Renovation Case Study: Tibberton Almshouses
The Tibberton Almshouses were built in 1868, endowed in trust by William Philip Price MP; landowner and owner of Tibberton Court,
āto permit the same to be forever occupied by aged or infirm (elderly, disadvantaged or disabled {where possible}) persons, inhabitants of the said Parish of Tibberton (now Tibberton, Taynton, Rudford and Highleadon, Highnam and where merit exists). Subject to the Rules and Regulations of the Charity, NO person shall be ineligible or considered a less deserving object of the Charity by reason or on account of their religious opinions.ā
There are four semi-detached one-bedroom properties in Bovone Lane Tibberton, on land donated by William Philip Price of Tibberton Court. The aims of the Trust have not materially changed since the premises were built in the 19th Century. The trustees are drawn from members of the local parish with a representative of Tibberton Court and Holy Trinity Church. Their time is given voluntarily in support of the residents.
During the 154 years since being built there have been at least 600 beneficiaries (residents) living in the properties and the objectives of the trustees are to provide homes to a ādecentā standard and to continue for as far into the future as possible the aims and objectives of our benefactor.
The renovation of No. 4 Bovone Lane began in late 2021 after receiving a generous grant of Ā£25000 from The Almshouse Association, for which we are very grateful, and a Gloucestershire County Council āBuild Back Betterā funding initiative of Ā£2000, promoted by Tibberton District County Councillor Mr Philip Robinson.
The following photographs show several ābeforeā and āafterā examples of what has been achieved.
BEFORE: Lounge with the floor being prepared for renewal; The plaster removed from the walls in preparation for insulating and coating for the reduction of rising damp
AFTER: The finished room.Walls insulated, new electrics and (led lighting), original (154-year-old) doors, carpeted and decorated throughout. LPG Central Heating provided.
Cloak room āin preparationā. The property was a two-bedroomed house, we therefore took the decision to convert it into a one-bedroom house and move the bath room from the ground floor upstairs. This gave us the opportunity to provide a cloak room on the ground floor.
Cloak room complete (All doors were the original, which were stripped and renovated).
āSome years ago, a couple I knew moved into one of the Trustās almshouses in Bovone Lane, Tibberton. I was curious, so I went to see where they were. I was struck by how well maintained they were and of the attractive and peaceful location. Little did I know that in latter years I would be fortunate enough to live in one of them. I was thrilled to be offered one of the cottages and I am really excited to be moving into No4. The Trust has worked so hard to renovate the property in keeping with its age and history. I consider myself lucky and Iām looking forward to many happy years thereā.
Chris Keen, resident
The kitchen. The kitchen provided a challenge! When the property was first built, a back boiler was installed which was heated from the kitchen (un/fortunately was blocked off some years ago) which was dismantled. New electrics, new plaster. New floor tiles.
Stair Well.
New hand rail. Carpeted throughout and safety devices fitted.
New shower room
Bedroom stripped back ready for renovations
All plaster removed from external walls and insulated. The ceiling removed and provided with insulated plaster board as well as insulation in the roof space.
The room was converted to a one bed, with fire place removed and blocked off.
ā Phew ! and here we are ā a happy band of trustees/cleaners !! ā ready to hand the fit-for-purpose almshouse over to our new resident !
Once again, the residents (beneficiaries) and trustees of Tibberton Almshouses wish to very gratefully thank the Association for their generous support to the Trust with the grant of Ā£25000 to very ably assist with the latest refurbishment of another house.
This is the third in four years (with another on the way!!!) and we could not have done it without your support and help, it would be true to say, that the Trust will have had severe difficulties in getting this far. We would also thank all our friends at āThe Lodgeā for their helpfulness and assistance.
We are very grateful for the help the Association have provided and wish to make everyone aware of it!ā
āps. At the back of the picture you can see large LPG canisters in the garden of No3. During its renovation, we provided LPG heating / hot water. On the completion of No4 we provided a large LPG tank at the back of the properties, to allow LPG to be (metered) to both properties for heating / hot water. ā
Email to The Almshouse Association from Philip Bevan, Clerk/Treasurer to the trustees of Tibberton Almshouses.