Question 1

How much does it cost to live at Freemen’s Holt?

Accepted Answer

Residents pay a weekly maintenance contribution (WMC) to the Charity, this done via a monthly standing order with the bank. The WMC for a standard bungalows equates to £180.00 a month. The WMC for an extended bungalow equates to £250 a month. These are the current WMC charges and these are reviewed annually.
Residents are required to pay the utility bills and council tax.

Question 2

Who is eligible to live at Freemen’s Holt?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible to live at Freemen’s Holt:
A single person must be a Hereditary Freeman of the City of Leicester, a Freeman’s widow or widower. 
Couples must be married.
One of the couple must be a Hereditary Freeman of the City of Leicester.

Question 3

What facilities are on the estate?

Accepted Answer

There is a community centre, which all residents are welcome to use anytime. The community centre is used to hold meetings, coffee mornings, social events and residents have also used it for celebrations. Is has a small library with books, DVD’s and puzzles. At the back of the community centre there is laundry room with a coin operated tumble dryer. We have a small ‘workshop’ where residents can pursue craft hobbies. The estate has a boundary along the River Soar and we has a small picnic and fishing area next to the river.

Question 4

Can I have a cat or dog?

Accepted Answer

Dogs and cats are not allowed. Other pets may not be kept without the written consent of the Board of Deputies. Visitors who bring dogs onto the estate must keep them under strict control and clean up after their pets.

Question 5

Can my family and friends come and visit me?

Accepted Answer

Permission must be sought form the Deputies for visitors to stay overnight in the bungalows. However, there is guest accommodation above the office, two twin rooms, and the cost is £30 per night.
Other than overnight stays, residents can have as many visitors as they wish and do not need to seek any permission for them.

Question 6

Do the bungalows have set parking spaces?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no set parking spaces, but there are ample parking spaces on the estate.

Question 7

Can resident decorate the bungalows?

Accepted Answer

Yes, residents are welcome to decorate the bungalow to their own tastes.

Question 8

What are residents responsible for in terms of maintenance?

Accepted Answer

1.   The Deputies undertake to carry out all maintenance and repairs to the bungalow.
 
2.   Residents are responsible for internal re-decoration, floor coverings, curtains, blinds, light fittings, light shades, oven, hob and all white goods. 
 
3.   Residents are not allowed to make any structural alteration to the bungalows, nor alter the plumbing or electrical installation. No shelves, cupboards, locks or fittings shall be fixed or removed, nor shall any alteration be made to any room or its fittings without the prior consent of the Board of Deputies.
 
4.   Residents are expected to keep their bungalow clean and tidy and avoid storing excess items liable to cause obstruction, slips, trips, falls or a fire hazard.

Question 9

Do the bungalows have gardens?

Accepted Answer

Each bungalow has a rear block paved patio; some also have a front patio, which residents are welcome to make use of. Many have potted plants, which we encourage. These patio areas are the responsibility of the resident to maintain, but the Board does have the block paving cleaned periodically. The estate also has allotments which residents can rent for £5 per year.

Question 10

Is there a Doctor’s surgery, dentist and chemist close by to Freemen’s Holt?"

Accepted Answer

We have two large Doctor’s surgeries and a chemist within a short walking distance and a dentist a short drive away.

Question 11

Are there any shops close by to Freemen’s Holt?

Accepted Answer

We have a small Co-op and Tesco Express and Aldi within a short walking distance. Fosse Park, the large out of town shopping centre, is less than two miles away and on a local bus route.  There is also a local off-license with a Post Office counter within a short walking distance.

Question 12

Is there any public transport close by to Freemen’s Holt?

Accepted Answer

There are several bus routes, which go to Leicester City Centre, which is a short trip away, the bus stops are within a short walking distance from Freemen’s Holt. There an outer circular bus route which goes around the outskirts of Leicester. There is also a ‘Dial a Ride’ bus service which can collect you from Freemen’s Holt and take you to Leicester City Centre, Fosse Park and other shopping centres.

Question 13

When do staff work and what happens when they are not there?

Accepted Answer

Staff are at Freemen’s Holt during office hours, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, except bank holidays. Outside of office hours  a housing association monitor the estate remotely and deal with any problems, they can call in plumbers, electricians, roofers etc. and also your family or emergency services if needed.

A historic Leicestershire community dating back to 1107

FAQ's