The Cottages

Armstrong Hall is the heart of our campus. Centrally located between the Green and Shafer Patio, it is where so many happy occasions are celebrated. It accommodates not only the dining room where daily meals are served, but a pleasant lounge area where residents can relax. The room with its welcoming fireplace is always beautifully decorated for the Holidays and many delicious meals have been enjoyed here as well as Christmas tree trimming parties, birthday celebrations and so much more.

Armstrong Hall is named after its benefactor, Miss Katherine Armstrong of Portland, Oregon whose generous bequest in 1951 enabled it to be built.

The history of The British Home started here, with the formal opening ceremony of Shafer Cottage on September 22, 1931, presided over by Sir John Adams, Consul-General of Great Britain. So great was the attention this event generated that an additional wing was promptly added to the existing structure.

Named after its benefactor, Mrs. Florence Shafer from Long Beach, the Cottage was remodeled over the years and today is home to eleven residents who continue to enjoy the expansive outdoor patio where summertime social events are frequently held. Or they may choose the front veranda that provides a cool, shady oasis on a late summer's afternoon.

This cottage was erected in 1988 and is named after Mr. Harry J. Foskett of Pacific Palisades who enabled its construction in memory of his first wife and her mother. Mr. Foskett's generosity provided funds not only for the purchase of the lot but for construction of the cottage in 1934. Today the seven-room building houses seven residents who enjoy views of the San Gabriel mountains and the campus Green. It is also an important campus assets as the lower level is home to the Activity Center. Here many residents enjoy activities - painting, making mosaics, building bird houses and many other crafts. It also provides the British Home's "Theatre" where many movies are watched.

In 1954 Mrs. W. R. Humphries made a gracious donation of the property to the west of Foskett Cottage, enabling the building of Ramona cottage. A building fund was set up where additional donations were collected to facilitate the construction. Ramona Cottage is located at the northern end of the property where residents can admire views of both the mountains to the north and our spacious lawns and gardens from the south facing rooms.

Our sixth cottage consisting of four double units, was formally opened on October 5, 2018. It is named after British Home benefactor, The Darlene and Harry Lambert Foundation. These suites are perfect for married couples or good friends who have agreed to be "room-mates".

Jameson was completely renovated in 2011. The exterior remains but inside five new bedrooms were built, each with an en-suite half-bathroom. There is a separate large shower room and a laundry while the entry provides a small lounge area and the Head Nurse's office. Jameson provides an Assisted Living environment for residents who require additional care. The original cottage was built in 1958 through the generosity of Mrs. Ida Jameson in memory of her husband.

Braemar was built in 1951 on land owned by The British Home as part of the original plot. The cost of this building, which was smaller then, was born by the first occupants. In 1966 a wing was added to include several additional rooms plus an enlarged kitchen, a room where staff can relax and a Beauty Salon, much appreciated by residents. This cottage also is primarily for Assisted Living occupation.

Our beautiful grounds are dominated by sweeping lawns, crossed by walking paths with benches where residents can sit and enjoy the fresh air . There are many mature trees on the property, as well as a wonderful rose garden and many other seasonal flowers. The south facing side features a drought tolerant design while for entertaining we offer a lovely open patio and large covered pavilion.