Lambourn Almshouses

Creating nine new homes through restoration and new construction

Location: Lambourn, Berkshire
Client: Lambourn Almshouse Trustees
Architect: Mathewson Waters Architects
Project: Grade II listed chapel conversion and new build extension
Practical completion: July 2026

A new chapter for a historic site

Heritage Construction worked alongside the Lambourn Almshouse Trustees and Mathewson Waters Architects to transform a former chapel and adjoining schoolhouse site into nine new apartments.

The two-year scheme combined the conversion of the Grade II listed chapel with a new build extension replacing the schoolhouse wing. Four apartments were created within the former chapel, with a further five in the new extension.

Together, these homes give the site a renewed purpose, continuing the Trustees’ work of providing housing for people in need.

Meeting the challenges of historic buildings

Restoring and adapting an existing building brings challenges that cannot always be anticipated at the outset. As work progressed at Lambourn, newly uncovered issues called for practical solutions and close collaboration between our construction team, the Trustees and their architect.

That shared commitment helped the team work through the complexities of the scheme and bring the project to practical completion in July 2026. Reflecting on the partnership, the Chairman of the Trustees said:

It was a pleasure to work with Heritage Construction on the conversion of our historic chapel into nine new almshouses. Their professionalism and expertise, combined with a sensitive and pragmatic approach, helped us preserve the building’s character while creating beautiful, comfortable homes.
Christian Noll, Chair of the Trustees, Lambourn Almshouses

Celebrating the completed homes

Residents, supporters and guests gathered for the official opening of the nine new almshouses on Saturday 10 October 2026.

Members of the Heritage Construction team were proud to join the celebrations, meet the residents and see the completed apartments become homes. The occasion marked both the conclusion of an ambitious construction project and the beginning of a new chapter for the people living there.

Continuing our work at Lambourn

Our relationship with Lambourn Almshouses continues with the reroofing and renovation of two further single-storey apartments, originally built in 1827.

This next stage carries forward the same care for the charity’s historic buildings and the residents they serve.