Merlewood

Hollow Lane, Virginia Water GU25 4LR
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9.8 98 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.

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
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £2250
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1700
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £2350

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

Contact Merlewood 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)

Support you may be entitled to

If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Contact Merlewood to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

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.

9.8

Merlewood has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.765) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Merlewood has 98 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 81
  • 15
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 98
  • 9
  • 16
  • 29
  • 69
Reviewer Connection to Merlewood
  • 32
  • 19
  • 12
  • 9
  • 7
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 98, showing 61-80
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 MerlewoodThank 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 MerlewoodThank 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 MerlewoodThank 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 MerlewoodThank 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 MerlewoodThank 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 MerlewoodThank 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 MerlewoodThank 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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Review from Pam P (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 14 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at Merlewood are courteous, caring and helpful. They have made every effort to engage residents in activities and keep contact with friends and family during these difficult months during the covid pandemic.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at MerlewoodThank you for your review. We are very proud of the care we provide for our residents especially in these difficult times.
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Review from Margot B (Regular Volunteer) published on 14 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to congratulate Merlewood for the wonderful way in which everyone has worked to keep everyone safe, secure, and thriving! I have come there as a volunteer for many years and have seen and witnessed your great kindness and care for friends and residents - a wonderful place when the time
comes to enjoy and relax.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at MerlewoodThank you for your lovely review. We are proud of the team's response to keep everyone safe. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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Review from Ann H (Wife of Resident) published on 1 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has been a resident for nearly 1 year. During this time he has received the most outstanding care and nursing. The whole feel of Merlewood is one of sincere friendliness and professionalism. Management, which has eased the sadness of missing him at home. I am highly grateful and consider
ourselves very fortunate to have found this nursing home and to have a place there.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at MerlewoodThank you for you lovely review of the care and team at Merlewood. We take pride in the compassion and homely atmosphere experienced by residents and families.
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Review from Gen S (Next of Kin) published on 25 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My aunt has been a resident for 4 years at Merlewood in Virginia Water. She is very happy there and we both are very impressed and happy with the way the home has handled the Covid-19 crisis. Some visiting from outside her room has certainly helped and hopefully, this will be able to be increased
to some extra visiting time slots in the near future.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at MerlewoodThank you for your review. We are slowly moving forward with unlocking and further visiting arrangements.
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Review from Jane C (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Coronavirus pandemic has challenged everyone, but we hear so much in the news about how care homes, in particular, have struggled at this time. Merlewood, however, has done a brilliant job. They closed to visitors before the national lockdown and since then have maintained excellent vigilance and
precautions. The staff have been aware of how much the residents miss contact with visitors, but have put on events and services to raise spirits. The home has been free of cases of the virus and is now able to start lifting restrictions in the same careful way that they were put in place. We really appreciate the care and protection our mum has received during this very difficult time for all, especially the elderly.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at MerlewoodThank you so much for your lovely review. We are proud to have remained free from the virus and are now able to offer garden visits.
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Review from Peta W (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff have dealt well with all the restrictions resulting from Covid-19, managing to keep residents safe and reassured whilst in lockdown. Activities have had to be suspended for the time being.
Management has kept relatives updated throughout.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at MerlewoodThank you so much for your lovely review. We are now able to offer garden visits and hope to offer more in the near future.
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Review from Liz (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother became unable to cope during lockdown. As she had previously been to Merlewood for a short stay, it was our first choice. They were able to accommodate my mother within 24 hours which was amazing. The transfer was arranged and she was very efficiently transferred to her room. It was very strange
not being able to help her settle but the staff have helped her to adjust to the new surroundings and she is being looked after very well.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at MerlewoodThank you for taking the time to review and share your experience of your mother's admission to Merlewood. We appreciate your feedback, we take pride and satisfaction in delivering quality compassionate care.
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Review from Catherine R (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The most delightful staff who were so caring at all times. My mother was given the best end of life care from September 2019 to April 2020. She was happy and comfortable. Could not fault anything.
Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at MerlewoodThank you for taking the time to review and share your experience of your mother's time at Merlewood. We appreciate your feedback, we take pride and satisfaction in delivering quality compassionate care to our residents and their families.
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Review from Jeanie B (Aunt of Resident) published on 7 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The time my nephew was in Merlewood was the best we could have wished for in the circumstances. The care he was given was wonderful and after being in hospital for a week, he so appreciated the lovely food provided that was presented beautifully as well. All the staff were so good and I cannot praise
these people enough.
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Review from J G (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff at Merlewood are professional, caring and look after the patients with care and dignity. They kept me informed of doctors visits, medicines and her care from day to day. An advance care plan was put in place so that her wishes and mine were recorded. A very friendly atmosphere at all times
and activities were good.
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Review from Tracy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Too many words could spoil my review. So here are just a few. Extremely grateful for the care and attention my mum was shown during the last weeks of her life. The respect and the tenderness which she was shown each and every minute, day or night is lacking in today's society.
I thank the nursing
staff who every day pass the telephone to my mum so we could continue our ritual of the daily chat. And the compassion I was shown during and after my mum passed.
Thank you all, I will never forget.
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Review from Judith H (Wife of Resident) published on 22 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care provided at Merlewood is excellent. The whole place looks, and smells, clean and pleasant. The residents each have an en-suite room and are treated with respect and kindness. There is a full range of social activities, organised by a very competent team, in which all are encouraged to participate.
Food is served in one of two dining rooms or in residents’ bedrooms and is good. I owe Merlewood a huge debt because when my husband came here he was given 4 weeks to live, but with the excellent care he has received at Merlewood, he is doing well over two years later!
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Review from J B (Son of Resident) published on 21 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident for 3 years and I can honestly say the staff have looked after her wonderfully. They have displayed professionalism to the highest degree. As a family member, it has been immensely reassuring that her needs have been met in such a lovely way. Thank you.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.765)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.765) out of 10 for Merlewood is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 29 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 4.765 for Merlewood is calculated as follows: ( (280 Excellents x 5) + (50 Goods x 4) + (14 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 345 Ratings = 4.765
  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 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 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 54 registered maximum number of service users is 10.8, 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: 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

