The Chapel Site Project in Lambourn
Lambourn, nestled in rural West Berkshire, continues to face a growing need for affordable homes, especially for older residents and those on limited incomes. For more than five centuries, Lambourn Almshouses, founded in 1502, have provided safe, comfortable homes at the heart of the village.
In 2019, the trustees took an exciting step forward by acquiring the redundant Methodist Chapel and its adjoining site, located right beside the existing almshouses. This presented a rare chance to preserve a much-loved historic building while addressing today’s housing challenges. Working closely with an architect, the trustees developed a sensitive scheme that honours the Grade II listed chapel and its surroundings, blending heritage preservation with the needs of modern living.
The finished development will comprise nine new homes; four apartments within the beautifully converted chapel and five new-build almshouses designed in a complementary style. Each home is being built to high standards of comfort, sustainability and energy efficiency. The entire site will run on electricity only, supported by rooftop solar panels to generate renewable energy – an important move towards carbon neutrality.
This £2.2 million project has been made possible through the generosity of individual donors, charitable foundations, the local community and the specialist support of Charity Bank, whose financing has been instrumental in making the vision a reality.
Despite the complexities of restoring and adapting a listed building, construction is progressing well, with completion expected in early 2026. The trustees have now begun the process of selecting new residents.
More than 160 years after their last major building project, Lambourn Almshouses are once again expanding to meet the community’s needs, continuing a proud tradition of care that began over 500 years ago.
For more information, visit www.lambournalmshouses.org
posted 10 November 2025