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

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

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.

Funding Types Accepted

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

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Debbie Vellender (General Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • 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 (9.683) out of 10, based on 26 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Merlewood has 91 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 75
  • 14
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 91
  • 8
  • 19
  • 26
  • 65
Reviewer Connection to Merlewood
  • 31
  • 17
  • 11
  • 9
  • 7
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 91, showing 41-60
Review from R S (Resident) published on 18 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I find all the carers kind, thoughtful and very supportive.
The atmosphere at Merlewood is happy, homely and friendly and the outside spaces are a real bonus.
Tere have been problems with the quality with the food, but I understand that improvements are on the way.
Reply from Claire Davis, Home Administrator at Merlewood

We are very proud of our staff, many who have been here for a very long time! Thank you for mentioning them - it is always very gratifying for them to receive kind comments like yours.
We are also pleased that you are enjoying the outside spaces - a real bonus in the warm weather! We are lucky that we enjoy such a fabulous location.

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Review from C K (Resident) published on 9 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The lovely staff have made my stay so pleasant and successful in supporting my recovery. They've been kind, thoughtful and gone out of their way to help - and always with a smile.
The facilities here are very comfortable, clean and fresh. The courtyard gardens are delightful and very relaxing not
too formal. All in all, a lovely atmosphere.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to review your stay at Merlewood. I will share your comments with the team. We wish you well with your ongoing recovery.

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Review from Glenys C (Respite Resident) published on 29 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have really enjoyed my short stay.
It was nice to see some people I recognised from my last stay here and to meet some new people this time. The staff, as usual, were lovely. Nothing was too much trouble. I really enjoyed the trips out.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

It was lovely to see you again and we also enjoyed having you stay with us. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

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Review from Ronald M (Resident) published on 30 May 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I was struck immediately by the kindness and friendliness of all the staff and such residents that I met. The home was a very happy place, despite the sadness that the residents must have had in their lives prior to entering the home.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

We are glad you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to welcoming you back later in the year.

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Review from Barbara B (Wife of Resident) published on 10 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very well treated with kindness and dignity.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

It was a pleasure to have you stay with us. We are glad to have been able to help in your time of need. We look forward to seeing you again.

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Review from Debbie H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 20 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I know that my grandad is well looked after. The staff here are so friendly and caring. I know Grandad is safe. We have really enjoyed the Christmas fair and other activities. It is always good fun and very welcoming.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to complete this review. I am glad your grandad is settled and happy at Merlewood.

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Review from M B (Friend of Resident) published on 17 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our dear friend has been so very happy since moving to Merlewood Nursing Home. She is even walking after physio being able to come and see here twice weekly. Such a huge difference in her way of life and companionship from all at Merlewood.
It is such a pleasure to come and visit her there and all
residents seem very happy as we walk through.
Thoroughly recommend to all looking for a happy, clean and beautiful residential home for loved ones unable to look after themselves at home.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to complete and submit your review. We take pride in the care and support we offer. I will share your comments with the team.

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Review from D W (Husband of Resident) published on 21 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic care.
So friendly and capable staff.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to complete the review. It was a pleasure to care for your wife, and we look forward to seeing you back again soon.

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Review from Patricia S (Resident) published on 23 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was given a very pleasant and comfortable room with splendid views across the grounds and the arboretum. The staff were very kind and friendly and popped in and out socially. I was very taken with how well they looked after people in the dining room who needed help and care.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to complete the review. When chatting to you it is lovely to hear that we have also helped restore your social confidences that have been affected by the covid lockdowns and isolation. We look forward to you staying with us again.

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Review from Caroline K (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has lived at Merlewood for eleven years. She has received excellent care and attention. As well as providing for all her basic needs, the care team have consistently ensured that her daily life is rich in experiences and tailored to her character and wishes. The staff always treat her with
respect and dignity and pay attention to her as an individual, taking her preferred activities and enjoy a choice of food. She is encouraged to have her own things with her and to opt to be in her own room or to use the communal facilities. Special occasions (eg birthdays) are always marked and celebrated. Staff keep a careful eye on her personal needs and are very supportive in helping with the telephone etc.
As her daughter, I have been very impressed by the consideration shown to me in my support for my mother. The team ensure that I am always kept fully informed of all matters regarding her welfare and have enabled me to organise social occasions for her at Merlewood.
Finally, Merlewood's response to the Covid pandemic has been exemplary. Well done, Merlewood!
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are looking forward to celebrating your mother's 102nd birthday today. I will ensure your comments and gratitude are shared with everyone.

