Downlands Nursing Home is a twenty-three capacity Hove residential facility with a versatile care portfolio, from a local provider with over two decades of experience in achieving effective daily care packages.
Secluded gardens and homely interiors combine with a friendly team of staff who are keen to ensure that service users are able to achieve an active daily lifestyle, in which they feel respected and able to pursue personal interests.
The service looks to remain up-to-date with a developing care sector, learning all it can from inspections and keeping strong links with local health professionals.
Downlands has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.879) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Downlands has 38 reviews.
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Review from J W (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 March 2025
Submitted via Website •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
We are very grateful to everyone at Downlands for their kindness and cannot recommend them enough. Mum was deteriorating quickly yet her doctor believed she wasn't palliative, so we initially planned for respite. Downlands quickly saw this as a possibility and the discussion with the family of palliative
care was done with great sensitivity. She was only there 4 days but we are glad we got her there in time so she could receive the care she needed. The manager was kind and patient throughout, helping us feel confident she would be in the best hands. We could see a small change in her there - she looked cleaner and more comfortable than she had in weeks. Everyone was kind and patient when feeding her, as it was becoming challenging. They offered us food, drinks and bedding as we sat by her during her final night, even providing a spare room so we could have somewhere quiet nearby to nap. Nurses would come in regularly and there were no delays with administering medicines.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear mum.
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Review from Jackie J (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 January 2025
Submitted via Website •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
We are so grateful to the wonderful caring staff at Downlands who made our Mother's final months so comfortable. Mum had Alzheimer's, so found it difficult to settle at first but the staff were so patient and always smiling so she soon began to feel at home. She was placed there after spending 61/2
weeks in hospital and immediately started to enjoy food again despite needing a puree diet as the fantastic chef purees home-cooked meals. The staff treat everyone as one big family. They were so friendly to my brother and I who visited regularly. The manager is always welcoming and ready to talk things through. The nurses were so caring towards Mum and ensured she was free from pain and comfortable. Highly recommend this nursing home to everyone, we couldn't have asked for more caring palliative care. The staff are always consistent which really helped Mum feel safe. Thank you Downlands for looking after Mum and supporting us in saying goodbye.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for providing a review of the care we provide - appreciated. It was an honour to care for your dear Mum.
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Review from Sheridan W (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 January 2025
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My mum spent the last week of her life at Downlands. When we were looking for palliative care homes the week before mum was admitted, I visited Downlands and it felt so comforting as soon as we entered the front door. The Manager and her staff are wonderful, so kind and attentive. The home itself won't
be the most attractive but the staff more than make up for it. I am so pleased I chose Downlands for mums last few days and would recommend it to anyone looking for care for their loved ones.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear mum. It was an honour to care for her.
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Review from Jenny S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 October 2024
Submitted via Website •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
Our mum spent her last 14 days at Downlands. The end-of-life care that she received was excellent. The staff were so caring and respectful of mum. They worked very collaboratively with us and the live-in carer who had supported her previously. It was impressive that they were so open to learning from
and with people with previous knowledge of mum. Whenever we highlighted something that she would want (e.g. specific music; her curtains being open) they implemented this immediately. Mum was not keen to eat and they found ways to try to encourage her whilst respecting any clear 'no' - however communicated. In the final hours of her life, they were beautifully gentle, caring and respectful (of both her and her children). Their communication with us was reassuring, caring and gently clear. As a consequence, the end of mum's life was peaceful and loving. We are so pleased we chose Downlands, a well-managed home, for our mum's last days.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for providing a review of the care we provide, we appreciate it. It was an honour to care for your dear mum.
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Review from Sara M (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 September 2024
Submitted via Website •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
We knew Downlands would be my mum's final home and feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to place her there. In her final few weeks, she was treated with the utmost dignity, respect and most importantly, gentle care and kindness. The team are extraordinary in all aspects of their work.
Despite not being able to eat a great deal, the chef prepared her an appropriate meal at all times, not deterred by it returning with only a spoonful taken. The manager is a joy. I would like to thank every person who took care of my lovely mum, they were all beautiful souls who made her final days and final hours comfortable, pain-free and dignified. We in all honesty couldn't have asked for more.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear mum. It was an honour to care for her.
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Review from Leonie P (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 August 2024
Submitted via Website •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
The care and comfort my Mum received from the manager and the entire team at Downlands was outstanding.
Mum spent her final days with dignity and I take great relief knowing that her pain relief was managed and she was in a home from home. The communication I received along with the support from absolutely
everyone I encountered was so reassuring to us all and I would highly recommend Downlands. The individual rooms are homely and you can add familiar touches. The new extension will be amazing. When Mum needed to make a trip to A&E a lovely carer went with her and stayed with her for many hours beyond her working day until I could get there! That special carer when I return to see everybody have my special thanks along with all those from the day and night teams who looked after every aspect of Mum's care. I am so glad I found Downlands!
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for providing a review of the care we provide - appreciated. It was an honour to care for your dear Mum.
