A Renaissance for the Almshouse, a Cause Close to Smith & Ericsson

When most people hear the word almshouse, they picture quaint brick cottages around a green from Victorian or even medieval times, built to house the elderly poor. But this centuries-old tradition has just been given a spectacular modern revival: Appleby Blue Almshouse in Bermondsey, south London, has been crowned the winner of the 2025 RIBA Stirling Prize, architecture’s most prestigious award.

Designed by Witherford Watson Mann Architects for United St Saviour’s Charity, Appleby Blue was praised as “an imaginative response to two urgent problems of our age the housing shortage and the loneliness epidemic.”

The result? A beautifully human piece of architecture. Fifty-nine light-filled flats arranged around gardens, walkways and communal spaces designed not just for living, but for connection. A kitchen window faces a neighbour’s. A garden room opens to the high street, allowing residents to watch the world go by. There’s even a rooftop vegetable patch and a cooking school open to locals.

This is not a care home. It’s a community a reimagined model of dignified, affordable housing for older people in the heart of the city.

A Tradition of Care and a Modern Mission

Almshouses have existed in Britain for more than a thousand years. Although the post-war welfare state slowed their construction, there are still 2,600 almshouses across England, housing 36,000 residents, according to the Almshouse Association. And, as Appleby Blue shows, this tradition is far from obsolete. In fact, it’s experiencing a quiet renaissance.

The Charterhouse: Continuing the Legacy

At Smith & Ericsson, we are proud to play a small but meaningful part in this enduring story through our ongoing partnership with The Charterhouse one of London’s most historic almshouses.

Set within seven acres of peaceful gardens in Clerkenwell, The Charterhouse has cared for older Londoners since 1611. Today, it continues its mission of compassion through its almshouse community and charitable foundation.

As the appointed agents for the Charterhouse's 18 privately rented properties, Smith & Ericsson help to support its property income, helping to ensure that vital funds continue to sustain the almshouse and its residents. It’s a rare and humbling privilege aligning our work in the property world with a cause rooted in humanity and heritage.

A recent study by Bayes Business School even found that a 73-year-old man entering the Charterhouse could expect to live 2.5 years longer than his socio-economic peers elsewhere, a powerful testament to the wellbeing that community living and charitable care can bring.

Compassion, Community, and the Future of Housing

At Smith & Ericsson, we believe property should serve people not the other way around. Our work with the Charterhouse reflects that philosophy: using our professional expertise to help to sustain spaces that foster community, dignity and connection.

In a city as fast-paced and competitive as London, it’s refreshing and deeply important to see architecture and charity combine in ways that remind us what “home” really means.

Find out more about the Charterhouse on this link.

If you would like to donate to the Charterhouse please click on this link.

If you are interested in renting a property in the Charterhouse please contact us at hello@smithericsson.com