People living in some of Nottingham's most historic homes have described life as "dreamlike". The Dorothy Boot Homes off Main Road in Wilford were built in 1908 for veterans of the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny, conflicts fought by the then British Empire from 1853-1856 and 1857-1859 respectively.
The 11 almshouses were a form of charitable housing for recovering troops who could make use of its clubroom and library, and were paid for by Nottingham magnate Jesse Boot, who named them after his daughter. The homes have seen internal refurbishments over the years but have not lost their charm, with a plaque proudly stating the mission of the attractive Edwardian properties.
With the veterans long gone, the almshouses have been rented out and sold, creating a unique and close-knit community among the more than 100-year-old homes. Georgina Hale, 54, who has worked for Boots for 35 years, said she had jokingly asked if she could get one of the homes for free after working for the pharmacist giant for three decades.
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"If you told me years ago, I wouldn't believe that I would be living in a place like this - it is like a dream. People have said they never knew it was here, but when they visit they're always surprised at how nice and charming it is," Ms Hale said.
"I knew a little about the history, but the games room and library have been converted now into one of the homes. I have lived here for a couple of years, we have a lovely group. It is so comforting to know your neighbours, and know they'd do anything to help you.
"I've worked for Boots for 35 years, so I said before I moved in that I should really get one of these for free. It surprisingly didn't work, though."
Boots do not own the property, with residents telling Nottinghamshire Live that BSP Holdings now manage the site, where some homes are rented and some privately owned.
Nathan Crossley, 30, a civil servant who moved into one of the homes in 2020, said: "I suppose the fact it is such a character property and that it had that sense of community you don't really get these days, is why we came here. Sharing the community garden out front made a big difference during Covid.
"We know our neighbours really well here and we go to the Ferry Inn pub together, and we've had BBQs in the communal garden. It's just a really nice place to be.
"With a Grade-II listed property though you do get some drawbacks. It looks great but in winter it gets very cold. But some things like that are just part of it."
Despite the properties' interiors being mostly revamped at some point over the last 115 years, they still have markings of their past. There are the before mentioned plaques, which outline its former purpose of housing veterans, but also characteristic high ceilings and large rooms.
Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: "It is really lovely and the people are great here. The houses are so different, with them being listed and the history is interesting.
"It is really beautiful and the communal garden is great for spending time with the neighbours. It was perfect during Covid, as we sat outside and star gazed."
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