Merlewood

Hollow Lane, Virginia Water GU25 4LR
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9.7 91 Reviews
  • Merlewood, Virginia Water
Merlewood Nursing & Residential Home is a converted Victorian house with bedrooms purpose-built all on the ground floor for nursing and elderly care needs, located within 23-acre grounds and surrounded by the picturesque Surrey landscape.

The service keeps close links with related health services, including hospices, GPs in order to ensure personal care packages remain updated and effective to each individual.

Many trips, outings and events are organised as part of the home's activities programme, including musical entertainment, art and handicrafts, film shows and garden fetes.

With 42 beautifully appointed rooms, Merlewood provides a range of care types, including residential care, nursing and palliative care, and respite and short stay options, all tailored to individual needs with personalised care plans.

Merlewood is a converted Victorian house with all bedrooms on the ground floor enjoying views of the beautifully landscaped grounds. Merlewood has a tranquil atmosphere that feels like home. Residents enjoy the beauty of nature with manicured gardens, quiet walking paths, and outdoor seating areas ideal for relaxation. Known for its vibrant community and active social calendar, designed to cater to varied interests and abilities. From art classes and music therapy to themed events, residents are encouraged to engage, connect, and thrive.

Dining at Merlewood is a daily enjoyment. The in-house chef prepares nutritious and delicious meals using fresh and seasonal menus, served in an elegant dining room where residents dine together.

Merlewood’s warm and welcoming team ensures each resident feels valued, supported, and cared for in every aspect of daily life, making it a place where comfort, companionship, and exceptional care come together seamlessly.
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Care Provided by Merlewood

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 54 Service Users

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • 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 £1600

Fee rates are dependent upon the type of stay . Level of care is determined by a full pre admission assessment.

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

Contact Merlewood to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Funding Types Accepted

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

Contact Merlewood to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Good to Know

Person in Charge

  • Debbie Vellender (General Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2022
  • Number of floors: 1

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (54)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)

Visiting

  • The home have an open visiting policy.

Parking

  • Ample parking on site and disabled parking by the entrance.

Merlewood Reviews (91)

