The Firs

27 Fore Street, Witheridge, Tiverton EX16 8AH
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9.8 38 Reviews
  • The Firs, Tiverton
The Firs is a residential care home set in the heart of the small village of Witheridge in Mid Devon close to Tiverton, South Molton and Braunton. The Firs is housed in an elegant period style building which used to be the doctors manor house back in the early 1900s.

The home is nestled within large acres of garden allowing many scenic seating areas and that feeling of being outdoors close to nature. The garden is complete with vegetable plots and a large pond with a variety of fish. Residents are encouraged to participate if they wish in the up keep of the gardens and advice and tips are welcomed by the gardener.

Within the home there is a large communal lounge with an adjoining conservatory overlooking the gardens, a grand hallway, separate dining room and an activities room. All bedrooms are spacious and come fully furnished with the choice of an en-suite where available.

There is a dedicated and skilled care team available 24 hours a day delivering person-centred and tailored care to each individual who resides in the home offering flexibility and choice around day to day living. The home is able to accommodate individuals who need residential care and those who are living with dementia.

The Firs can offer both permanent placements and shorter respite breaks for those who may have families going on holiday or who would benefit from some TLC. Understanding that moving into a care home can be a daunting time, and an extremely hard decision to make, there is flexibility around respite stays for those who wish to try a shorter break prior to making their final decision.

Residents' well being is an important factor at the Firs which is why they have a dedicated Well Being Coordinator to deliver a 7 day activities schedule which includes group events, one to one activities or planning a larger event like their annual summer fete.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability / Autism
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 27 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1000 – £1300
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1000 – £1300
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1000 – £1300
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1000 – £1300

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Firs to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Pip Smith (Registered Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 60+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2000
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (27)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (2)

Visiting

  • Visitors welcome anytime.

Parking

  • The Firs has a car park for visitors

The Firs Reviews (38)

9.8

The Firs has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.775) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Firs has 38 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 33
  • 5
  • 0
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Date Published
  • 38
  • 7
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  • 31
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Reviewer Connection to The Firs
  • 10
  • 6
  • 5
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
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Total of 38, showing 1-20
Review from Margaret L (Friend of Resident) published on 20 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
18 months ago I accompanied my friend of 25 years to The Firs I had no idea of just what to expect, but we stepped into a calm peaceful homely environment and when asked about visiting times, was told 'at any-time'. A few months ago her health detereated and after a couple of spells in hospital her
mentle health also. She was frightend, confused and very sad. She is now back at home with staff and surrounding familiar to her and she's happy once again.
Reply from Pip Smith, Registered Manager at The Firs

Thank you for your lovely kind words, we love having her as part of the Firs family and we are so pleased she is back with us. You know you are welcome any time.

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Review from R P (Husband of Resident) published on 20 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has been at The Firs now for 8 months. The Firs is an excellent care home with lovely food and daily activities - my wife is very happy. The staff are very welcoming I would recommend The Firs to anyone.
Reply from Pip Smith, Registered Manager at The Firs

Thanks. We are delighted how well she has settled into the home, she already is the life and soul of the party.. She does love her music sessions :-)

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Review from Dos R (Friend of Resident) published on 28 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been visiting my friend in residence alongside a mutual friend for the past 18 months. Each visit, we have seen nothing but friendliness and care from all the staff. The staff even put on a birthday lunch, including both of us plus my husband and grandchild. A delightful time for all. The Firs
is welcoming with lots of activities, books, and puzzles if residents choose. A well kept garden for use. An excellent place.
Reply from Pip Smith, Registered Manager at The Firs

Many thanks for the lovely review, we really appreciate your feedback. We enjoy your visits very much.

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Review from Diane R (Sister of Resident) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister has been at The Firs for nearly a year, she settled very quickly, is happy and very well looked after which gives me peace of mind. The staff are excellent, the door is always opened with a smile and they are all very easy to talk to.. I am extremely grateful to them all for their kindness
and care to my sister and to me.
Reply from Pip Smith, Registered Manager at The Firs

Thanks Diane for your lovely kind review, we are delighted to have been able to help care for her here @ The Firs. We appreciate your feedback.

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Review from Richard B (Son of Resident) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father uses the firs for rest bite at this time , it is always our first port of call when the time comes round , excellent service , friendly staff , a great experience with staff who can accommodate my fathers needs .
Reply from Pip Smith, Registered Manager at The Firs

Many thanks Richard, we always enjoy seeing Dad when he comes for a stay. We look forward to welcoming him again in the future months. Regards.

