In a world where getting on the property ladder feels increasingly out of reach, more women are rethinking what “home” really means.
For writer Claire Weekes, letting go of the pressure to buy has brought a new kind of freedom – one rooted in choice, not compromise. And for others, like teaching assistant Catherine Turner, that freedom has taken the form of something unexpected: an almshouse.
These centuries-old charitable homes, once thought of as a last resort, are being rediscovered as a modern solution to affordable housing, offering stability and a genuine sense of community. With demand for alternative housing on the rise, almshouses are quietly proving that security doesn’t have to come with a mortgage.
“The building is beautiful and there’s a great sense of community here. It feels like a home for life.” — Catherine Turner
Read Claire Weekes’ full article in Woman & Home [here]. Our thanks to Woman & Home for kindly providing us with a copy to share.
posted 30 October 2025