A Legacy Reimagined: New almshouses rise from the heart of Budleigh’s Historic ‘Shandford’

In a world where small acts of kindness often ripple into life-changing legacies, Budleigh Salterton is about to witness one of its most heartwarming transformations.

It began in 1957, when a group of compassionate townsfolk shared a simple, beautiful idea: to create a haven for “the peace and comforting of old friends” – a sanctuary for older residents in need of care, companionship, and dignity. They purchased a modest guest house at 31 Station Road, and with vision and heart, turned it into ‘Shandford’: a home not just in name, but in spirit.

For over half a century, ‘Shandford’ was the beating heart of the community. More than a care home, it was a place where love, laughter, and friendship filled every corner. Overseen by a remarkable committee of local volunteers, neighbours became family –  shopping for residents, organising joyous outings, hosting fetes and fundraisers, and offering a constant reminder that no one in Budleigh need grow old alone.

But as times changed and challenges mounted, Shandford’s future became uncertain. In 2014, the torch passed to The Abbeyfield Society, a respected charity for older people. Yet despite heartfelt efforts, the pressures of modern care provision proved too great, and in 2020, ‘Shandford’ quietly closed its doors. For many, it felt like the end of an era.

But it wasn’t the end. It was the beginning of something new.

In true Budleigh spirit, the community rallied once more. In October 2020, a determined group of residents came together to form The Shandford Trust, vowing that the kindness and care that defined ‘Shandford’ would not be lost to history. With courage and commitment, they ensured that the proceeds from the sale of the home would remain rooted in Budleigh Salterton, dedicated to supporting older people in the place they call home.

Today, that promise is blossoming into something extraordinary.

The Shandford Trust has secured a site in the heart of Budleigh, gained planning permission, and begun preparations for three brand-new almshouses — safe, welcoming homes for older residents in need. More than bricks and mortar, these homes will be a symbol of enduring compassion, built on the same values that inspired a group of neighbours nearly seven decades ago.

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association said: “This is a pivotal moment for the almshouse movement — one of the UK’s oldest forms of charitable housing. For over 1,000 years, almshouses have provided affordable homes rooted in community and care. Today, they are experiencing a renaissance, driven by clear evidence of their positive impact on residents’ well-being, community cohesion, and public services. This growing recognition is inspiring almshouse charities to build more homes as well as new almshouse charities being established, proving that this ‘timeless housing model offers timely solutions for modern housing challenges.”

A Celebration of Hope: Breaking New Ground in Budleigh Salterton

On Tuesday 27th May, Budleigh Salterton marked a historic and hopeful milestone. Newly elected Mayor Penny Lewis, donning a hard hat and high-vis vest, ceremonially broke ground on the site of the town’s new almshouses — one small dig for the mayor, one significant stride towards creating much-needed homes for local people.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Digger Day’, the event was a red-letter occasion for the community. With planning permission secured and the site prepared, residents gathered to witness the first trench dug, applauding a moment that was, in every sense of the word, groundbreaking.

Situated alongside Seachange, the town’s health and wellbeing hub, these new almshouses are due to welcome their first residents in early 2026. A testament to local spirit, heritage, and the enduring value of almshouse living, the project promises to provide not only affordable homes but a renewed sense of belonging and community connection.

Chris Davis, Chairman of The Shandford Trust commented: “Helping local people to stay in their community in their later years is a real challenge, especially in property hot spots such as Budleigh Salterton.   We are delighted to be contributing to the solution, but there is so much more to do!”

And…..this is just the start

Almshouses satisfy a small but vital proportion of the charitable housing need.  With a sizable social housing waiting list in Budleigh and its villages for older generations, the value of further almshouses is clear.  After all, each almshouse occupied by the older generation moves younger applicants further up the main social housing list.

At their heart, almshouses deliver lasting value – strengthening communities, supporting government objectives, and offering those in need the chance to live well, with dignity and purpose.

posted 5 June 2025