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Review from Brenda T (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mother settled into the Fir's just like she was at home. The staff are really friendly and very helpful, nothing is too much trouble for them. The rooms and the whole care home is kept clean and bright, making it feel welcoming when you enter the building. The staff took time to prepare my Mother's
dietary requirements as she was restricted on what she could eat. I would recommend the Fir's to anyone if you are looking for rest bite care or full time residential care.
Reply from Pip Smith, Registered Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your review, it is much appreciated. We always look forward to Mum's stays. We look forward to seeing you all again soon I am sure.

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Review from Norman B (Son of Resident) published on 19 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hi .
I just to wanted to say that mum has improved so much since staying with you. We were a bit worried at first if she would settle but you have all been amazing with her and to see the improvement is fantastic. Thank you all very much
Reply from Pip Smith, Registered Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much Norman, we are delighted to have mum with us. She is settling really well and seems really happy here.

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Review from J T (Brother of Resident) published on 22 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant approach from all the staff from day one has meant our relative has relaxed and begun to enjoy life again. She enjoys the activities offered, the good food and company of all the staff and residents. Hygiene and cleanliness is really well maintained, the rooms are bright and welcoming. The
management and staff are all doing their jobs with diligence to achieve such a high level of care for the residents - we would like to thank them sincerely.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your wonderful review, it is really appreciated and demonstrates the hard work the team are putting in. We are delighted with how well she has settled and as you say it is great to see her enjoying life once again.

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Review from L W (Relative of Resident) published on 2 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The quality of care has enabled my very elderly relative to settle quickly and with contentment at The Firs. She has a lovely room with space to display treasured items and photos. She enjoys the food and company and it is reassuring and heartwarming to see the kindness and sensitivity with which residents
are treated by the staff, when we visit. Thank you to the manager and all who work at The Firs.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your kind review acknowledging the good work the team are doing here at The Firs, we are so pleased she has settled and is happy here. We always enjoy getting to know their friends and relatives when they visit. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

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Review from Carol P (Friend of Resident) published on 2 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have visited my ex-neighbour at The Firs several times and find it to be a good home overall. Friendly and helpful staff. The residents seem very happy and well looked after. The one downside is the state of the patio area; weeds growing in the cracks and needing a good brush. Which is a great shame
as it upsets the resident that I go to visit as she loved being in her garden at home.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks for your honest review - We have just recruited a new maintenance person and have a gardener on board now, so hope that the weeds will soon be a thing of the past! We have had to prioritise whilst short and I am sure you will agree the priority has and always will be the needs of the residents.

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Review from Sue R (Friend of Resident) published on 6 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I visited my neighbour who moved to The Firs approx 3 weeks ago. I stayed for approx 45 minutes and so nice to be able to bring my dog for her (some other residents were pleased too!). There was a relaxed, friendly and 'willing' atmosphere created by the staff very welcoming. Without prompting, my friend
said a few times' I like it here and the food is nice'. She was bright, smiley, very 'engaged' and asked after people and was beautifully dressed and obviously well cared for.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks for your kind feedback, we are delighted with how she has settled and is enjoying being part of The Firs family. We welcome doggies anytime.

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Review from Mary G (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My late mother spent her last five years at 'The Firs' and despite various health-related problems she often said she liked it there and liked her room. It was good to know that there was always a member of staff nearby. I admire their endless patience and understanding when their necessary intervention
was not always welcomed!
Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Many thanks for your review. We all miss Mum very much, she was such a character!

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Review from A B (Husband of Resident) published on 24 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff are caring and patient, especially with the more difficult patients. An advantage is the location, which is nearby.
Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thank you for your review; we appreciate your feedback, and it's great having your wife stay with us and we are glad you feel welcome and part of the Firs Family.

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Review from A S (Friend of Resident) published on 17 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been helping a close neighbour who we visit fairly frequently. he appears to have a very pleasant room and the staff have always been pleasant and helpful.
Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your review. It has been great to get to know you all and he very much appreciates that you keep in close contact.

