Proud mum Jean welcomes newlyweds to care home garden

A wedding day story involving multiple connections with two New Forest Colten Care homes

Family care home connections guided the progress of a happy wedding day in the New Forest. 

As soon as they tied the knot at Ringwood registry office, Stuart and Hannah Judd drove straight to Colten Care’s Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst. The trip meant they could spend time in the garden with Stuart’s mum Jean, a resident at the outstanding-rated home. Because of Covid restrictions, Jean was unable to attend the ceremony but enjoyed dressing up for the newlyweds’ visit to see her and show off their wedding attire.

After they had decorated the home’s arched wooden gazebo with flowers, lights and drapes, team members served champagne all round to mark the happy couple’s arrival.

Woodpeckers’ Companionship Team Leader Jane Bunker said: “Jean was delighted to be involved in person. It was a moment of great pride for her to see her son and his beautiful bride.”

Train driver Stuart and Hannah, a chef at Colten Care’s Court Lodge home in Lymington, had known each other in the past and reconnected when Hannah was commissioned to make a cake for Stuart’s parents’ wedding anniversary.

The pair had originally planned to marry a year ago with a bigger ceremony and reception. Having postponed their special day due to the pandemic they chose exactly the same date this year to finally go ahead.

Another family connection with Colten Care is that Stuart’s daughter Suzy Judd, Jean’s granddaughter, works as a healthcare assistant at Woodpeckers.

And Hannah's mum Janet also came to Woodpeckers recently for a respite stay before returning home.

Jane added: “This was a wedding party that didn’t need to worry about a cake. With Hannah being a professional chef at Court Lodge, she was only too pleased to make her own wedding cake. Everyone declared it to be delicious.”  

4 weeks for the price of 3 in a New Forest Colten Care home 

Try care home living for yourself or your loved one, at Colten Care's expense. All Colten Care homes are currently offering 4 weeks for the price of 3, so why not see for yourself what sets them apart - once you experience their comfort, care and companionship it's highly likely you'll want to stay longer!

Three of Colten's New Forest homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission: Linden House specialist dementia care home in Lymington, Woodpeckers residential home in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton.

Find out more about Colten Care

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 21 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Seven of the homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and Colten Care earns a consistently high group score, currently 9.9 out of ten, on the public review site Carehome.co.uk. Based on such third-party advocacy, Colten Care is the UK’s highest-rated care home group for its size.

All Colten Care homes are registered for nursing care

All homes are registered for nursing care and four are dedicated dementia care homes with Admiral Nurse support. Unlike people who receive domiciliary care in their own homes, residents in Colten Care homes have the reassurance that 24/7 nurse-led care with companionship is on hand whenever they need it. Residents live in the highest standards of accommodation, enjoying homecooked food, fresh laundry and housekeeping services, and safe, peaceful and inspiring gardens. Colten Care also supports residents to raise thousands of pounds for charities of their choice every year. Founded more than 35 years ago, Colten Care has won multiple awards for the quality of its care and remains an independent, family-owned care home provider. For more information, visit www.ColtenCare.co.uk

Three Colten Care homes in the New Forest are rated outstanding

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the New Forest, three of which are rated Outstanding and three of which are in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House (Outstanding). There are also homes in Brockenhurst -Woodpeckers (Outstanding), New Milton - Kingfishers (Outstanding) and Mudeford - Avon Reach. Click on the links to find out more about each home... 

Queen's birthday celebrations 

And appreciation of carers at New Forest Colten Care homes by residents celebrating National Carers Week 

Two separate celebrations took place last week in the 21 Colten Care homes across the New Forest and the south of England.

Right royal celebrations - including a former royal seamstress...

A former royal seamstress was among care home residents celebrating the Queen’s 95^th birthday with games, parties and decorations. 

Maureen Roberts, who lives at Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors, Dorset, marked the special day along with fellow residents at all the provider’s 21 homes in the south.  

And there was even a special request for Maureen to give her expert opinion and ‘royal seal of approval’ on a newly married member of staff’s wedding dress.

...who worked for the late Norman Hartnell, dressmaker to the Queen and Queen Mother

Maureen used to work for the late fashion designer Norman Hartnell, holder of royal warrants as dressmaker to both the Queen and Queen Mother.

After an apprenticeship, she worked her way up from the role of pattern cutter to being one of the embroidery mistresses on the Queen’s Coronation gown and at other significant royal events.