9.7

Merlewood has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.730) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Merlewood has 91 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 74
  • 15
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Date Published
  • 91
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Reviewer Connection to Merlewood
  • 31
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Total of 91, showing 21-40
Review from David B (Son of Resident) published on 4 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum spent the last two and a half years of her life at Merlewood and was very well looked after during this period. The staff are very friendly, professional and caring and always kept me updated on any issues with my mum's health and general well-being. The home is well run, very clean, has good
facilities and is set in lovely gardens. My only small gripe was the quality/consistency of the food as there seemed to be quite a turnover of chefs at the home. But overall I would definitely recommend Merlewood and am grateful to the staff for the kindness they showed Mum during her time there.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for your review. I will share it with the team. It was an honour to care for your mum. We have been working closely with the senior team to recruit a chef.
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Review from Lorna J (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother moved to Merlewood initially for company and activities. She really enjoyed meeting others and joining in all the activities provided. Her room was spacious, well-maintained and equipped and was in a lovely setting with views over the garden. The staff were wonderful - compassionate, attentive,
nothing was too much trouble. They provided excellent nursing and residential care, always kind, treating my mother with dignity. I am very grateful for the exceptional care my mother received which gave me great peace of mind, particularly as she deteriorated. I would highly recommend Merlewood to anyone.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for taking the time to review Merlewood. It was an honour and a pleasure to care for your mother.
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Review from H K (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
They (NHS and another care home) said our mother was permanently double incontinent and would never walk again. Merlewood proved them wrong from the first week. Within a few short weeks, she was eating regular food, learning to walk to home activities using a frame, and using the toilet. Merelwood treated
her with respect, care and humanity. Mum died just short of her 94th birthday due to other health complications - but found a bit of life at Merlewood.
Nothing more to ask for.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
It was lovely to see your mother progress when she arrived. Thank you for taking the time to complete a review.
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Review from Fiona R (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Prompt admission process. Very caring service. Very warm, caring atmosphere from all staff. No question is too small to ask. Food is amazing, delicious and the portion size is appropriate. Friendly. Encouraging.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
It is always a pleasure to support someone's recuperation. Thank you for taking time to share your experience.
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Review from Jean P (Resident) published on 22 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am a new kid on the block and I have only been here five weeks and I am self-caring so I am unable to give you an overall review but what I see and feel, it is a well-run care home.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for your review. We welcome you to Merlewood and making it your home.
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Review from Diana C (Respite Resident) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
This is my third visit in three years - two weeks post-hand operation. On this occasion, live on my own - using crutches due to spinal problems. Most staff are very helpful and service is good. Breakfast orders are a problem - rarely get items ordered, especially on weekends. Room is basic but comfortable.
Mirror in bedroom would be helpful.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for taking the time to review your time with us, your comments will be shared with the teams. The concern about breakfast orders were addressed during your stay as soon as we were aware. We…read more
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Review from N A (Husband of Resident) published on 21 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Comfortable room, attentive staff.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you taking time to complete the review. I am pleased your wife has settled well at Merlewood.
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Review from Les H (Son of Resident) published on 21 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother moved into Merlewood recently and is very happy with her residence here. The staff are wonderful and nothing is any trouble. They are always compassionate, smiling and friendly. Her room is always clean!
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for your lovely words and comments. I am so pleased your mum feels at home here.
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Review from Sue S (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 4 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff here at Merlewood are fabulous, very caring and nothing is too much trouble.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
It has been a pleasure to be able to support your grandmother and yourselves with the move to Merlewood. I will share your review with the staff.
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Review from Mike H (Son of Resident) published on 9 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I looked after over a dozen care homes in and around the area before I chose Merlewood. In my opinion, the home, staff and management are by far the best that I came across. The surroundings are beautiful, the home is peaceful, and the rooms have outdoor access to lovely gardens. The room itself is
of a high standard and can be modified to suit your needs. Mum's been there nearly eight months, and I'm more than happy and glad I chose Merlewood.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for your lovely review. Everyone is making the most of having very easy garden access in the sunshine.
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Review from G T (Respite Resident) published on 10 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was at the home for four weeks having come straight from four weeks in hospital having a heart operation. It was the perfect way to find myself again before going home. I can not emphasise how well I was treated and helped me to become independent again. All staff were so kind and helpful without
exception and I tried to take part in activities such as carpet bowls, balloon tennis and card games.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
It was a pleasure to help in your recovery. We are glad you have continued to rebuild your strength even more since going home.
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Review from Jennifer T (Wife of Resident) published on 28 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband needed respite care following an extended stay in the hospital. When he arrived, he had virtually no mobility. Merlewood proved to be the ideal care home for the provision of medical, personal and recuperative care he needed. All the staff were really positive and actively helped him to retain
better health, mobility and positivity. We could not have asked for more. As his wife, I had complete confidence in the care he was receiving, which was also an important reassurance for me in what was a very difficult situation for us both.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for your lovely review. It is a pleasure to have supported your husband's recovery.
