ACCOMMODATION

St. Scholastica's Retreat is an Almshouse that provides housing for Roman Catholics of limited means who are aged 60 years or over.

Set in the Buckinghamshire market town of Princes Risborough, St. Scholastica's Retreat consists of 36 self-contained flats on ground and first floors, accommodated in 10 detached houses of two or four flats, each flat having its own private front door entrance to the street.

In addition there is a Warden's house and a Community Building which includes a Guest Suite for residents to use for their short stay visitors.

Each flat comprises a living room, double bedroom, kitchen and a bathroom with shower. Outside, the flats have their own bin store and back onto Communal Gardens which are maintained by the Trust.

KITCHEN

SHOWER

LIVING ROOM

BEDROOM

Residents pay a monthly maintenance contribution (at present £579.67 per month). Residents also pay their own electricity (there is no gas supply), phone bills and council tax (Buckinghamshire County Council - 2022/23: £1,627.32 less 25% for single occupancy). The Maintenance Contribution and Council Tax may both qualify for Housing Benefit if the applicant meets the relevant conditions. Both the Warden and Deputy Warden live on site and one of them is on call 24 hours a day. Each flat has an emergency call button which is connected to whichever of them is on duty.

OUT & ABOUT

Princes Risborough is an attractive small market town in Buckinghamshire. It is about 9 miles south of Aylesbury and 8 miles north of High Wycombe, both of which have highly regarded theatres, cinemas and extensive shopping facilities. It lies at the foot of the stunning Chiltern Hills. The town itself has a good selection of shops including 3 supermarkets, post office, library, chemist, doctors, dentist and numerous coffee shops.

There are excellent rail links to both London Marylebone and Birmingham - www.chilternrailways.co.uk - together with a good local bus service.

In keeping with Elizabeth Harrison's original intention, The Retreat is within easy walking distance to the Catholic church. We are in the parish of St.Teresa of the Child Jesus ( Diocese of Northampton ) and have our own parish priest, Father Lijo Jose MSFS, and daily Mass. There are a number of parish groups. The church is only a few minutes' walk away and its dome and cross can be seen from many of the flats.

Further information can be found by visiting st-teresas.org.uk

The town has many local organisations and clubs that always welcome new members. Walking groups regularly meet to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. There are numerous leisure facilities including Risborough Springs Swim and Fitness Centre, the Tennis and Bowls club all within walking distance. There is a market held in the town every Thursday - the right to hold a weekly market was granted by King Henry VIII in 1523! The Annual Town Festival, established in 1996, is traditionally held during the first full week of July. The Festival committee also arrange the Christmas Lights evening when the town's festive lights are formally switched on. For further information about Princes Risborough, its surroundings and organisations within it, please visit - www.princesrisborough.com

St. Scholastica's Retreat

An Independent & Caring Catholic Community