Brook View’s Companionship Team Leader Sarah Moule was keen to gain Maureen’s thoughts on her wedding dress given her long-standing experience with fashion and dresswear.

Sarah said: “I was due to be married a year ago but postponed the wedding because of lockdown. Simon, my partner of 15 years, and I decided we could wait another year.

“Maureen and our other residents had been listening to me talking about my dress for months and so I thought it was only right that they could all share in the moment when it eventually came.

“A few days after we tied the knot, and just before the Queen’s birthday, I wore the dress at Brook View for everyone to see.”

When Sarah appeared in the full-length white dress with fitted bodice and long train,  Maureen declared: “It’s beautiful. We were all interested in seeing it and it was so lovely of Sarah to wear it for us.”

Sarah added: “Maureen had a good feel of the layers and held the veil. She and other residents asked about the material. They also gave me a little gift, a decorated horseshoe in our bridesmaid’s lilac colours, along with a handmade card. It was so joyful to receive that.”

Another royal connection at Brook View is that resident David Parsons, a specialist in stamps, personally assisted with the selling of the Queen’s own private stamp collection and has a book of stamps dating back to the time of George V, the Queen’s grandfather.

Union Jack hats and flags were the order of the day at Brook View and other Colten Care homes as residents paid their respects to the monarch at afternoon tea parties and specially organised bowls and croquet tournaments.

Meanwhile, at Outstanding-rated Kingfishers in New Milton, residents and staff were invited to pose for photos with a life-size cut-out of the Queen. As you can see!

Rose Arcellana, Kingfishers’ Companionship Team Leader, said: “Everyone really enjoyed taking selfies with her on the day.”

‘Thank you carers, you’re amazing’, say Colten Care residents in celebration of National Carers Week

Meanwhile at Colten Care homes across the region, team members who care for hundreds of residents have been treated to some well-deserved praise and pampering.

In celebration of National Carers’ Week, staff in all job roles were honoured for their ‘one-team’ dedication and hard work at each of the provider’s 21 homes in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and West Sussex.

They enjoyed homecooked cakes and pizzas, afternoon teas, a visiting ice cream van and residents’ good wishes shared in cards and poems.  

A specific role was celebrated on each day, ensuring recognition for nurses, healthcare assistants, companions, chefs, kitchen staff, waiters, housekeepers, gardeners, maintenance staff and reception administrators.   

At homes such as Braemar Lodge in Salisbury and Outstanding-rated Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, Hampshire, residents prepared, decorated and presented dozens of ‘hug me’ jars each with a signed, personalised gift tag.  

Inside were sweets, lollies, tea bags, sachets of hot chocolate or coffee, tea lights and thank-you notes.

Woodpeckers resident Betty Hampton even decided to knit woollen hats for some of the jars, explaining: “I wanted to make them extra special.”

At Fernhill, Colten’s Outstanding-rated dementia care home in Longham near Bournemouth, staff in different roles were invited to a bacon and sausage bap breakfast served by colleagues from the Companionship team.

Companionship Team Leader Kate Morris said: “It was an ideal way to help our staff team feel really appreciated, especially given how hard they have worked all through the pandemic. They were very grateful.”

At Avon Cliff in Bournemouth, residents wrote heart-shaped messages of thanks on a noticeboard in the foyer.

And holding up individual word cards, residents at Bourne View in Poole spelt out a collective message in a video greeting, posted on YouTube at Celebrating Carers Week at Bourne View - YouTube. It read: “Thank you carers for your hard work and looking after us. You are amazing and fantastic. Thank you from all at Bourne View.”

Making care visible and valued

The theme for Carers’ Week this year was ‘Making care visible and valued’. 

Pictured are Betty Hampton, resident at Colten Care’s Outstanding-rated New Forest home Woodpeckers, who knitted woollen hats for the ‘hug me’ jars given to team members during National Carers’ Week. And below, team members with their ‘hug me’ jars.

4 weeks for the price of 3 in a New Forest Colten Care home 

Try care home living for yourself or your loved one, at Colten Care's expense. All Colten Care homes are currently offering 4 weeks for the price of 3, so why not see for yourself what sets them apart - once you experience their comfort, care and companionship it's highly likely you'll want to stay longer!

Three of Colten's New Forest homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission: Linden House specialist dementia care home in Lymington, Woodpeckers residential home in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton.

Find out more about Colten Care

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 21 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Seven of the homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and Colten Care earns a consistently high group score, currently 9.9 out of ten, on the public review site Carehome.co.uk. Based on such third-party advocacy, Colten Care is the UK’s highest-rated care home group for its size.

