The Firs Residential Home

33 West Hill, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6AE
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Top 20 carehome certificate
10 75 Reviews
  • The Firs Residential Home, Budleigh Salterton
Set in a peaceful location with leafy gardens and light-filled spaces, The Firs offers more than just a place to live – it’s a place to feel at ease. Residents can relax in the comfortable lounge, share time with others in the dining areas, or enjoy a quiet drink in the bar. With the scent of sea air drifting through the garden, the calm, unhurried rhythm of life here provides a true sense of retreat.

Each resident receives support tailored to their individual needs – whether for long-term care, respite stays, or recovery following a hospital visit. The care team is recognised not only for professional expertise, but also for warmth and thoughtful attention.

All bedrooms are en-suite, and there’s ample space to enjoy – from inviting communal lounges to the recently redesigned garden, featuring a pergola, greenhouse, and potting bench. The activities programme is inclusive and varied, offering something to suit every interest and energy level. Past favourites have included gala week bingo, ice cream in the sun, gardening club, creative crafts, and gentle reminiscence sessions.

Mealtimes are an occasion to enjoy, with seasonal dishes prepared by in-house chefs – nourishing, delicious, and made with care.

To learn more or arrange a visit to The Firs, please get in touch.
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Care Provided by The Firs Residential Home

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 38 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1400
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1400
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1400
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1400

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

Contact The Firs Residential Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Funding Types Accepted

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

Contact The Firs Residential Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Nicola Shayler (Registered Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2023
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (38)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (2)

The Firs Residential Home Reviews (75)

