georgia is a full-time mum. Their new home has two double bedrooms, a spacious kitchen and dining area, a large lounge, ground-floor cloakroom and bathroom. Designed for modern living, it also benefits from solar panels and an all-electric energy system.
Julian Eustace said: “The original almshouses had been part of Manuden for many years, so it was important to us that the charity could continue to provide homes within the village. We are delighted that the Trust’s assets have been reinvested in a way that secures its future and enables another generation of local people to benefit.”
Management of the Manuden Almshouse Trust has now passed to Legacy East Almshouse Partnership (LEAP), which manages 18 charities across East Anglia and provides homes for more than 80 residents aged from one to 90.
The successful completion of the project ensures that the Manuden Almshouse Trust can continue its long-standing charitable purpose while providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes for local people well into the future.
posted 14 September 2026