All Colten Care homes are registered for nursing care

All homes are registered for nursing care and four are dedicated dementia care homes with Admiral Nurse support. Unlike people who receive domiciliary care in their own homes, residents in Colten Care homes have the reassurance that 24/7 nurse-led care with companionship is on hand whenever they need it. Residents live in the highest standards of accommodation, enjoying homecooked food, fresh laundry and housekeeping services, and safe, peaceful and inspiring gardens. Colten Care also supports residents to raise thousands of pounds for charities of their choice every year. Founded more than 35 years ago, Colten Care has won multiple awards for the quality of its care and remains an independent, family-owned care home provider. For more information, visit www.ColtenCare.co.uk

Three Colten Care homes in the New Forest are rated outstanding

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the New Forest, three of which are rated Outstanding and three of which are in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House (Outstanding). There are also homes in Brockenhurst -Woodpeckers (Outstanding), New Milton - Kingfishers (Outstanding) and Mudeford - Avon Reach. Click on the links to find out more about each home... 

Doting on Dads!

New Forest Colten Care homes in Brockenhurst and New Milton celebrate Father's Day 

Dads living at Colten Care’s 21 care homes across the south were treated to some extra special attention on Father’s Day.

Beers, chocolates, goodie bags and their own choice of film viewing brought cheer all round, topped only by welcoming loved ones in for precious time together.

Picnics and bridge tournament at Kingfishers, New Milton

Family members were able to visit at all homes throughout the day under Covid guidance, creating many opportunities for conversations and gift opening.

At the twice Outstanding-rated Kingfishers in New Milton, Hampshire, there were picnics in the garden and a bridge tournament.

I'm a very lucky man!

Resident Bill Newenham, who enjoyed a picnic and glass of wine with his son and other relatives, said: “I had a lovely time, well spent with my family. I'm a very lucky man.”

Kingfishers’ Companionship Team Leader Rose Arcellana said: “We asked the dads what they wanted to do. In the afternoon we watched the Queen's tennis final followed by football and we finished off the day with a glass of shandy to say cheers to all fathers around the globe. The day was all about them.”

Goodie bags and big screen at Woodpeckers, Brockenhurst

Staff at Colten’s Outstanding-rated Brockenhurst home, Woodpeckers, gave out goodie bags to dads among the residents and invited them to select a film to watch on the big screen. The choice was the 1944 Judy Garland musical comedy Meet Me in St Louis.  

Resident Frank Coumbe said: “I had a wonderful Father’s Day, seeing my number one daughter Sue and enjoying the goodie bag which was an unexpected gift.”

Likewise, fellow resident Peter Sheath said: “It was lovely as always to see my two children Marissa and Mario, but especially on Father’s Day. And I was most surprised and delighted in the afternoon to get this lovely treat bag from all at Woodpeckers.”

Woodpeckers’ Companionship Team Leader Jane Bunker said: “Father’s Day is a special day for families everywhere, and especially so after a year in which face-to-face contact with loved ones has been made challenging because of lockdown.”

Pictured left: Father’s Day at Colten Care’s Outstanding-rated Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst. Clockwise from top left: residents Frank Coumbe, Ivan Peters, Fred Woodford, Roger Johnson and Peter Sheath.

Pictured right from top: Kingfishers residents Bill Newenham, Gerry Bryer and Les Kemp

4 weeks for the price of 3 in a New Forest Colten Care home 

Try care home living for yourself or your loved one, at Colten Care's expense. All Colten Care homes are currently offering 4 weeks for the price of 3, so why not see for yourself what sets them apart - once you experience their comfort, care and companionship it's highly likely you'll want to stay longer!

Three of Colten's New Forest homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission: Linden House specialist dementia care home in Lymington, Woodpeckers residential home in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton.

Find out more about Colten Care

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 21 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Seven of the homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and Colten Care earns a consistently high group score, currently 9.9 out of ten, on the public review site Carehome.co.uk. Based on such third-party advocacy, Colten Care is the UK’s highest-rated care home group for its size.

