The charity behind an historic almshouse in Stoneleigh is reaching out to local "needy" people as it looks to fill one of its vacant homes.

Trustees of the Dame Alice Leigh Almshouse are currently inviting applications for the one-bedroom house in the village centre which dates back to the 16th century.

One of ten sandstone terraced houses maintained by the charity, the current vacancy is available to anybody of retirement age, who has a genuine need for almshouse housing and is capable of living independently.

Preference will be given to residents who live in, or have connections to the parish of Stoneleigh or Warwickshire in general.

Bev Davis, clerk of the trustees, told Nub News: "What we do is we collect in all the application form.

"The trustees then look at them and merit them on who they think are the most needy. Then they shortlist for interviews.

"The applicants then come for an interview with myself taking notes and the trustees doing the interview.

"And then from all the information they've got on the forms and from the interview, they then make their decision as to who they're going to offer it to.

"They look for obviously the most needy person."

A brief history

The village-centre almshouse dates back to 1579 when Sir Thomas Leigh and his wife Dame Alice willed the money for the homes to be built.

Originally the homes were established for the five poorest men and five poorest women of Stoneleigh.

The original residents - who first moved in, in 1594 - were all unmarried, had to attend church on Saturday, Sunday and holy days, and attended a quarterly sermon preached by the local vicar.

The vicar was even paid by the almshouse to keep tabs on which residents were attending church or not.

Residents originally received a shilling a week.

The row of almshouses was built on the site of three cottages and were encased in locally-quarried red sandstone 18 years later.

Each was built with one room upstairs and one down, with a shared garden to the rear.

The ten units of the grade II listed building are separated by timber-framed cross wall partitions.

The dormer windows are very distinctive, as are the tall chimney stacks.

Over the centuries, the rules did change to allow couples and families to live in the almshouses, with records showing families with multiple children all living in the two rooms of one property.

More recently, an outhouse was built in the communal garden which is used for storage by the occupants.

The current Lord Leigh is the honorary patron of the charity.

And while the building has stood in the centre of Stoneleigh for 450 years, Bev said it is "amazing" how few people locally know the almshouse exists.

A 21st century arrangement

The Dame Alice Leigh Almshouse charity is regulated by the Charity Commission and residents are appointed as beneficiaries of the charity.

A team of trustees helps run the charity, and day to day management of the building is delegated to the clerk.

Each residence is unfurnished, but comes carpeted, with electric storage heaters, a cooker, fridge, washing machine and a TV point.

The charity pays for water rates, BT line rental, alarms and all communal electricity, with the residents paying a weekly maintenance fee which is far below the market rate for renting a house locally.

The charity also maintains the fabric and services to the building and its grounds.

"The Dame Alice Leigh Almshouse charity provides housing for people in need, in accordance with its governing document," the charity said.

"The charity's entry criteria are that applicants shall be needy, of retirement age, capable of independent living and have a genuine requirement of almshouse housing.

"Preference is given to applicants who live in Stoneleigh or have a connection with the locality.

"When appointing new residents, the needs of the existing community of residents will be taken into account."

The need for the residents to be able to live independently is also stressed.

While many of the residents do have carers who come to see them on a daily or weekly basis, the charity does not provide full-time care or support for its residents.

Bev explained: "We don't look after or care for the residents, but I call on them at least once a month.

"If they've got any issues or they need any help with anything, I just help them whenever I can.

"But we don't have carers and we don't have anybody on site.

"So it's not like sheltered accommodation where you've got like a warden or a manager.

"So it's very much, they are left to themselves because we want them to maintain their independence as long as they can!

"They don't want me interfering in anything they're doing."

The current vacancy

When talking to Nub News, Bev was keen to stress that the charity does not keep waiting lists, and that whenever a vacancy comes up, it is given to whomever is the most needy applicant at the time.

It is not a first-come-first-served system, and all applications are all considered on their merit.

"We have all sorts of people living here," Bev said.

"They're all absolutely wonderful.

"Everyone gets on with everyone.

"We want everyone to be able to live here quite comfortably and not have to worry.

"If they do have any financial concerns though, they are able to speak to me and we can help signpost them to more support."

The property is also currently being refurbished, with new paintwork, a new kitchen, a new bathroom, new electrics and new carpets all being fitted.

While the almshouses were originally built for individuals, they can also accommodate couples.

And encouraging people to apply, Bev continued: "Some people are [too proud] - I think it's the fact of the needy part of it.

"Some people might feel that they've maybe got too much money, but again, depending on circumstances, we don't know their financial background until they're filled in that application form.

"So you might have two people that are working, for example, but their situation is they have nowhere to live because the home comes with the work, and the house and all that is all connected.

"The trustees will consider applications from other people.

"I think there are some proud people that would never even think of applying.

"The properties can have married couples, couples, or single people. They don't have to be married."

Anyone wishing to apply for the property should contact Bev Davis, clerk of the trustees, for further information. Tel: 07790064329 or via email: [email protected]

Applications are to be submitted by the end of July.