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Review from I E (Widow Widower) published on 27 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
Downlands was recommended to me as a suitable place for my husband's care. It includes palliative care/24-hour nursing care. He had a terminal brain tumour. The Manager showed my son around and we chose a room. She took me to the hospital saw my husband and left. She returned later and told me an ambulance
would take us out at 3:00 pm and transport us to the home. 2:55 pm the paramedics took us to the ambulance and onto Downlands. She managed in a few hours to get my husband discharged. I would recommend Downlands to anybody and have done so. the staff are second to none. The cleaning and laundry ladies, chef, handyman, all the carers, the nursing staff and local doctors. Wonderful people all of them and bless them all. My husband survived longer than expected because of the exceptional care he received.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide. It was an honour to care for your beloved husband.
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Review from P R (Son of Resident) published on 29 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience4.0 out of 5
My dad was at Downlands for 6 months he was end of life care. He was treated with respect and dignity by the staff. The food was very nice his room was always clean and tidy, and activities were run most days. The home is well run and the management nurses and care workers were always available to help
and answer any concerns. My sister and I are so pleased we chose this home for my dad.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much providing a review of the care we provide - really appreciated. It was an honour to care for your Dad.
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Review from Christine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 April 2024
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My husband had been in Downlands Nursing Home from December 2015 when my mum had a stroke in July 2022 and I was fortunate to get her a placement there too. Following the stroke, Mum was confined to a hospital bed and told she would not walk again. Luckily the staff at Downlands could see her flexibility
and, when she said she could walk to the toilet, they supported her to try. It wasn’t long before she was able to walk with her frame to the lounge each day. It's never easy for a person with dementia to move to a nursing home but the friendly and attentive staff made sure Mum settled in with their happy faces, the meals she enjoyed, entertainment with other residents in the lounge, and excellent nursing care. Having both my husband and my mum in a nursing home was both upsetting and challenging for me to cope with. I will always be thankful they were in Downlands as the staff there supported me every step of my journey.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide. It was an honour to care for your dear mum and your beloved husband.
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Review from David K (Husband of Resident) published on 11 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
Although my wife was only in the care of Downlands for two and a half days I would like to thank all the staff for their kindness to her and myself while she was there. I was impressed by the quality of the whole experience and in particular the nurse and of course the amazing care. I would recommend
it to anyone.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your wife. It was an honour to care for her.
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Review from Mark O (Nephew of Resident) published on 16 November 2023
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My brother and I would like to provide a very positive review of Downlands and the care provided for our uncle. We were both very close to him as he had always been a very integral part of our family, and to have the knowledge that he was in such good hands was a great relief. The staff were absolutely
outstanding and my brother and I have nothing but praise for the way they looked after him. Following a short stay at another home, our uncle was really impressed by the food that was provided at Downlands. The catering staff were always very attentive and happy to make small adjustments to suit him. A particular highlight was the summer party which he really enjoyed, with some great live music and tasty BBQ food. As his health worsened, the nursing staff ensured he was kept comfortable and did not endure any suffering. Overall an excellent care home that we would both fully endorse.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide - really appreciated. It was an honour to care for your uncle.
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Review from Michael D (Son of Resident) published on 17 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My mum thoroughly enjoyed the four and a half months spent in residence at Downlands Care Home. She loved the wonderful staff, food and service that Downlands provided and it was a great relief to myself, family and friends knowing that Mum was very content and in a happy place.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear mum. It was an honour to care for her.
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Review from Natalie B (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 August 2023
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
I can honestly say that my experience of my mother going into a nursing home was far greater than I ever expected, thanks to her being admitted to Downlands. I have literally only got positive things to say about this place and want to highlight the amazing kindness and positivity of the staff towards
all the residents. My mum looked upon it as a five-star hotel break, and that was actually a brilliant way to describe it, with the only real difference being the high level of nursing care that came with it. She would look forward to her delicious home-cooked meals made by the excellent chef and his team. All the staff were unbelievably kind and patient. I found it had a very relaxed atmosphere which had a positive effect on all the residents. Residents were always clean and well-dressed. The staff treated everyone with dignity and respect. Thank you for making Mum’s final days the best they could possibly be.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide - really appreciated. It was an honour to care for your mum.
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Review from Stephen H (Son of Resident) published on 27 April 2023
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My brother and I are so grateful for the excellent care given by Downlands to our dear mother through her final weeks. Without exception the staff team showed unflagging professionalism, respect, kindness and genuine care. Downlands is a happy, welcoming care home. It is well managed, communicates
well, recruits and retains excellent people. It is clean and smells good! Highly recommended.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your dear mum. It was an honour to care for her.
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Review from Margot U (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 December 2022
Submitted via Website •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My mum spent the last seven months of her life at Downlands and we moved her from another care home that could not meet her needs. Our experience at Downlands could not be more different than her previous care home. At Downlands the staff are welcoming, caring and kind. My mum was very depressed and
at times, very difficult to manage, as she was understandably sad about being old and frail and did not want to be in a nursing home. However, the staff tried really hard to find ways to engage my mum and respected her choices while gently encouraging her to engage in the life of the home. My mum died at Downlands and as I work in a hospice I know how important it is to help people live until they die and to have as good a death as possible. The palliative care was faultless. The nurses listened to me and my mum and we worked together to ensure that she was comfortable and her dignity maintained right to the end.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide - really appreciated. It was an honour to care for your mum.