All Colten Care homes are registered for nursing care

All homes are registered for nursing care and four are dedicated dementia care homes with Admiral Nurse support. Unlike people who receive domiciliary care in their own homes, residents in Colten Care homes have the reassurance that 24/7 nurse-led care with companionship is on hand whenever they need it. Residents live in the highest standards of accommodation, enjoying homecooked food, fresh laundry and housekeeping services, and safe, peaceful and inspiring gardens. Colten Care also supports residents to raise thousands of pounds for charities of their choice every year. Founded more than 35 years ago, Colten Care has won multiple awards for the quality of its care and remains an independent, family-owned care home provider. For more information, visit www.ColtenCare.co.uk

Three Colten Care homes in the New Forest are rated outstanding

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the New Forest, three of which are rated Outstanding and three of which are in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House (Outstanding). There are also homes in Brockenhurst -Woodpeckers (Outstanding), New Milton - Kingfishers (Outstanding) and Mudeford - Avon Reach. Click on the links to find out more about each home... 

One voice is just the beginning

World Music Day inspires New Forest Colten Care homes to a poignant production of the Barry Manilow song

Ed Note: We have reported previously on the amazing Fiona Pritchard, Colten Care's head of music and arts, who combines her exceptional musicianship with resident care and companionship of the highest standards; I personally witnessed how with such tenderness and compassion she would calm and reassure my own mother with advanced dementia in Colten Care's Linden House specialist dementia home.

Here she has really excelled herself. World Music Day was the trigger for this beautiful rendition of the Barry Manilow song One Voice, which Fiona orchestrated to begin with a solo and build to a climax of many voices and instruments in harmony. Please do watch the video, it certainly brought a tear to our eyes!

From cardio drumming to song and dance routines

From cardio drumming to performing song and dance routines, World Music Day inspired a harmonious week of uplifting sounds for care home residents and staff. Colten Care found a host of ways to celebrate the universal joy and power of music, bringing smiles and positive vibes all round.

Residents at Belmore Lodge in Lymington stretched their arms for a fun workout drumming on exercise balls to the rhythm of the 1961 Dion hit The Wanderer.      

Those living at Outstanding-rated Woodpeckers in nearby Brockenhurst took part in a closely fought musical bingo tournament featuring lyrics from favourite pop songs.

And all four of Colten’s dedicated dementia care homes got in on the act too, staging musical experiences for residents.

There was a 1950s singalong at Outstanding-rated Linden House in Lymington and a song and dance afternoon at Outstanding-rated Fernhill in Longham near Bournemouth.

It featured Companionship team members Anne Marie Knight and Megan Fletcher dressing up and performing the Judy Garland song A Couple of Swells and the signature tune from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.   

In a karaoke session, residents at St Catherines View in Winchester sang and played percussion instruments while The Aldbury in Poole held a name-that-tune competition.         

Among other homes, Braemar Lodge in Salisbury invited residents to join the global dance challenge prompted by the success of the song Jerusalema by South African DJ and producer Master KG.  

And while singer and Companionship team member Rebecca Osborne performed ‘a musical trip around the world’ at Outstanding-rated Amberwood House in Ferndown, residents at Avon Reach in Mudeford enjoyed a trip down memory lane with music hall songs and reminiscence.

Voices and playing from all 21 Colten homes in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and West Sussex are represented in a new music video celebrating their creative talent.

It features a special arrangement of Barry Manilow’s song One Voice by Colten’s Music and Arts Partner Fiona Pritchard.

Opening with a solo from Kirby Sharp, a Healthcare Assistant at Abbotts Barton in Winchester, the video includes cello, flute, violin and guitar as well as singing.

Fiona said: “Some of the singers and players may have been nervous beforehand but everyone finished their parts with laughs and smiles. There was a real sense of achievement and positivity as with all our Music Day activities. The homes came up with such a wide variety of ideas to celebrate the occasion, all supporting our residents’ wellbeing.”

Jo Gough, who lives at St Catherines View and is shown in the One Voice video in the role of conductor, said of her experience: “It’s wonderful, it’s beautiful.”

You can also watch the film on Colten Care’s YouTube channel www.YouTube.com/ColtenCare.    

The top picture is the cardio drumming at Belmore Lodge in Lymington

The lower picture is of singing and dancing along to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Outstanding-rated Fernhill

4 weeks for the price of 3 in a New Forest Colten Care home 

Try care home living for yourself or your loved one, at Colten Care's expense. All Colten Care homes are currently offering 4 weeks for the price of 3, so why not see for yourself what sets them apart - once you experience their comfort, care and companionship it's highly likely you'll want to stay longer!

Three of Colten's New Forest homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission: Linden House specialist dementia care home in Lymington, Woodpeckers residential home in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton.