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Review from Richard B (Resident) published on 30 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The fact that I have stayed for the third week speaks for itself. All the staff have been helpful day and night.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for your review. It was lovely to see you again for your second short stay, we look forward to seeing you and welcoming you again.

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Review from Deborah B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Merlewood has exceeded my expectations - my father was suddenly discharged from hospital on a Friday afternoon and they were able to take him at short notice and managed the situation for us - my father has settled well and has gone from respite to permanent resident. He is well looked after and we
are kept informed of changes promptly.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to review Merlewood. It is always a huge compliment and pleasure when new residents decide to stay permanently. I will ensure the whole team have an opportunity to read your comments.

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Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been a resident in Merlewood for 3 years now and the care is exceptional. They have looked after her so well when she had pneumonia and nursed her through COVID19, which she survived despite being 97 years old. She has a lovely sunny room overlooking the grounds and she has enjoyed the social
activities and trips out in the minibus. The carers are lovely with her and are also very efficient and professional. Mum is happy here.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for your lovely review of the home and the staff, I will not hesitate to share your kind words with the team. It is so nice to see your mum and other residents bounce back to themselves from a difficult year.

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Review from T F (Son of Resident) published on 12 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Fine!
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to review the care at Merlewood. It is great to see you would recommend Merlewood as a care provider.

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Review from M H (Regular Volunteer) published on 23 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care home, which I have volunteered at from 2006 until the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, is a friendly place. Lovely decor and caring staff. The home is set in stunning grounds and has good accommodation.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to complete this review. You and the other volunteers have been really missed. We truly look forward to seeing you again very soon.

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Review from Richard G (Husband of Resident) published on 21 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has been in Merlewood Care Home for more than twelve months during which she has received constant and overwhelming support and attention. All the staff, nurses, carers have become her friends and she tells me she is very happy at Merlewood.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for your kind words and lovely comments. The last 12 months have been hard for everyone. I will ensure your comments are shared with everyone.

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Review from Angela S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother is extremely well looked after. All of her needs are met and she is included in social activities. I am regularly informed of her progress and the staff are all so kind and helpful, nothing is too much trouble. Merlewood go above and beyond to ensure their residents are happy and stimulated.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time for this lovely review. I will ensure your comments are shared with everyone.

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Review from Alison P (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother entered Merlewood 3 weeks before the national lockdown in March 2020. Her arrival from hospital was extremely well managed by Marlewood and our family was made very welcome by all staff there. Due to lockdown restrictions, access has been minimal, however, communication between the home and
my father has been excellent with daily phone calls being made by Marlewood. My mother has built a close, happy and trusting relationship with the staff.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for your review, I will ensure it is shared with the staff. We are looking forward to welcoming family and friends back in to visit as soon as we are able.

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Review from Linda C (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum moved to Merlewood nearly two years ago after being unable to continue living at home. She was reluctant at first, but it did not take long for her to settle and to join in with some of the activities on offer. She has been very well looked after, her needs are all met with unfailing kindness and
it is a great relief to her family to know that she is safe. The last 12 months have been so challenging, but everyone at Merlewood has risen to that challenge and dealt with whatever was thrown at them. We are now hoping for some normality to return - but we know that whatever happens, Mum is well cared for and safe - and we cannot thank the manager and her team enough for that.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for your heart felt review. The team have been amazing in the last 12 months, they have shown true dedication. Your mum clapped for carers weekly at her door during the height of the pandemic. We are all truly looking forward to something nearer normal and seeing you more frequently again in the not too distant future all being well.

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Review from Emma P (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been made to feel so welcome and at home since she arrived at Merlewood in July.
Staff and carers are all so friendly and make Mum feel very comfortable, all her needs are catered for.
She enjoys participating in some of the home's activities and always talks about the quality of the
food they serve, it sounds delicious.
The home has dealt well with the added pressures Covid has brought and strive to keep residents and their families safe by providing a comfortable visiting room with a glass partition.
My mother is very happy here.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for this lovely review. The team have worked hard through covid. I am glad your mum has settled in well.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.683)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.683) 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 26 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 24 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 4.683 for Merlewood is calculated as follows: ( (232 Excellents x 5) + (57 Goods x 4) + (19 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 309 Ratings = 4.683
  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 24 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 24 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.