Merlewood

Hollow Lane, Virginia Water GU25 4LR
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9.6 83 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
  • Mental Health Condition
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 54 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autism/ASD
  • Bipolar/Manic Depression
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Debbie Vellender (General Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (54)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2022
    • Number of floors: 1

Funding & Fees Guide for Merlewood

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,500
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £2,250
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,600
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £2,350
  • We will apply for NHS-funded Nursing Care (FNC) for all residents receiving nursing care and if awarded this will be deducted from your fees.


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Merlewood to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • The home have an open visiting policy.


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


Total of 83, showing 1-20
9.6

Merlewood has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.641) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Merlewood has 83 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 67
  • 14
  • 2
  • 0
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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

On arrival, you are met by friendly, helpful, smiling, and cooperative staff. I have met the full spectrum of staff from senior manager to hairdresser, nursing staff, carers, entertainers, gardeners, general maintenance, chefs, cooks, housekeepers, cleaners, the visiting GP and no doubt many more. All
of them have been excellent. It feels like a home/hotel set in beautiful grounds. The food is very tasty. The visiting physiotherapist has helped my mother's pain and shown great care. Thank you to all.

Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking time to review Merlewood, we are glad that your parent's move has been a positive experience.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After 2 months in hospital with severe pneumonia, I felt my husband needed some general rehabilitation, exercise and a routine to encourage his motivation before returning home with a care package. This, we found at Marlewood. I hoped to have him home before Christmas, our sons were visiting from overseas,
for a couple of weeks, but another chest infection caused me to put out plans on hold, disappointing for all of us. My husband was well cared for in the safety of the care home. Earlier the home had helped us celebrate our Diamond Wedding Anniversary, as were many other relatives to join in with the various planned seasonal celebrations and activities. This made for a memorable happy time for my husband, our sons and myself.
#With many thanks to Merlewood, all it's staff who were understanding, helpful, kind and polite. Well done Merlewood.

Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to review the care and your husband's time at Merlewood. It was an honour to be involved in your wedding anniversary celebration.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a wonderful caring home, it is very welcoming and every member of staff so helpful. (I felt I would like to move in!) Nothing was too much trouble.

Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for finding time to leave a lovely review. I am glad we met all your expectations.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was a short-term resident while transferring from hospital and before going home, The staff were all very friendly and supportive as well as competent and caring. The environment is conducive to building a community feeling and has enough space for multiple different activities to take place.
Thank you for your care.

Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to review the time your father spent at Merlewood. We are pleased he enjoyed his stay.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I found my dad to be very well cared for by a friendly team of nurses and caregivers in a comfortable, well-managed and maintained facility. He had lots of friendly engagements and interactions with the staff and other residents throughout his stay.

Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to review the care and service we provide at Merlewood and sharing lovely comments and thoughts.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Well, what can I say, but a big thank you, for being so understanding of not only our mother's needs, but ours as well. Always a cuddle on offer and the staff are so willing to comfort with kindness when needed. I feel part of the family here, and I know my sister feels the same. We chose the best place
ever to leave our Mum, as the care is more than outstanding!
Well done to you all for all your dedication and hard work, well deserving of all the praise.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Reply from Claire Davis, Home Administrator at Merlewood

Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased that you are so happy with your mother's care and very much appreciate your taking the time to review us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Happy we chose Merlewood for my uncle. The admission process was quick and efficient. It has a friendly and homely atmosphere, the staff are helpful and encouraging. I'm updated on any medical issues. There's a wide range of activities, he particularly enjoys the weekly quiz and exercise class. His
room is light and comfortable with a courtyard view.

Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for reviewing our home and we are really pleased your uncle is settled and enjoying the home and all we have to offer.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my parents are at Merlewood Care Home. I think that it is a wonderful Care Home, with very caring. hardworking and talented staff who do everything possible to ensure the safety, well-being and happiness of the residents. Merlewood is very well managed. There is a lovely atmosphere at home and
enjoy going there to visit my parents there. There is always a real buzz to the place and a warm welcome. If you join my parents for lunch the food is always delicious, with a very good choice of menus. The nurses and carers are excellent and very attentive. In all fields, if you have any requests or need to raise issues, they are always promptly addressed, and there is flexibility. The grounds are wonderful and some rooms have a garden or courtyard view. There are activities in the morning and afternoon each day and also outings, fairs and parties. Merlewood provided a beautiful room for us to celebrate my Mum's 90th birthday and provided the food, cake and fabulous decorations at a very reasonable rate. I am grateful to the staff for their excellent care and support.

Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to complete this review and to share your thoughts and experiences to assist others looking for care.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone made my mum feel welcome. It was a respite stay and it was her first experience of a care home and she felt relaxed and happy from the start. She joined in all the activities and even though her vision is very poor she was encouraged and supported in the games/quizzes so as not to miss out.
She loved the flower arranging and musical sessions particularly. It was very reassuring for us to know her 'care' was thoughtful and professional.

Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to review Merlewood. It was lovely to have your mum stay with us and a pleasure that she is now back for another short stay.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I came here early in September and in the bathroom found that the toilet only flushed when it felt like it. After 3 weeks, new parts were obtained and fitted (thank goodness). In the basin, the plug hole is disgusting and cannot be fixed. I cannot plug in my toothbrush i.e. bathroom not good.
The food
is not good either and breakfast and supper were brought to my room with things missing and not as requested. Food in the dining room was not special at all, very disappointing. I've come from another care home which was excellent.

Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for your feedback, I am sorry Merlewood appears to have not met your expectations. I have reviewed your comments. I am sorry that you feel the meal experience wasn't what you expected. I understand that you met with the kitchen team several times, we want to support you to enjoy your dining experience. Your concerns have been shared with the Chefs. Ongoing feedback is welcome. I understand your bathroom was checked as working on the day after your admission, an adaptation has been installed to support ease of use for the toilet/sink with no fault noted at time of inspections. Unfortunately the parts took longer than expected to arrive for the adaptation. I am sorry that your toothbrush plug does not fit in with the sockets in Merlewood and we are awaiting an adapter to address this. Home management are available to discuss any unrectified issues with you. I am aware you took the opportunity to meet our Director of Operations on 26.9.24 and provide your feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been very well cared for and the staff show me every kindness. The residents have also been kind and welcoming. I have been supported where necessary and allowed to do things for myself when that has been possible and as I have become stronger during my convalescence. I have nothing but praise
for the care staff in particular.

Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. It was a pleasure to see you recover well and able to return home.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Merlewood is a friendly place where the staff go out of their way to look after my mother. The staff made it possible for our whole family to visit to celebrate my mother's 100th and 101st birthday. My mother is happy here and I am grateful that she is so well looked after.

Reply from Debbie Vellender, General Manager at Merlewood

Thank you for reviewing Merlewood. We are proud to treat all residents as family and enjoy helping celebrate special occasions.


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Overall Experience  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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Overall Experience  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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Overall Experience  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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Overall Experience  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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Overall Experience  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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Overall Experience  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 will look into getting mirrors for a few rooms currently without them.


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Overall Experience  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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Overall Experience  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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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.641)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.641) out of 10 for Merlewood is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 20 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.641 for Merlewood is calculated as follows: ( (189 Excellents x 5) + (53 Goods x 4) + (19 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 262 Ratings = 4.641

  • b) 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 20 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 20 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

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

Awards / Recognitions (2)

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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.


Frequently Asked Questions about Merlewood

What types of Care is Merlewood registered for?

Older Person Care, Respite Care, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Sensory Impairment & No Medical Intervention are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Merlewood provide?

Palliative Care, Convalescent Care, Physiotherapy, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Merlewood have?

There are 54 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Merlewood?

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 are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Merlewood to the centre of Virginia Water?

0.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.