Find out more about Colten Care

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 21 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Seven of the homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and Colten Care earns a consistently high group score, currently 9.9 out of ten, on the public review site Carehome.co.uk. Based on such third-party advocacy, Colten Care is the UK’s highest-rated care home group for its size.

All Colten Care homes are registered for nursing care

All homes are registered for nursing care and four are dedicated dementia care homes with Admiral Nurse support. Unlike people who receive domiciliary care in their own homes, residents in Colten Care homes have the reassurance that 24/7 nurse-led care with companionship is on hand whenever they need it. Residents live in the highest standards of accommodation, enjoying homecooked food, fresh laundry and housekeeping services, and safe, peaceful and inspiring gardens. Colten Care also supports residents to raise thousands of pounds for charities of their choice every year. Founded more than 35 years ago, Colten Care has won multiple awards for the quality of its care and remains an independent, family-owned care home provider. For more information, visit www.ColtenCare.co.uk

Three Colten Care homes in the New Forest are rated outstanding

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the New Forest, three of which are rated Outstanding and three of which are in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House (Outstanding). There are also homes in Brockenhurst -Woodpeckers (Outstanding), New Milton - Kingfishers (Outstanding) and Mudeford - Avon Reach. Click on the links to find out more about each home... 

Teddy Edward makes the page

Aged 89 living in a Colten Care home, Rosalind achieved her lifelong dream of publication as a children's author 

Ed Note: This is such a lovely story about a local Colten Care resident's lifelong wishes coming to fruition, that although Fernhill is not quite in the New Forest we felt it was sufficiently special to share with you all.

Rosalind nee Ransome: a full and fascinating life 

Staff at a Dorset dementia care home have helped to fulfil the lifelong wish of a literary-minded resident who dreamt of having her childhood stories published.

Rosalind Corkett, who passed away in February aged 89 after living at Colten Care’s Outstanding-rated Longham home Fernhill, wrote three tales with her teddy bear as protagonist when she was growing up in Osterley, West London.

The bear, Edward Rupert Ransome Bear, was given to the young Rosalind Ransome by her Aunt Daisy, a fan of teddies like the rest of the family.

Edward featured in Rosalind’s self-penned story books Teddy on the Bearfolk Broads, The Adventures of Owly and Teddy, and Teddy’s Holiday.    

Each was handwritten on a note pad and illustrated by Rosalind herself. 

The plots were inspired by family letters about holidays in Norfolk and, later, home life while Rosalind’s two elder brothers Bryan and Godfrey were fighting in World War Two.

"Teddy bear code" for letters to her brothers fighting in the war

With wartime censorship limiting what could be written about, Rosalind turned to ‘teddy bear code’ to enable Edward to correspond safely with the brothers via her and her parents Nora and Harold.

Rosalind’s stories demonstrated her love of English, her favourite subject at school, and were an important part of her girlhood along with playing tennis and being in the Girl Guides.

Andrew Lloyd Webber hears her play the piano 

She also had piano lessons from composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mother who was pregnant with him at the time and so, Rosalind used to say, he would have heard her play.  

After school, Rosalind went to secretarial college, found work with a London estate agent and later took up a position reporting to the chief typographer of the Penguin books production department near Heathrow.

Rosalind married in 1958 and had a daughter Jacqui and son Tony while living in Guildford before moves to Petersfield and then Southampton.

Continuing the family’s teddy bear tradition, she regularly read the stories about Teddy Edward, plus Winnie the Pooh and Paddington, to Jacqui and Tony when they were children.

After retirement in Cornwall and eventually moving to Fernhill in April 2020, Rosalind told staff of her heartfelt wish to publish the Teddy Edward stories and explained she had kept her original notebooks safely ever since the 1940s. 

Covid helps a wish to come true 

At the same time and to help her with reminiscence during lockdown, both Tony and Jacqui would read the Edward stories to her via Skype.

In response to Rosalind’s wish, Fernhill’s Companionship Team Leader Kate Morris liaised with Tony and Jacqui, typed up the longhand scripts and sent all the wording plus copies of the illustrations to a book formatter.

The result is: ‘The Adventures of Teddy Edward’, an 80-page paperback containing the three stories and available to order via Amazon for £7.50.

Although Rosalind has passed away, Kate said she was aware the book was going to be published.

“She knew we were doing it and she had a smile on her face when she found out,” said Kate. “She was a wonderful lady and we are so pleased to have fulfilled her wish and given her family something to remember her by.”

Jacqui said: “The book is a lovely keepsake and I know mum would have been thrilled to know it has been published. We thank everyone involved at Fernhill for their hard work in making this happen. It really is a wish come true.”