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Review from Peter E (Son of Resident) published on 10 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been at The Firs now for 6 months and I just wanted to post a quick comment as to how well she is being cared for. She has been made to feel extremely comfortable with the environment from the outset and recently celebrated her 90th birthday there where the staff made a cake, gave her
presents and provided a nice area in the conservatory where the family could celebrate with her. All much appreciated.
Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks Peter, we are delighted to have Mum with us and she loved her Birthday celebrations and it was great to have all the family here for it. Many thanks for your feedback we really appreciate it.

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Review from Heather L (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 3 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thank you all so very much for the care and love you gave to Gran and myself while she was with you.
All your staff are amazing and I would recommend anyone to use you.
Thank you to the managers and all your staff for all your support at this hard time
You made Gran's last week easier for us as a
family.
Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your lovely review, it has been a pleasure to look after Gran and get to know you all. We will miss seeing you all.

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Review from Pamela M (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was placed here after having a stroke. We were apprehensive as this was a big move for her but the manager was so reassuring when we met him, he was so confident she would settle and be safe with them. He answered all our questions and alleviated all our doubts, he assured us his staff was
just as confident and caring.
The day she moved in my daughter and I were there to meet her when she arrived from the hospital and found it to be a real family home atmosphere.
The manager was right his staff are great all introducing themselves and caring for my Mother superbly. Thank you all!
Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks for your wonderful review, we are delighted at how well Mum has settled and we are enjoying getting to know the family also.

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Review from Caroline A (Private Carer of Resident) published on 21 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The first time I visited The Firs I was immediately struck by the smell of home-cooked food and a buzz of friendly, caring staff. The rooms are warm and very light, with lovely views over the gardens.
When we moved my client in, the staff were all amazing, not just to her but also to me - offering
reassurance and kindness - they really couldn't have been more helpful. This continued over the next few days with emails and text messages giving me updates on how she was settling in, which was so thoughtful and reassuring. We are now two weeks later and she has settled down nicely and made some lovely friends. The food is varied, nutritious and always smells delicious. The management and staff are friendly, attentive and always cheerful. Considering residential care for someone you love is such a difficult thing to do but ultimately you just want to keep your loved one safe and well cared for and the staff at The Firs certainly achieve this.
Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

I am thrilled you are pleased with the care we are providing here at The Firs, the team do a great job and I'm sure they will appreciate this lovely feedback, it makes it all worthwhile.

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Review from G B (Respite Resident) published on 4 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very impressed with the level of service I have received from The Firs and I find their particular strengths relate to the quality, friendship and willingness of the staff. The food is excellent. I have a beautiful room and the accommodation is first class. If in the future I require permanent
care then The Firs would be my first choice.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Bless you, we enjoy having you stay and are pleased you find it comfortable.

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Review from Alison R (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has just spent 2 wonderful months in respite at The Firs. She is now going to continue full-time care with the manager and his team taking good care of her and meeting all her personal needs. The food and ambience of the home is excellent. Would highly recommend.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Many thanks for the great review Alison, we are delighted Mum is staying with us and pleased she is happy in her newly renovated room. Regards, Manager.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.775)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.775) out of 10 for The Firs is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.775 for The Firs is calculated as follows: ( (280 Excellents x 5) + (63 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 351 Ratings = 4.775
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Firs is based on 31 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 27 registered maximum number of service users is 5.4, which has been reached with 31 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 4 Mar 2022

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

No Bed Vacancies

Posted: 02 Sep 2025

No Current Bed / Place Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (5)

Pip

Pip Smith

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 2023

Pip has recently joined the Firs Team as a Registered Manager.


He has over 23 years experience of working in healthcare. Pip is looking forward to leading the team to deliver a high standard of person-centred care to those who live at The Firs.

Lorelei

Lorelei Burrows

Job Title: Administrator

Lorelei is the home administrator and supports our manager Pip in the office.

Sue

Sue Verrier-Fitzpatrick

Job Title: Domestic

Sue is part of the housekeeping team which keeps The Firs looking great.

Miranda

Miranda Maryann- Lewis

Job Title: Cook Joined: 2023

Miranda is one of our cooks here at The Firs.

Connie

Connie Wilkins

Job Title: Carer Joined: 2023

Connie is one of the care staff here at The Firs.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Firs

What types of Care is The Firs registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Learning Disability / Autism, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does The Firs have?

There are 27 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Firs?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Firs to the centre of Tiverton?

9.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact The Firs to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Firs has an Enhanced Service - more info.