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Review from J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My father has been at Merlewood for six months. He is well looked after and the carers are supportive and friendly in their interactions with him. He can be rather rigid and exacting in his views and opinions but they display patience and accommodate him as much as possible to maintain the limited independence
he has. When dealing with management issues, I have found the staff to be helpful and reactive to my needs. Merlewood is a welcoming establishment for both visitors and residents.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for your review and taking the time to complete it. A person centred individual approach to care of the resident and their loved ones is very important to us.
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Review from Angela M (Resident) published on 10 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In 2022 after a long period of pain and difficulty with an infected knee joint I spent four weeks in hospital, following which my husband and I felt that a further week of recuperation being cosseted in Merlewood would be very beneficial. And so it proved. Every single member of staff from the manager
through to all nursing staff from sisters to students, to the cleaners and handymen, were highly competent, friendly and patient, both day and night. At the end of my week, I felt much more ready to return home. I have further surgery in store and shall go to Merlewood again after my final operation. We knew about Merlewood because my mother spent three years there from 2005 to 2008. She died there peacefully aged 94. Having been very happy and safe there during that time. It was reassuring that there were still staff at Merlewood who remembered her fourteen years later.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for taking the time to complete this review. We were glad to help in your recovery and look forward to seeing you again soon after the next surgery.
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Review from Jan M (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother moved in five months ago at the age of 94 years. We knew immediately that it was the right place for her. The staff are so welcoming, nothing is too much trouble. She enjoys an active social life and loves the food and the surroundings. I would highly recommend this beautiful care home to
anyone looking for a relaxed gentle atmosphere. Well done Merlewood.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you for your lovely review. We are very fortunate to have a fantastic team dedicated to ensuring residents receive the care and interaction they need.
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Review from R B (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother came to Merlewood with dementia and was initially quite bewildered but settled in so well and was made to feel welcome by the fabulous nurses.
The staff at Merlewood are so friendly and chatty, going out of their way to do everything they can and are a real joy to be around.
They take care
of my mother so well. I will arrive unannounced, and she is dressed up in pearls with hair nicely done; they are all very aware of how important it is to keep a person's dignity.
My mother has a lovely, big room overlooking a pretty well-kept courtyard garden with attractive flowers in the spring and summer.
I have to say, if I ever needed to go to a nursing home, I would be very happy at Merlewood.
It really is quite outstanding. I have visited friends' parents in various other homes, and Merlewood is really quite exceptional in comparison.
I am happy that she can see out her last years in such a pleasant place.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
We are very proud of our staff team and would like to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We will ensure they are shared with everyone.
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Review from J K (Nephew of Resident) published on 30 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
1st class care home, so much so that my uncle is talking about going back during the winter to catch up with all the friends he has made. He has enjoyed the organised events, food and the friendliness of all the staff. We were even able to book a meal to eat with our uncle when we visited.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
Thank you. We are pleased that your uncle has made friends at Merlewood, and enjoyed staying with us.
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Review from Nick B (Son of Resident) published on 30 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Although only three weeks stay, my mum had the very best care at Merlewood.
My mum's end-of-life care was exemplary thank you to you all.
I will always remember your kindness and support.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood
We are always honoured to be chosen to care for someone and their family at the end of their life. Thank you for your lovely review.
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Review from R T (Respite Resident) published on 26 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I had a brief stay of a month here following a spell in hospital. The friendly staff had a high standard of care and cleanliness throughout. They were very attentive in ensuring that I had a comfortable stay. There is the added bonus that the premises are surrounded by a large peaceful garden.
Reply from Claire Davis, Home Administrator at Merlewood
Thank you. We are glad that you enjoyed a pleasant and peaceful stay at Merlewood. Our grounds are indeed a huge bonus for those who enjoy the outdoors and the wildlife. We are very lucky!
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Review from Deborah H (Respite Resident) published on 24 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I had had an accident and could not look after myself. The only place I could think of was the home where my mother lives, Merlewood. The care/staff is everything one could want friendly, knowledgable and professional. I would thoroughly recommend Merlewood.
Reply from Claire Davis, Home Administrator at Merlewood
Thank you for your kind comments regarding the care you received at Merlewood. Glad we could help you to get back on your feet.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.730)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.730) out of 10 for Merlewood is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 23 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 4.730 for Merlewood is calculated as follows: ( (214 Excellents x 5) + (47 Goods x 4) + (12 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 274 Ratings = 4.73
  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 Merlewood 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 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 54 registered maximum number of service users is 10.8, 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: 22 May 2019

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 (2)

Meet the Team (1)

Debbie

Debbie Vellender

Job Title: General Manager Joined: 2013

Debbie trained as a nurse at St George’s Hospital Tooting and Queen Mary’s Hospital Roehampton in the 90’s. This was followed with over 20 years nursing in the NHS, mainly within Medical and Elderly care, working her way to the position of Advanced (Clinical) Site Practitioner at a large local hospital. It was during this time that Debbie’s passion for care of the elderly blossomed, along with the personal fulfilment of getting to know people in her care, and their families.


Debbie moved into Social Care at Merlewood in 2013 as Deputy/Clinical Care Manager to use her skills and experience in a different aspect of elderly medical care. In 2019 Debbie became General Manager of the home. Debbie gets huge satisfaction from leading a team of like-minded compassionate individuals; Merlewood residents and staff have become a second family to her.

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