The Almshouse Association Royal Vice Patron, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, officially opened two significant almshouse developments, highlighting the enduring value of community-led housing.
In Ottery St Mary, the new Feoffee Rise development marks the latest chapter in the Ottery Feoffee Charity’s remarkable 600-year history, providing high-quality, affordable homes for local residents.
Meanwhile, in Budleigh Salterton, The Shandford Trust celebrated the opening of the town’s first-ever almshouses and the first new almshouse charity established in the UK in 50 years.
CEO Nick Phillips said
“These royal visits have been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate two exceptional examples of community-led housing in action. Both Feoffee Rise in Ottery St Mary and the new almshouses developed by The Shandford Trust in Budleigh Salterton demonstrate the incredible impact that dedicated local charities, trustees, volunteers and supporters can have in addressing housing need.
Meeting residents and seeing first-hand the difference these homes are making reinforces why the almshouse model remains so relevant today. These developments provide not only affordable, high-quality housing, but also security, independence, and a strong sense of community.
We are grateful to our Royal Vice Patron, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester for recognising the vital contribution of almshouse charities and helping to shine a spotlight on what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared vision. We hope these inspiring projects encourage more people across the UK to support and establish new almshouse charities for future generations.”
These projects demonstrate how local charities, dedicated trustees, volunteers and supporters can work together to create secure, affordable homes that help people remain independent within their communities.
As housing challenges continue to grow, these inspiring developments show what can be achieved when communities invest in long-term, sustainable solutions.
The picture shows The Duke of Gloucester (second left), Royal Vice-Patron of The Almshouse Association, officially opened the new Feoffee Rise almshouse development in Ottery St Mary yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the charity’s nearly 600-year history.
Accompanied by Mrs Mary Quicke MBE (left), Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, Willie Hartley Russell (second right), Chair of The Almshouse Association, and Nick Phillips (right), Chief Executive of The Almshouse Association, His Royal Highness was introduced to local dignitaries, including Vicky Johns (centre), Mayor of Ottery St Mary.
posted 22 June 2026