Dorothea Court

Bedford

32 Park Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 2LR

0300 303 1490 dorothea@pilgrimsfriend.org.uk

About Dorothea Court

Dorothea Court is an independent living housing scheme in Bedford, providing accommodation within a community for older Christians.

With 26 flats, Dorothea Court offers individually designed and converted accommodation in our adapted Victorian houses. We have a mixture of one-bed and two-bed flats, and each flat is let by license. Those who live here are free to decorate their home as they wish.

Our apartments

All our apartments at Dorothea Court include:

Gas central heating with personal thermostat control
Shower room/bathroom or wet room
Bedroom which in some apartments is large enough for a double bed
A lounge with electricity sockets and a TV point
Some flats have a kitchen with storage cupboards and space for a cooker, fridge/freezer, and a washing machine.
Some flats have a kitchenette with simple facilities including space for a fridge/freezer and worktop appliances.

View our weekly charges

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Our community

All the flats are set around our communal gardens with shelters and summer house where those living at Dorothea can walk, sit or take part in as much or as little gardening as they would like to do.

Those who live at Dorothea Court are Christians from a range of backgrounds. There are opportunities to fellowship and worship together, along with social activities and events including special celebrations, crafting, and singing together.

Our living arrangements

Independent living

When you live independently you have both the freedom of your own independence within the comfort of a supportive community.

A place of your own: enjoy your fully self-contained apartment with your own front door and total privacy.
Maintenance-free living: with no need to worry about building upkeep or mowing the lawn, we handle all the repairs and garden care.
Flexible support: while daily personal care is not provided by the team at Dorothea Court, you are free to arrange independent, third-party care visits in your home if your needs ever change.

Assisted living

Our assisted living arrangements also allow you to stay independent, but we offer a helping hand with daily household jobs.

Fewer tasks, more freedom: you can enjoy a simpler lifestyle with weekly apartment cleaning and a full laundry service included.
Delicious communal dining: skip the cooking and enjoy fresh, home-cooked lunches alongside friendly neighbours in our dining room.
Time to live well: get the right level of practical, daily support you need so you can relax and focus on what you enjoy.

Out and about in the local area

Dorothea Court is in a lovely tree-lined avenue and sits directly opposite Bedford Park which has 64 acres of wooded walks, lakes, grass play areas, children’s play parks, tennis courts and a tearoom.

The River Ouse runs through Bedford and provides a lovely walk with beautiful flower gardens and seating where you can watch the various river birds. There are also the pleasure boats and the more energetic rowers from the nearby marina to see.

Bedford town centre is nearby and within walking distance for some but there are bus stops outside our main reception door with a regular service that takes only a few minutes to and from the bus station for the less mobile. Some buses go past the railway station and there are several taxi companies who provide an excellent service. There are regular trains going to and from London with some fast services which only take an hour.

The closest doctors’ surgery is nearby in Pemberley Avenue and there are several chemists that operate a delivery service. There is also a local grocery store and post office a short distance away, and Bedford is well served with libraries who also provide a delivery/collection service.

There are a number of local churches and many of the local pastors and church leaders support Dorothea Court with pastoral visits and taking our weekly devotions, Bible studies, and Sunday service. Some of the local churches offer activities for retired people during the week such as fellowship meals and outings which many of those who live with us take advantage of.

Meet Michael and Joan

Michael and Joan live at Dorothea Court, Bedford, and have been married for over 60 years. We found out how their love first blossomed and what has made it last.