Pictures from top:

Rosalind Corkett née Ransome with teddies in the garden at Colten Care’s Outstanding-rated Fernhill dementia care home in Longham near Bournemouth. 

The young Rosalind Ransome with Teddy Edward and family members on a holiday on the Norfolk Broads in the 1930s.

Rosalind Ransome walking with Teddy Edward in the 1930s.

[The Adventures of Teddy Edward – book cover] – The cover of ‘The Adventures of Teddy Edward’ by Rosalind Corkett née Ransome.

4 weeks for the price of 3 in a New Forest Colten Care home 

Try care home living for yourself or your loved one, at Colten Care's expense. All Colten Care homes are currently offering 4 weeks for the price of 3, so why not see for yourself what sets them apart - once you experience their comfort, care and companionship it's highly likely you'll want to stay longer!

Three of Colten's New Forest homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission: Linden House specialist dementia care home in Lymington, Woodpeckers residential home in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton.

Find out more about Colten Care

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 21 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Seven of the homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and Colten Care earns a consistently high group score, currently 9.9 out of ten, on the public review site Carehome.co.uk. Based on such third-party advocacy, Colten Care is the UK’s highest-rated care home group for its size.

All Colten Care homes are registered for nursing care

All homes are registered for nursing care and four are dedicated dementia care homes with Admiral Nurse support. Unlike people who receive domiciliary care in their own homes, residents in Colten Care homes have the reassurance that 24/7 nurse-led care with companionship is on hand whenever they need it. Residents live in the highest standards of accommodation, enjoying homecooked food, fresh laundry and housekeeping services, and safe, peaceful and inspiring gardens. Colten Care also supports residents to raise thousands of pounds for charities of their choice every year. Founded more than 35 years ago, Colten Care has won multiple awards for the quality of its care and remains an independent, family-owned care home provider. For more information, visit www.ColtenCare.co.uk

Three Colten Care homes in the New Forest are rated outstanding

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the New Forest, three of which are rated Outstanding and three of which are in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House (Outstanding). There are also homes in Brockenhurst -Woodpeckers (Outstanding), New Milton - Kingfishers (Outstanding) and Mudeford - Avon Reach. Click on the links to find out more about each home... 

Game, set and match to Bella

Missing Wimbledon? Tennis has moved on to the next tournament!

Ed Note: A Colten Care story not strictly within the New Forest but delightfully relevant to our times and once again demonstrating the love and tenderness with which carers and nurses, companions and chefs alike all treat the residents in their care.

‘Game, set and match’ to Bella  

Forget Wimbledon, the place to be for enthralling racket and ball action this summer is clearly a Bournemouth care home.

Eight tennis-loving residents at Colten Care’s Avon Cliff competed in their own in-house version of the iconic tournament, including mixed doubles matches and a grand final involving the best two players.     

The home’s lounge was converted into a playing court complete with net while competitors sought to win over their opponents using badminton rackets and balloons. Everyone playing received a miniature trophy to thank them for taking part.  

The final, between residents Bella Kier and Sylvia Williams, was a closely fought affair which went to three match points before Bella eventually broke serve and won.

The delighted champion was then presented with a winner’s trophy, flowers, chocolates and champagne.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the game. I was surprised I had the stamina to win and I’m over the moon, very happy.”

And gracious runner-up Sylvia said: “A big congratulations to Bella. It was a pleasure to compete against such a confident player.”

Sharon Surgeon, Avon Cliff Companionship Team Leader, said: “We’ve all had a lot of fun with our tennis tournament.

“Everyone was clearly inspired by the Wimbledon finals, insisting on full games and proper scoring.

“Well done to all competitors and hearty congratulations to Bella for triumphing in the end.”

Seriously keen on tennis! Mutually beneficial arrangements with Bournemouth's West Hants Club - which in 1968 paved the way for today

Such is the degree of interest in tennis among Avon Cliff residents, Colten Care agreed an innovative tie-up with Bournemouth’s West Hants Club three years ago.

Under the partnership, residents at Avon Cliff and Colten’s Outstanding-rated Ferndown home Amberwood House were given opportunities to watch live matches in return for Colten supporting the club’s youth academy.

The West Hants was the club where the first ‘open era’ tennis tournament was staged in April 1968, widely seen as an early step on the way to today’s global professional sport.