10

The Firs Residential Home has a Review Score of 10 (9.958) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Firs Residential Home has 75 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 75
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Reviewer Connection to The Firs Residential Home
  • 32
  • 14
  • 7
  • 4
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
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Total of 75, showing 41-60
Review from Joanna C (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Firs carers and administrative staff were all extremely kind, caring and attentive towards my mother and the family. My mother could not have been in a better place to spend the last few months of her life.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you so much for such a lovely review. It was our pleasure.
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Review from Hubert P (Husband of Resident) published on 30 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife received outstanding, first class care at The Firs.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you for a lovely review, we shall miss that beautiful smile. Love from the Firs Angels.
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Review from A W (Respite Resident) published on 2 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
No problems. Very comfortable room. Good food. Attention to my needs. Friendly staff who were all very helpful.
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Review from Donna T (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot praise The Firs Residential Home and staff high enough, my mum is settled and happy. Which reassures us as a family. She is cared for and well looked after. She enjoys the activities and has made friends. I couldn't wish for a better home for Mum. The staff and manager are also there for us
as a family. Thank you is not enough.
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Review from Roger E (Son of Resident) published on 31 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The Firs Residential Home have looked after my Dad for the past 4 months and they are so kind and getting him to do things he has not done for years. They really try their best to engage with him. Thank you to all the staff there.
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Review from P C (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My dad moved to "The Firs" for short term residential care in March 2021 following a fall at his home leading to a hospital stay. Throughout he has been treated with great care and dignity. He has been included in a wide range of activities and is stimulated by these, one in particular was highly personalised.
He is happy. I have not seen his room or been inside The Firs so cannot comment on the rooms or cleanliness.
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Review from Lucy R (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad's last weeks were happy, comfortable and safe, thanks to The Firs. It was evident that staff made efforts to engage with him and establish meaningful communication at a time when his health was impacting on his quality of life. It has meant so much to see his genuine smile and to know that he had
company and excellent care, right up to his last day. He spoke highly of the staff and the way they cared for him.
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Review from Karen R (Niece of Resident) published on 18 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Firs Residential Home is such a lovely place. The staff are excellent and provide a caring, loving environment for all of the residents. It is so lovely to keep in touch during these times by social media and to see all of the fantastic activities is wonderful. Thank you to each and every one of
you who have shown so much love and care to my Auntie. You truly are angels.
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Review from Robert R (Son of Resident) published on 18 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both management and staff have a positive and caring attitude. The atmosphere was bright and cheerful, and great efforts were made to entertain the residents and to make them happy. My father stated regularly the care he received was excellent, the management and staff were also kind and caring in their
dealings with myself and my sister.
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Review from William M (Brother of Resident) published on 7 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister's care has been exceptional over the last five years at The Firs Residential Home. The staff and management have worked really hard especially in these difficult times (Covid 19) they have kept us well informed and kept us up to date on my sister's welfare. They are lovely caring staff and
need to be congratulated. Thank you all.
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Review from Claire P (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Finding The Firs has been an absolute Godsend. They have really helped my gran, and she is always doing arts and crafts and other activities. It is always lovely to see the picture of the diverse activities that they do, and my gran is always praising the staff that look after her.
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Review from Susan D (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I found the staff and management very caring and understanding, as we are in such difficult times at the moment. My mum was always clean and nicely dressed when I visited. They seemed to be well organised. I am unable to mark many of the ratings as only went to a visiting room.
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Review from R P (Grandson of Resident) published on 6 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff of the care home have been excellent in welcoming my grandmother. I am extremely impressed with the activities team, my gran has been doing new crafts which she would never have tried and really enjoying them. She has a new lease of life.
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Review from Lysianne C (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Firs is a lovely residential home. The staff are attentive and very caring. They have lovely bright and cheerful rooms and have plenty of activities. Mum had dementia and was brilliantly cares for, and all her care needs were met. The home is well kept and very clean. Overall an excellent home.
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Review from Sandy H (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 5 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The kindness and care shown by the staff to residents and visitors is second to none. The staff are led by an excellent manager who listens and acts whenever necessary. The residents are given lots of activities to encourage them to mix and enjoys spending time together as well as encouraging their
cognitive skills. The improvement is my sister-in-law's mental state and well being has improves so much in the time she has been a resident at The Firs. I am impressed with the whole care and responsibility given to Covid protection.
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Review from Suzanne P (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This review was done from lockdown when my mother's previous care home closed. I did chose her room, then visiting stopped. Once mother was through the doors of The Firs, the loved staff quickly got used to her "way". I have nothing but praise. They listen to any concerns, keeping me informed of her
comfort and health. I felt comfort in contacting them at any time. Sadly mother recently passed away. It was heartbreaking for the staff and to lose her so close to the lifting of some restrictions. Mother was not an "activities" person, preferring her own company; this was respected. However, she enjoyed the company of staff, and they came up trumps. Because I could not see her inside, my review relates to the three visits I had, but what I do know is the manager, carers and support staff welcomed her into their "family", and I was never excluded from decisions. She loved her food, wine and chocolates. It was hard for me to let go, but The Firs turned out to be the best decision I made, and I thank them all from my heart.
Reply from Nicola Shayler, Manager at The Firs Residential HomeThank you so much for the wonderful review.
Your mum was an absolute treasure to look after.
We were so lucky to have known her.
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Review from Vanda D (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were so lucky to find The First. Mum has dementia and went downhill rapidly in lockdown. No one would help and she was at risk. The First took her in to look after her as soon as she had a Covid test. She has been well cared for and after a rocky start she has settled well. The staff are amazing
and I haven't had any problems. Nothing is too much trouble.
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Review from Sarah L (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I can't comment on all areas as Mum has moved in during Covid so I have only seen her room, but the care that staff have taken to settle Mum and make her feel at home has been exceptional. Whilst we can't have 'normal' visits in the current situation, they have done their utmost to accommodate us.
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Review from L L (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My lovely mum went to The Firs days before lockdown. Due to Covid-19, she was welcomed by all the staff and the manager. Their care, engagement and passion has seen my mums mental health improve, she is physically better and encouraged to be part of 'The Firs family'. They allow her to adopt a routine
that suits her personality and life choice but ensure she socialises and engages. The manager and her dedicated team have far exceeded expectations at this very difficult time in our lives.
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Review from Anna L (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely, friendly and caring staff - who genuinely want Mum to settle down and be happy in her new home. Very friendly to us as her family too. A home is only as good as the staff team, and this is a great team.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.958)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.958) out of 10 for The Firs Residential Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.958 for The Firs Residential Home is calculated as follows: ( (251 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 262 Ratings = 4.958
  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 Residential Home is based on 22 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 38 registered maximum number of service users is 7.6, which has been reached with 22 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: 20 Dec 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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (8)

Meet the Team (1)

Emma

Emma Breslan

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 2026

Emma is a highly experienced care professional with over 25 years in the care sector and joined The Firs in March 2026. She has a strong track record of leadership and has most recently worked as a turnaround manager, supporting homes to achieve significant improvements in quality and performance.


She has achieved Outstanding CQC ratings and has been recognised as part of a team awarded a place in the UK’s Top 20 Care Homes. Known for her dedication to delivering the highest standards of care, she builds compassionate, motivated teams.


Living locally in Lympstone, she has strong ties to the community and comes from a proud military family. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren and making the most of family life.

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