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 by The Firs

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 (9.761) out of 10, based on 28 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
  • 4
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  • 28
  • 10
Reviewer Connection to The Firs
  • 10
  • 6
  • 5
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
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Total of 38, showing 21-38
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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Review from N H (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Dad has only been at The Firs for a few weeks but he has settled in well and both him and us, as a family, have been made very welcome. The staff are kind and considerate and always have a smile. Dad is enjoying the food and the staff have already realised he has a good appetite and are offering him
extra helpings if he wants them.
Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for you lovely review, we are delighted dad has settled into The Firs, he is such a gentleman and a pleasure to care for. We enjoy yours and mums visits also. Thanks again Pip

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Review from Tracey B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Right from our initial enquiry to the subsequent care for our mum, the kindness, sensitivity and service have been excellent. We have all been greatly reassured by the quality of care she has received, the cheerful and considerate staff and the gentle way she has been welcomed into the home.
There
are regular activities and opportunities to keep Mum stimulated and we like being kept updated on her day.
Thank you.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for a lovely review, we really appreciate your feedback. Mum is settling in very well and becoming part of the 'Firs family'.

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Review from Justin C (Brother of Resident) published on 18 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My brother is very well looked after at The Firs, the staff are friendly and dedicated to caring for all the residents. They are very professional in assisting him with his mobility so that he can move around the building. The additional activities seem to be helping him.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Many thanks for your review, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback. Your brother is a pleasure to care for and is a huge part of the family here at The Firs.

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Review from Scott T (Son of Resident) published on 5 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone at The Firs moved mountains to assess and welcome my father at the busiest time over Christmas. Communication with us was superb, and his care was gentle and caring, as well as thoroughly professional at all times. My mother has commented on how well cared for he looks, for example, having
had his first shave in well over a year, and clean clothes and his beloved baseball cap with him all the time. We cannot praise the attention to detail, caring atmosphere and communication highly enough. We only wish he was well and stable enough to stay longer.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for such a lovely review; the team are working so hard to make The Firs a home-from-home experience. It has been our pleasure to have Dad stay with us, we will miss him. Do keep in touch. All the best.

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Review from Rachel F (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum recently spent a week at The Firs to give me a break. She has had a lovely time and has been very well cared for.
The Firs is a lovely premises, with a secure garden area and a very friendly but also professional team.
It's very important to me that Mum is able to find a quality of life despite
having Alzheimer's. Not yet planned, but if I can't look after Mum at any point and she has to go into care, The Firs would be our first choice.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback, it has been a pleasure to look after Mum during her stay.

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Review from Carolyne A (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 4 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Firs were extremely accommodating and so helpful with admitting my father-in-law at very short notice. Upon arrival, we were made very welcome and the atmosphere of the place is lovely. The care and affection shown towards my father-in-law was amazing. Thank you.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Many thanks for your lovely review. He is a delight to care for and we enjoy having him stay when he comes for respite.

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Review from S C (Niece of Resident) published on 1 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care and respect that all the staff and The Firs showed my aunt is faultless. They made her final weeks comfortable and she could not have been in lovelier hands. It is a very nice care home with wonderful staff who care deeply about the dignity of all the residents. Thank you from me, my family
and her close friends.
Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thank you for such a lovely review, it was our pleasure to care for aunt in her last few weeks.

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Review from P L (Husband of Resident) published on 20 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has been in The Firs for just over a year now. At first, it took some getting used to the idea of her being away from me. But now things have settled down I am quite at ease with the situation and I feel part of the whole situation. I feel like it is one big family whereas I am part of that
family.
Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks for your lovely comment, you are also considered as part of the 'Firs family' Best wishes Pip.

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Review from Laura G (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad is a resident of The Firs and has been since 2020. I submitted a review in 2020 but thought I should submit an up-to-date one. Despite challenging times (covid) and new managers I still hold the same opinion of this excellent care home. My dad is surrounded with love and care from the whole team
and I remain hugely grateful to every member of staff who do all they can to provide my dad with a safe, caring and loving home and me with a warm and friendly welcome.


I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending The Firs, it really is a very special place.

Reply from Pip Smith, Manager at The Firs

Dad is a pleasure to look after and your support of The Firs is appreciated hugely.

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Review from Nigel S (Son of Resident) published on 3 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father required dialysis three times a week at age ninety-one. On the 20th of September, the decision was taken jointly with the medical team to cease dialysis treatment with the prognosis that 'end of life' care would be required. Working with the medical team it was agreed that my father should
be discharged from hospital as soon as possible and whilst all effort was made for home care this was not possible. The Firs team, led by his carers, ensured that they liaised with Royal Exeter and District Hospital to secure a bed on Friday 22nd. This was a traumatic period for both of my parents and thanks to the wonderful care provided at short notice, which was at times in excess of general care, my parents were able to spend the next three days together before his passing. Mum was provided with a bed in the same room, and I know that the time my parents were able to spend together meant so much, especially after sixty-nine years of marriage.
Reply from pip smith, Manager at The Firs

Thanks so much for your kind words, I am so pleased that we were able to support dad and the family through his final few days. He was a true gentleman.

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Review from Christine A (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was taken into hospital last week. I was walking out of the cubicle when a nurse asked in which care home my mother was a resident. I said The Firs and the nurse said to me "I am not surprised it's The Firs as you can see that your mother is so well cared for, her skin is soft and she is clean
and well kept. Personally, I cannot agree more, my mother is very happy at "her home" as she calls it. I do not worry about my mother, the home keeps me updated on every issue. Cannot recommend more. Thank you
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Review from Joyce C (Wife of Resident) published on 6 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The review was very good. Good discussion about all general things. The family are very grateful for all the help.
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Review from Julie H (Resident) published on 9 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are very helpful. I sometimes have difficulty communicating with some staff but they are all friendly. The management are very helpful, if I have a problem they do all they can to help me.
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Review from Joyce B (Sister of Resident) published on 9 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
On my very first entry to The Firs to visit a client, I had this moment of reflection of many things all wrapped into care. I was so happy inside, I cannot express the warmness I encountered. Empathy. I would like to think I have many hours to visit the home to see more. We need these kinds of homes
so people can have 'home from home' for the rest of life, no worries. Care.
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Review from Irene P (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been in The Firs since February it is the first time he has been in a residential home we have found the staff to be particularly caring and attentive to his needs and always willing to discuss and resolve any issues.
I have peace of mind that he is well cared for, that any medical issues
are recognised and acted on and that he is in a safe environment. I have recommended The Firs to others very friendly and caring environment.
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Review from Mike J (Son of Resident) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been very well cared for at The Firs. The staff are very attentive and she is very happy at The Firs.
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Review from Christine S (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at the Firs are all wonderful. I have never had any concerns about my Dad's welfare in the 9 months that he has been living there. They are caring, kind, calm and conscientious. The atmosphere is always a good one and I could not wish for a better place for my Dad to be living. The recent
refurbishment was required and now The Firs is looking smart and welcoming. Every time I visit, twice a week, I feel confident that my Dad is being cared for as well as he possibly could. I always leave content, knowing that each and every one of the staff do everything they can to make life for my Dad as comfortable and as enriched as possible. Thank you.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.761)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.761) 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 28 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 28 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 4.761 for The Firs is calculated as follows: ( (250 Excellents x 5) + (60 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 318 Ratings = 4.761
  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 28 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 28 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: 08 Oct 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.

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