Sharon added: “We aim to be as responsive as possible to our residents’ wishes. Many of them have a lifelong love of tennis and we’re delighted to help them continue their interest in any way we can.”

The photo is of Bella Kier with her trophy for winning the in-house summer tennis tournament at Colten Care’s Avon Cliff care home in Bournemouth. Joining her are Companionship team members Brian Knight and Sharon Surgeon.

4 weeks for the price of 3 in a New Forest Colten Care home 

Try care home living for yourself or your loved one, at Colten Care's expense. All Colten Care homes are currently offering 4 weeks for the price of 3, so why not see for yourself what sets them apart - once you experience their comfort, care and companionship it's highly likely you'll want to stay longer!

Three of Colten's New Forest homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission: Linden House specialist dementia care home in Lymington, Woodpeckers residential home in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton.

Find out more about Colten Care

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 21 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Seven of the homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and Colten Care earns a consistently high group score, currently 9.9 out of ten, on the public review site Carehome.co.uk. Based on such third-party advocacy, Colten Care is the UK’s highest-rated care home group for its size.

All Colten Care homes are registered for nursing care

All homes are registered for nursing care and four are dedicated dementia care homes with Admiral Nurse support. Unlike people who receive domiciliary care in their own homes, residents in Colten Care homes have the reassurance that 24/7 nurse-led care with companionship is on hand whenever they need it. Residents live in the highest standards of accommodation, enjoying homecooked food, fresh laundry and housekeeping services, and safe, peaceful and inspiring gardens. Colten Care also supports residents to raise thousands of pounds for charities of their choice every year. Founded more than 35 years ago, Colten Care has won multiple awards for the quality of its care and remains an independent, family-owned care home provider. For more information, visit www.ColtenCare.co.uk

Three Colten Care homes in the New Forest are rated outstanding

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the New Forest, three of which are rated Outstanding and three of which are in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House (Outstanding). There are also homes in Brockenhurst -Woodpeckers (Outstanding), New Milton - Kingfishers (Outstanding) and Mudeford - Avon Reach. Click on the links to find out more about each home... 

Music to our New Forest ears

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performs live - in a Colten Care home garden!

Ed Note: When orchestral players from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra turned up to perform at a Colten home, they didn’t expect the audience of residents to include a former BSO leader – so they were definitely kept on their toes! A rather lovely story in ongoing challenging times for live events, for the New Forest and everywhere!

Ex-BSO leader Brendan enjoys ‘great pleasure’ of care home concert   

It’s not every day you have the chance to see and hear professional orchestral players performing live in your own garden.

But that’s exactly what residents at Colten Care’s Outstanding-rated Canford Chase in Poole were able to do thanks to a visit by musicians from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO).

And for the performers, there was added incentive to shine as the audience of residents included Brendan O’Brien, a former BSO leader and principal violinist who spent 29 years with the orchestra until his retirement in 2011.

French horn and piano player Kevin Pritchard and violinist Jennifer Curiel delighted the spectators with a varied, one-hour set that featured pieces by Puccini, Gershwin, Scott Joplin and Debussy. 

There were tunes from musicals including Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music and even a classical take on Abba’s Thank You for the Music. 

The afternoon concert took place with performers and audience seated in separate, suitably distanced gazebos.

Team members at the Western Road home expressed thanks to neighbouring builders who downed tools for the duration to ensure there was no noise disturbance.

In addition, the timing was perfect as planned maintenance work inside the home meant power was briefly shut off but with residents gathered in the garden to hear the music, no-one was affected.

Leader of the BSO from 1968 remembers one of the greatest violinists of all time

Brendan, who was married to the Irish violinist Anita Dunkerley, was first appointed leader of the BSO in 1968.

He said: “When I started with them, they were celebrating their 75^th year and it was a wonderful season.

“David Oistrakh, one of the greatest violinists ever, played Shostakovich’s violin concerto and Rostropovich the cellist also played. It was a huge honour for me to be celebrating that wonderful time with them.

“Now, to be here as an old man, living in this nursing home which I like very much, it was a great pleasure for me to meet some of the present-day members of the orchestra and enjoy their playing. It would be great to enjoy a repeat of the experience.”

Magicians wove a magical spell over the garden

Canford Chase Companionship Team Leader Julie Wathen said: “The musicians wove a magical spell over our garden, with 17 residents watching the performance in hushed silence, their faces a picture of peace and contentment. There was complete stillness as everyone listened in awe to the beautiful music.

