Living at the College …
There are 49 self-contained units, known as cottages. These are arranged in a quadrangle with views inward across the peaceful lawns and the seclusion of the Chapel and outward onto the surrounding gardens and beyond, to the Wiltshire downs and open landscape.
A Warden is resident on the premises. She plays an important role in visiting elderly residents daily and giving them her personal attention to ensure their safety and well-being. The Warden has several years experience of caring for residents in sheltered housing schemes. Our Warden has a caring personality and organises fun events for the ladies such as frequent mini coach trips for either a half or full day which are very popular. There are also monthly Saturday trips to places chosen by the residents.
There is a rich and diverse mix of ladies living at the College - some like to adopt a more private lifestyle and some like to keep busy with social, active and creative pastimes. They can get involved in gentle keep fit mornings, coffee mornings and quizzes, writing groups, book clubs and bridge at the College.
In addition, the ladies also organise some of their own social events such as celebrations at Christmas and New Year and parties in summer and new ideas are always welcome.
“There is a friendly atmosphere here at The College. I find a warm welcome each morning I enter the quad. This is a calming, serene and tranquil place in which to work, but with plenty of lively residents and a lot going on for those who wish to join in. For those who are not 'joiners' The College simply provides a safe and secure home amongst beautiful surroundings.” (Warden)
A Steward is employed by the Trust. She visits frequently each week and will help new residents to settle in and offer help with, any queries and paperwork as required.
Cottage Facilities ...
Terraced cottage - private front door with porch and a small garden border
Ground Floor Layout : Entrance Hall, Living Room with TV and telephone point, Galley Kitchen.
First Floor Layout : Landing, Bedroom, Separate Bathroom with WC.
Each cottage has bio mass-fired central heating. Each is fitted with a 24-hour, 7-day on-call system which during the Warden’s hours of duty alerts the Warden for immediate attention and after hours will connect to a dedicated call service.
Each cottage is fully re-decorated before each new resident takes up occupancy.Communal Facilities ...
These include –
Laundries with modern appliances.
Mature, walled gardens with fruit trees and secluded areas for relaxing and reading and with outdoor seating, dining and BBQ area.
The quadrangle surrounding the Chapel comprises an enclosed lawn with outdoor seating.
Small allotment plots for plant, fruit and vegetable cultivation.
Historic Chapel for the use of residents and visitors, with Sunday Service and Special Services throughout the year.
Guest Flat for visitors.
Drop-in Room for chats with the Warden and visits from Hairdresser.
Social meeting room with library (and kitchen) for reading, hobbies, meetings or social gatherings.
On site car-parking.
Facilities in the Village and Nearby ...
Froxfield has a popular pub “The Pelican Inn” which provides reasonably priced, good food and B&B rooms.
Within easy walking distance of the College, residents and visitors can enjoy open countryside and canal-side walks. (The Kennet & Avon Canal)
The College is situated on the A4 which is on a bus route into the historic market towns of Hungerford and Marlborough.
Hungerford (2 miles) has a train service into London Paddington, interesting gift shops, an antiques arcade, supermarkets, a popular Garden centre, a public leisure centre. Special attractions include the Victorian Christmas Evening. Also nearby is the historic Littlecote House where visitors can enjoy the ancient house and gardens and where there is a private leisure club with swimming pool.
Marlborough (8 miles) features a number of tea/coffee shops, fashion boutiques, gift shops, bookshops, library, supermarkets and a public leisure centre. Concerts, events and annual festivals include Marlborough Jazz Festival and Local Artists Open Studios. Summer School courses at world famous Marlborough College are always a popular attraction for visitors, as is the 17th Century Merchant’s House, Gift Shop & Museum.
There is also a frequent taxi service with friendly local drivers.
The Duchess of Somerset's Hospital
Froxfield,
Marlborough,
Wiltshire,
SN8 3LA
Reg. Charity No. 202650