1 Bed Vacancy

Posted: 08 Mar 2026

Personal care or Nursing bed. For long term or short term care

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Awards / Recognitions (4)

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Meet the Team (6)

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 90s. This was followed by over 20 years of 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.

Pat

Pat Murphy

Job Title: Clinical Care Manager - Deputy Manager Joined: 2015

I started my nursing career at 'The Berkshire College of Nursing and Midwifery' in 1992, I qualified in 1995.
After qualifying as a nurse, I worked in various hospitals but predominantly in the cardiology departments.
I eventually left the NHS after 15 years to pursue a career in the care home sector.


Initially, I was employed as a Deputy Manager, but soon I was promoted to the General Manager.


I came to work at Merlewood as the Unit Manager on McAlpine in 2015. I loved the role and the home, but left for a promotion.


However, I returned to Merlewood as the Clinical Care Manager in April 2022.


Working at Merlewood Care Home is so satisfying. The staff and residents are very special people.

Molly

Molly Horne

Job Title: Hotel Services Manager Joined: 2022

After leaving school, I completed a chef apprenticeship with Compass Group, where I gained experience in recipe development and had the opportunity to work at high-profile events such as Wimbledon and The Brit Awards.


I went on to further my career as the lead hospitality chef at Brunel University and then Roehampton Golf Course before taking on the role of Bar and Café Manager. This shift to a more management-focused position led me to my role with EFH as the Hotel Services Manager at Merlewood, where I now oversee the Housekeeping and Catering teams.


My role focuses on ensuring that our residents receive the best possible service from each of my departments every day.

Tony

Tony

Job Title: Maintenance Officer Joined: 2023

I look after a small maintenance crew that maintains Merlewood’s incredible 23-acre gardens and supports our 54 residents.


I thoroughly enjoy my varied work here at Merlewood Care Home — every day is different and satisfying in so many ways.


Our maintenance team ensures the building, grounds, and equipment are safe, functional, and comfortable for both residents and staff. I always recognise that this is our residents’ home, and my goal is to help them enjoy the comforts they deserve while our team quietly takes care of the chores in the background.

Karen

Karen Slater

Job Title: Weekday Receptionist Joined: 2024

I am the weekday receptionist here at Merlewood Care Home. I am new to the care sector. 


I really enjoy my job. I take pride in welcoming residents, visitors and families, offering support and kindness every day.


This year, I was nominated by my line manager and won the award for 'Best Care newcomer - South'.


In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family (especially my grandchildren), gardening, walking and catching up with friends over coffee. 

Sue

Sue Stroud

Job Title: Community Lead Joined: 2024

I have worked in the care sector for nearly 20 years. It's a very rewarding industry to work in.
I specialise in Sales and Marketing. I have taken many courses to improve my skills and knowledge.
I initially started my career in recruitment, owning several recruitment agencies before I moved to the Hotel Industry as a Sales and Marketing manager, eventually becoming a Sales Director for a small chain of hotels.
I was then 'headhunted' by a care provider and soon realised this was the career path that I thrived in.
Listening and understanding a potential resident's wants and needs for the next chapter of their life is a great honour and a huge responsibility.
I have worked for many of the large corporate providers, but I am currently enjoying working for this fabulous, smaller charity/provider that is resident-led.
Elizabeth Finn is a 'Profit for Purpose' business.


In my spare time, I enjoy my family, friends and walking my large Golden Retriever.

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