News & Projects
Two more homes for Warmington
An extraordinary act of generosity has given the Trust an opportunity to increase the number of almshouses in Warmington from three to five.
It started with a remarkable offer
In June 2025, a villager noticed that 1 Church Lane was for sale. Knowing that Warmington Almshouses Charitable Trust was looking for opportunities to provide more almshouses to meet local need, they recognised the potential of a house immediately next to the existing almshouses.
They subsequently approached the Trust with an extraordinary proposal: to donate the money needed to purchase the property.
“This extremely generous donor wishes to remain anonymous.”
The Trust has now purchased 1 Church Lane, creating a unique opportunity to provide two additional affordable homes for local people who are unable to afford to remain in the village, often because of circumstances beyond their control.
3 → 5
The opportunity to create two additional almshouses.
Now we need your help
Buying the property was only the beginning. The house now needs to be converted into two separate almshouses, and the Trust needs the support of the community to make that happen.
We are seeking financial donations as well as volunteers who can contribute professional expertise, practical skills or labour to help deliver the project.
What needs to be done?
The existing three-bedroom house needs significant work to create two comfortable, energy-efficient homes.
Energy efficiency
Insulating the external walls, floor and roof so the property can meet future Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for Social Housing.
Two homes
Modifying the layout of the existing property so that it can operate as two separate almshouses.
Services
Separating and upgrading the electrical systems and installing new central heating for both parts of the property.
The internal conversion
- Creating a bedroom and shower room from the existing bathroom, larder and attached outhouse.
- Creating a new kitchen.
- Renovating the existing wet room.
- Re-wiring to separate the internal electrics.
- Installing new central heating in both parts of the property.
Why community support matters
The Trust still has more than £40,000 of loan debt arising from the major refurbishment of the existing three almshouses in 2008. Unlike many almshouse charities, WACT does not have an endowed capital fund.
The charity is run entirely by volunteers from the village. Its regular income comes from contributions made by residents, which the Trust has sought to keep well below market rents and the Local Housing Allowance.
The Trust is applying for grants towards the conversion, but we do not expect grant funding alone to cover all of the work needed. Community support will therefore play an important part in turning 1 Church Lane into two new homes.
Can you contribute skills or expertise?
We do not expect professionals to provide their expertise or labour entirely free of charge. However, help provided on favourable terms can make a significant difference to what the Trust can achieve.
Where the Trust does pay for work, we would particularly like that expenditure to support people and businesses within the local community wherever practical.
Help us create two more homes for Warmington
Whether you can offer practical help, professional expertise or make a financial contribution, your support can help turn this opportunity into two new homes.