Welcome to Abbeyfield South Downs

Enjoy independence, friendship and support in our houses

At Abbeyfield South Downs we offer a peaceful, friendly atmosphere in six sheltered houses for older people. Our mission is about making life a little easier for our tenants while helping combat loneliness among older people.

We offer company, support, safety, good nutrition and independence – all in a homely environment, without the worry of maintaining a home. As a tenant, you will enjoy as much company or privacy as you like, with the freedom to come and go as you wish.

We make it easy for you to live the retirement lifestyle that suits you. 

Our history

Abbeyfield South Downs came into existence in 2011 and was a merger of the then Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne and Sussex Weald Abbeyfield Societies. An integral part of the process was the donation of a further property from the national Abbeyfield Society.

In 2016, the Tunbridge Wells Society joined us and then in 2017, the Alfriston & District Society passed their house to us. In 2019, building work began on the redevelopment of our Holdenhurst site in Heathfield. We opened the doors to Holdenhurst in 2022 with a launch event where we buried a time capsule underneath the iconic monkey puzzle tree. In 2023, we assumed responsibility for properties from the Abbeyfield Worthing Society.  

The values and charitable objects of Abbeyfield South Downs are rooted in those of Richard Carr-Gomm, the noted 20th-century social reformer, who recognised and sought to address the impact of loneliness and isolation on individuals.

Our houses maintain a fundamental purpose that reflects Richard Carr-Gomm’s original approach. Our services are designed to provide a balance of privacy and company, as desired, by providing contact with others in a partly shared environment.