The Ogilvie Almshouses are a terrace of 20 cottages situated in spacious grounds and having extensive views over the countryside. Although they were built in the early 20th century, they have been modernised and well maintained by the Trustees of the Ogilvie Charities, who administer them. They are registered with the Charity Commission and the Regulator of Social Housing.
The accommodation in each ‘House comprises of a sitting room, kitchen and bathroom with lavatory on the ground floor, and a lavatory and two bedrooms on the first floor. There is a communal reading room and TV room, with library facilities situated at the centre of the terrace.
Central heating by radiators, and domestic hot water to the sinks and baths is supplied throughout the houses. Mains water and sewerage facilities are connected also and electricity is distributed to each property through a central meter.
The properties offer, therefore, self-contained, unfurnished, ‘sheltered’ housing accommodation to people whose ages in the main are above those of normal retirement. These are not Residential Homes for older people or Nursing homes, and residents, on admission are expected to be able to care for their homes and themselves. They enjoy the added security of a Scheme Manager who is responsible for exercising a general and unobtrusive supervision of their well-being. A further explanation of the Scheme Manager’s responsibilities will be given to applicants before it is decided whether they are to be offered and accept accommodation at the ‘Houses. There is an audio alarm system linking each house and the reading room to the Scheme Manager. When she is off duty the alarm call system is switched over to Central Control who monitor the system in her absence.
No restrictions are placed on visits by relatives and friends, who are encouraged to call on the residents whenever they wish, and to give them whatever assistance they require. In addition, it is hoped that the medical, nursing and Social Services will always be made available to people living in the Houses, in exactly the same way as to others whose homes are elsewhere in the local community. Nevertheless, and regrettably, it has to be said that in the best interests of all concerned, the Trustees must reserve the right to require any resident to find other, more suitable, accommodation and leave the ‘Houses, if he or she suffers from an infirmity or illness of a kind which could not normally be coped with in one’s own home with the help described above, or whose behaviour becomes a serious threat to the safety or enjoyment of other residents.
Enquiries have been made from time to time about the keeping of pets on the premises. The Ogilvie Charities policy is to allow beneficiaries to keep pets in exceptional circumstances only.
