Just a short distance from Halifax, West Yorkshire’s busy town centre sits an idyillic oasis steeped in history. John Abbotts Ladies Home, the complex of Grade II listed buildings set around landscaped gardens at Skircoat Green Road is part of the Almshouses Association. There are 14 properties in all and work will commence soon to increase that to 15.

There is a real sense of communitity at John Abbotts homes and residents settle in quickly and make friends. Living in a secluded oasis such as this one takes away some of the stresses of modern living and can also help with factors such as loneliness.

To be eligible to live at John Abbotts home, ladies must already be living in the former county Borough of Halifax or in an area of the ancient Parish of Halifax. There is no rent paid as such but a monthly contribution towards maintaining, repairing and operating the site is required. Ladies are responsible for the interior of their houses and a small area of garden around it.