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Review from Karen B (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 9 December 2022
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My family and I have nothing but praise for the manager and staff at Downlands, where my stepdad has been so well cared for during the last four years, he has been so happy there, and we feel that we could not have found a better place for him after his dementia diagnosis. All of the staff were so kind,
caring and friendly, and we always received a warm welcome when we visited, and nothing was ever too much trouble. My stepdad enjoyed taking part in the activities that took place and especially enjoyed helping with little jobs in the lovely garden. A special effort was always made on his birthday by the staff, and the wonderful chef always made a lovely cake; this was always very much appreciated. Communication was very good, and we were always informed of any medical issues or appointments. We will be forever grateful to everyone at Downlands for the amazing care that they gave and for looking after my stepdad so well; thank you to you all so much.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provided to your step dad. It was an honour to care for him.
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Review from Nicola B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 June 2022
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
My Mum recently spent 4 weeks at Downlands having been transferred from the Royal Sussex County for palliative care. Downlands had been recommended to me so I was really pleased when coincidentally, my mum was moved to Downlands through CHC fast track. It was a relief to know she was going somewhere
that had already been given such a glowing report by someone I knew with personal experience of the home. The communication from the manager was excellent at all times, even before my mum moved in. My Mum was very complimentary about the home, telling me the staff were very good, friendly and kind and how she was enjoying the food! The home always looked and smelt clean and fresh and mum was always clean and well presented when I visited. When she reached the last week of her life, again, the staff were brilliant with Mum and myself making sure I knew what was going on and offering support and keeping mum comfortable right up to the very end.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide - really appreciated. It was an honour to care for your mum.
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Review from Jen C (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 February 2022
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
Mum was at Downlands for over two years and was transferred there as she needed more care than her previous home could give her. From the moment she moved in she was happy and so were my brother and I. Every single time we visited, which was often, Mum was dressed, clean, hair brushed, nails done and
perfume on! She was smiling and was engaging and enjoying herself with the staff and the other residents. It was the most social we had seen her in years! We were always made welcome at any time and looked forward to chatting to the staff about what Mum had been up to. She had trips out, games, exercise and most memorably the Christmas parties and summer BBQs where an Elvis impersonator came along and sang to them whilst holding their hands. We have so many great memories of time spent there with Mum. I cannot stress enough how wonderful it was knowing and trusting in the staff and their care for Mum and their care for my family too when the end came.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you for the kind feedback about the care we provide at Downlands. It was an honour to look after your mum.
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Review from Margaret v (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 January 2022
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience5.0 out of 5
Downlands is truly a special place and we feel so lucky that we found it for our mum. It is welcoming, warm and very friendly and is extremely well managed. Without exception, every member of staff we met was unfailingly kind, caring, considerate, respectful and professional. Mum was beautifully looked
after there and we are very grateful to everybody there who helped that happen.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a review of the care we provide - really appreciated. It was an honour to care for your mum.
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Review from Janice A (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 December 2021
Submitted via Postal Card •
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Overall ExperienceOverall Experience4.0 out of 5
The manager and team were very respectful and kind to my mother and me. They worked tirelessly and checked that my mother was comfortable continually. Any request was dealt with quickly. I cannot make a comment on the activities as my mother was too ill to take part and I was not involved. The staff
were wonderful, thank you. Also, visiting was always easy and the welcome perfect.
Reply from Grace Mwai, Registered Manager at Downlands
Thank you for your kind review. It was an honour to look after your mother.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.879)
Overview of Review Score
The Review Score of 9.9 (9.879) out of 10 for Downlands is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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 4.879 for Downlands is calculated as follows:
(
(140 Excellents x 5)
+
(15 Goods x 4)
+
(2 Satisfactorys x 3)
)
÷ 157 Ratings = 4.879
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 Downlands is based on 14 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 23 registered maximum number of service users is 4.6, which has been reached with 14 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: 4 Sep 2018
Overall Good
Caring
Good
Effective
Good
Responsive
Good
Safe
Good
Well-led
Good
Key
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
Outstanding - the service is performing exceptionally well.
Good - the service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
Requires improvement - the service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
Inadequate - the service is performing badly and we've taken enforcement action against the provider of the service.
No rating/under appeal/rating suspended - there are some services which we can't rate, while some might be under appeal from the provider. Suspended ratings are being reviewed by us and will be published soon.
Ticks and crosses
We don't rate every type of service. For services we haven't rated we use ticks and crosses to show whether we've asked them to take further action or taken enforcement action against them.
There's no need for the service to take further action. If this service has not had a CQC inspection since it registered with us, our judgement may be based on our assessment of declarations and evidence supplied by the service.
The service must make improvements.
At least one standard in this area was not being met when we inspected the service and we have taken enforcement action.
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.
Older Person Care, Respite Care & Physical Disability are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
What additional types of Care does Downlands provide?
Palliative Care, Convalescent Care, Physiotherapy & Own GP if required are other types of care provided.
How many Rooms does Downlands have?
There are 23 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Downlands?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Downlands to the centre of Hove?
0.9 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
