John Bowley House has 12 flats arranged over 3 floors with access to each floor by stairs and a lift. The flats comprise a lounge, kitchen, one (or two) bedroom(s) and a bathroom. The flats are cosy and accommodate single people or couples.

All units are fitted with a door entry system and emergency call alarms for use in emergencies. All flats have heat and smoke detectors and there is a comprehensive fire protection system.

There is a car park to the rear of the property and gardens at the front of the property which residents are welcome to help maintain.

John Bowley House is situated on Cheriton High Street, where there are local independent shops, bus stops, taxis, a launderette, community groups and churches. Age UK Folkestone is also located in Cheriton, where residents can access financial advice, social activities, help with personal care and meals on wheels.

John Bowley House

Facilities

John Bowley House

  • 12 flats (a mixture of one and two bedroom flats)

  • Communal car park
  • Communal maintained garden
  • Lift to all floors
  • Fire alarm system
  • Lifeline
  • Secure door entry system
  • Electric only flat

Typical Flat

  • Separate bathroom
  • Separate bedroom(s)
  • Lounge/kitchen or a separate lounge and kitchen

  • Smoke alarm

  • Heat detectors linked to a communal alarm
  • Economy 7 electric Storage heaters
  • electric heating for water

  • Lifeline pull cords in bathrooms

  • Stop sure switches to turn off the water

Health & Safety

  • Fixed wiring checks carried out every 5 years or when properties are vacant

  • Regular checks of the fire alarm, emergency lights, smoke/ heat detectors and sounders

  • Annual checks of the fire extinguishers and fire blankets
  • Quarterly checks of the lift
  • Annual PAT tests of the charity’s equipment

Local Amenities

  • Bus stop and train station
  • Taxis
  • Pharmacy
  • Local Shops
  • Churches
  • Laundry
  • Cafes

Resident Information

Fees/Charges

  • Weekly Maintenance Charge (rent)
  • The weekly maintenance charge (WMC) should be paid a month in advance by standing order. Residents are expected to apply for Housing Benefit to help meet this cost if applicable.
  • No deposit required
  • WMC’s increase annually on 1st April.

Utilities

  • Residents are responsible for their own electricity, water, sewage, council tax bills and contents insurance

  • Residents may qualify for a concessionary ARC TV licence instead of a full licence. The Scheme Manager applies for this annually.

Pets

  • No pets are allowed, unless permitted by the Trustees in special circumstances.
  • Well behaved dogs can visit with owners but not stay overnight.

Support

  • All residents are expected to live independently.
  • The Charity does not provide personal care, meals, transport or help with housework.
  • Almshouse residents are beneficiaries of the Charity and are not tenants. They have a licence to occupy, but no legal interest in the property, and may be asked to make other arrangements if they are no longer able to live independently.

The Scheme Manager works from home and there are no on site staff. The properties are therefore only suitable for independent people in reasonable health.

Criteria for Allocating Accommodation

  • Resident of, or having a local connection with, Folkestone

  • No pets

  • ‘In need’ – living in unsuitable accommodation

  • ‘In need’- low income or claiming housing benefit.
  • Preference may be given to a member of the Church of England