​In a world where small acts of kindness often ripple into life-changing legacies, Budleigh Salterton is about to witness one of its most heartwarming transformations.

It began in 1957, when a group of compassionate townsfolk shared a simple, beautiful idea: to create a haven for “the peace and comforting of old friends” — a sanctuary for older residents in need of care, companionship, and dignity. They purchased a modest guest house at 31 Station Road, and with vision and heart, turned it into ‘Shandford’: a home not just in name, but in spirit.

For over half a century, ‘Shandford’ was the beating heart of the community. More than a care home, it was a place where love, laughter, and friendship filled every corner. Overseen by a remarkable committee of local volunteers, neighbours became family -  shopping for residents, organising joyous outings, hosting fetes and fundraisers, and offering a constant reminder that no one in Budleigh need grow old alone.

But as times changed and challenges mounted, Shandford’s future became uncertain. In 2014, the torch passed to The Abbeyfield Society, a respected charity for older people. Yet despite heartfelt efforts, the pressures of modern care provision proved too great, and in 2020, ‘Shandford’ quietly closed its doors. For many, it felt like the end of an era.

But it wasn’t the end. It was the beginning of something new...
In true Budleigh spirit, the community rallied once more. In October 2020, a determined group of residents came together to form The Shandford Trust, vowing that the kindness and care that defined ‘Shandford’ would not be lost to history. With courage and commitment, they ensured that the proceeds from the sale of the home would remain rooted in Budleigh Salterton, dedicated to supporting older people in the place they call home.

Today, that promise is blossoming into something extraordinary...
The Shandford Trust has secured a site in the heart of Budleigh, gained planning permission, and begun preparations for three brand-new almshouses — safe, welcoming homes for older residents in need. More than bricks and mortar, these homes will be a symbol of enduring compassion, built on the same values that inspired a group of neighbours nearly seven decades ago.
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​A Celebration of Hope: Breaking New Ground in Budleigh Salterton...
On Tuesday 27th May, Budleigh Salterton marked a historic and hopeful milestone. Newly elected Mayor Penny Lewis, donning a hard hat and high-vis vest, ceremonially broke ground on the site of the town’s new almshouses — one small dig for the mayor, one significant stride towards creating much-needed homes for local people.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Digger Day’, the event was a red-letter occasion for the community. With planning permission secured and the site prepared, residents gathered to witness the first trench dug, applauding a moment that was, in every sense of the word, groundbreaking.
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Situated alongside Seachange, the town’s health and wellbeing hub, these new almshouses are due to welcome their first residents in early 2026. A testament to local spirit, heritage, and the enduring value of almshouse living, the project promises to provide not only affordable homes but a renewed sense of belonging and community connection.

​Groundbreaking!
The newly elected mayor, Penny Lewis, dons helmet and hi-viz and digs the first trench: One small step in a build, one great stride in bringing almshouses for local people to Budleigh Salterton.
 
Tuesday the 27th of May has been Digger Day, a red letter day for the project to bring almshouses for local people to Budleigh Salterton and its surrounding villages. Planning permission had been granted and the site cleared, and on Digger Day foundations were laid by the newly elected mayor, Penny Lewis, cheered on by long term volunteer supporters of the project. The day was, in every sense, groundbreaking.
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Sited next to Seachange, the health and wellbeing hub, the almshouses will receive their first residents in early 2026.
 
"I was delighted to celebrate the next phase to build the Alms Houses by The Shandford Trust, I hope residents will add their support to this worthwhile endeavour." 
​Budleigh Salterton Mayor Cllr Penny Lewis

In 1957, Budleigh Salterton residents converted a guest house at 31 Station Road into Shandford, a residential home offering care for older people of limited means. Managed by a local volunteer committee for over 50 years, it provided professional care and community support.

By 2011, facing increasing challenges, the committee sought a professional care provider. In 2012, The Abbeyfield Society took over, with agreements to maintain the home’s use and ensure any future sale would benefit local people, preserving Shandford’s original charitable purpose.

Their main purpose is to support those older people in need who live within the area of Budleigh Salterton and the villages of East Budleigh, Otterton, Colaton Raleigh and Bicton.

The Almshouse Association serves as the national support organisation for over 1,500-member almshouse charities across the UK. Dedicated to championing the almshouse movement, the Association offers comprehensive information and guidance on a wide range of issues affecting almshouses and their operations. Collectively, these member charities provide homes for approximately 36,000 residents nationwide.
 
Over time, the Association’s services have evolved to meet the changing needs of its members, now encompassing guidance manuals, policy documents, and model templates, alongside training, seminars, interest-free loans, and funding opportunities. Additionally, the Association offers a platform for members to advertise resident vacancies, exchange best practices, and share knowledge through local meetings and an active members’ forum.