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.
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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
  • 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.

Merlewood Reviews (98)

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
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Date Published
  • 98
  • 9
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  • 29
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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 81-98
Review from Ron B (Son of Resident) published on 2 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father went into Merlewood for two weeks respite care while he was there his condition deteriorated and we converted his stay to permanent. While he was there the care provided was professional, compassionate and at the very highest level.
Merlewood is a bright, cheery place, well appointed and
staffed by brilliant people. We are very grateful for the care provided to my father. Thanks and best wishes for the future.
Reply from Richard Hawes, Chief Executive Office at MerlewoodThank you for your positive comments on our home, we try to ensure that all our residents and families have a positive experience, and will ensure your thanks are passed on to our colleagues in the home.
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Review from Andrew (Son of Resident) published on 2 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff and organisation of Merlewood provided an excellent environment of care for my mother in her last years. This was not only a comfort to her but to our family as well - thank you.
Reply from Richard Hawes, Chief Executive Office at MerlewoodThank you for taking the time to leave a review, it is our aim to provide exceptional care at all times, and we will make sure your comments are passed on to colleagues at the home.
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Review from Mike B (Son of Resident) published on 17 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father recently spent two and a half weeks in Merlewood Nursing Home which turned out to be the last two weeks of his life! While he was in there he was cared for in the best possible way. He was made very comfortable in every aspect. All the staff worked in a most professional and friendly manner
to both residents and visitors. I cannot thank everyone enough for all the help and support they have they given all the family.
If needed I would not hesitate in recommending Merlewood to anyone!
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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful environment and caring staff. Clean, food is very good, staff and residents look happy. Nice range of activities feels safe and secure. Entering/exiting through the front door is a little difficult when manoeuvring a wheelchair as the pathway from the door to the outside is not even, have
to lift the wheels of the wheelchair to exit. My mother seems happy and I am happy. The staff are compassionate, responsive and wonderful with the residents.
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Review from Chris G (Son of Resident) published on 22 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Merlewood highly enough.
My father came for end of life care for the last two and a half weeks of his life and the staff could not have been nicer, more caring or professional. Their commitment to their patients was obvious and as a result, they made a very difficult time so much
easier. The setting and facilities are first rate but this would count for little without caring staff, which is in itself a tribute to excellent management.
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Review from W G (Respite Resident) published on 14 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I was in Merlewood for a short stay and I cannot speak highly enough of the staff who without exception were kind, considerate and cheerful and made my stay most enjoyable.
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Review from L R (Niece of Resident) published on 26 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My relative was moved from Cardiff to Merlewood to be close to where we live. When she arrived by ambulance, it was felt that she would be there for a couple of weeks, as she was so weak. Twenty months later, she passed away. She was SO WELL cared for by the amazing staff and she was so happy living
there. All of the staff are truly wonderful and we would have no hesitation in recommending Merlewood to anyone. Thank you all for the love and care given.
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Review from Helen K (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 January 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Although my mother's stay at Merlewood was relatively short, we were extremely pleased with the level of care provided. Every member of staff encountered was so friendly and helpful and mum was looked after with such genuine care and kindness. Mum entered the home at the final stage of her life and
it's a shame she was unable to appreciate the activities and nurturing environment.
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Review from Mervyn G (Son of Resident) published on 13 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We reluctantly placed my mother into Merlewood in November 2016 and without doubt, I had a guilt complex believing I was letting her down. Within 48 hours of her arriving at Merlewood I realised it was a great decision, she had constant company which she did not at home, the quality of food is excellent
and far better than we could arrange through carers and family effort. Staff encouraged her to join activities and very quickly she became part of the status quo at 91 years old and having suffered a stroke five years earlier. Staff are unbelievably caring and patient with the residents, I could never do their job and can only admire their commitment and the love they show for the older folks.


If anyone is having a problem and wrestling their conscience over placing a loved one in Merlewood, go and take a look, I believe you will like what you see. It turned out a great decision for my mother.

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Review from R S (Son of Resident) published on 10 November 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care and the facilities at the home were both exceptional.
The staff were welcoming and friendly and made the whole respite experience an extremely gentle one.
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Review from S R (Respite Resident) published on 5 October 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I came in for respite care after a hip operation. I came out very rested - walking well. Just what I needed. Not much to do if you are able bodied - but to be expected really!
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Review from Ian D (Son of Resident) published on 22 September 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother became a resident at Merlewood on the 20th July 2017 for end of life care. She has now sadly passed away. My family and I consider ourselves lucky to have found such a wonderful nursing home. From the kind, caring staff on all levels looking after not only my mother but caring for us as well,
nothing was too much trouble.
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Review from Dilys K (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 May 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mother stayed at Merlewood for over four years. In that time, although she felt that it would take away her independence, she soon realised that the company and very comfortable surroundings were better than being alone. She was encouraged to take part in many activities, but if not feeling up to
participating would enjoy the chat with carers in the gardens. Everything was done that could be done to make her feel welcome and cared for.
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Review from J K (Resident) published on 3 May 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been a resident for 6 years and I note that the cleanliness of all parts is immaculate and the standard of upkeep and decoration is very high. Lunch is served in the dining room and the food is varied - 3 main meals each day (fish, meat and vegetarian) and vegetables are served separately.
Meals may be served in your room if preferred.


The carers are kind and cheerful and do splendid work. Some have been here for many years.


Activities are varied - scrabble, crosswords, shopping trips, visits to places of beauty and interest.


The grounds are extensive and well maintained, and carers take residents round in wheelchairs on sunny days.

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Review from Paul B (Cousin of Resident) published on 21 April 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My cousin, aged 95, was living alone and felt isolated. We all decided it would be better for her to come into care. Since being at Merlewood she has benefitted from the kindness and caring professional staff. Now she has the option of socialising with other residents. She has recently been very unwell
and has been nursed back to health by a dedicated team. We are all delighted with the positive attitude of all the staff from housekeeping to catering to social events. We could not have made a better choice.
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Review from Suzanne B (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been welcomed and cared for extremely well over the past 6months.
Since arriving at Merlewood we could not be more satisfied.
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Review from P N (Son of Resident) published on 28 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother stayed at Merlewood for 3 weeks recuperating from a knee replacement operation. Having stayed in other care homes previously, we can definitely say that Merlewood stands head and shoulders above the rest in all respects.
Mum had a lovely, bright room which was spotlessly clean and very well
maintained. All staff were very friendly and helpful, always preparing to spend a little time making sure all was OK. Food also excellent. We would like to thank all staff, including housekeeping, nursing and physio for their support in helping with mum's recovery.
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Review from Gillian (Widow Widower) published on 14 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband was admitted to Merlewood initially for respite nursing after hospital. His condition rapidly deteriorated and he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. He died on 23 Feb 2016. The nursing and care staff looked after him with professionalism, kindly care, cheerfulness and humour. They were
also kind and welcoming to me, his friends and family when visiting. The decor and surroundings were of high standards and kept clean by dedicated team of cleaners and laundry staff. The chef and kitchen staff, reception and management team were equally kind and helpful, making us all feel at home. The nurses and carers could not have looked after him better in his final days if he had been their own dad. His son and I are most grateful.
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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)

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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