“There was obvious pride in Brendan as he spoke with Jenni and Kevin afterwards and I overheard Edna, another of our residents, say to the musicians that she found the performance ‘absolutely charming’.

“With our power briefly off for maintenance work, it could have been quite chaotic for the residents, but the garden became an oasis of peace for them. Thank you BSO.”

In a note of thanks to Canford Chase afterwards, Kevin praised the ‘generosity of staff for providing lunch and refreshments and being attentive throughout’. 

Kevin and Jennifer were accompanied on their visit by organiser Ben Jennings, the BSO’s Participate Programme Manager.

The concert was part of a ‘tour’ being delivered with the generous support of Tapper Funeral Service.

Throughout the pandemic, BSO musicians have engaged with all ages through live music-making workshops and performances.

Symphonic performances by the orchestra were also livestreamed for government ministers attending the recent G7 summit in Cornwall. 

Other Colten Care homes hosting BSO performances this summer include the Outstanding-rated dementia care home Fernhill in Longham.

Images from top:

1.Former BSO leader Brendan O’Brien, second from right, after the concert in the garden of Colten Care’s Outstanding-rated Canford Chase care home in Poole. With him are, from left: Ben Jennings, the BSO’s Participate Programme Manager; and performers Kevin Pritchard and Jennifer Curiel.

2.Performers and audience in separate gazebos 

3.BSO musician Kevin Pritchard playing the French horn during the concert 

4. BSO performers Jennifer Curiel and Kevin Pritchard are thanked for their concert by Julie Wathen, Companionship Team Leader at the Outstanding-rated Colten Care home.

4 weeks for the price of 3 in a New Forest Colten Care home 

Try care home living for yourself or your loved one, at Colten Care's expense. All Colten Care homes are currently offering 4 weeks for the price of 3, so why not see for yourself what sets them apart - once you experience their comfort, care and companionship it's highly likely you'll want to stay longer!

Three of Colten's New Forest homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission: Linden House specialist dementia care home in Lymington, Woodpeckers residential home in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton.

Find out more about Colten Care

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 21 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Seven of the homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and Colten Care earns a consistently high group score, currently 9.9 out of ten, on the public review site Carehome.co.uk. Based on such third-party advocacy, Colten Care is the UK’s highest-rated care home group for its size.

All Colten Care homes are registered for nursing care

All homes are registered for nursing care and four are dedicated dementia care homes with Admiral Nurse support. Unlike people who receive domiciliary care in their own homes, residents in Colten Care homes have the reassurance that 24/7 nurse-led care with companionship is on hand whenever they need it. Residents live in the highest standards of accommodation, enjoying homecooked food, fresh laundry and housekeeping services, and safe, peaceful and inspiring gardens. Colten Care also supports residents to raise thousands of pounds for charities of their choice every year. Founded more than 35 years ago, Colten Care has won multiple awards for the quality of its care and remains an independent, family-owned care home provider. For more information, visit www.ColtenCare.co.uk

Three Colten Care homes in the New Forest are rated outstanding

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the New Forest, three of which are rated Outstanding and three of which are in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House (Outstanding). There are also homes in Brockenhurst -Woodpeckers (Outstanding), New Milton - Kingfishers (Outstanding) and Mudeford - Avon Reach. Click on the links to find out more about each home... 

Fighting hunger - not only in the third world but here in the New Forest too

It's shocking that in towns and villages in Hampshire and Dorset live many people who can't afford to eat properly

Ed Note: Another pertinent subject so poignant in foreign lands yet also so terrifyingly ever more present in our own towns and villages. It's part of Colten Care's philosophy to play its part in the communities it serves and do what it can to help; its care home staff facilitiate and residents and relatives always rise to the challenge.

Dorset care home helps families struggling to put food on the table  

Residents and staff at a Dorset care home are doing their bit to help tackle child food poverty this summer.  

More than 20 bags of tinned and dried food donations have been collected at Colten Care’s Avon Reach home in Mudeford and handed over to Christchurch Food Bank Plus.

The items will be used in food packages in response to the bank’s ‘School Summer Holiday Hunger Rush’ appeal.

Its aim is to ensure local families in need can continue to feed children who would, in term time, receive free school meals.  

Food poverty here is worryingly on the increase

The number of children eligible for free school meals nationally has risen during the pandemic and the whole issue of food poverty has been highlighted in prominent campaigning by the England international footballer Marcus Rashford. 

This summer’s Christchurch appeal asked especially for tinned items such as fruit, custard, hot dogs and meatballs as well as jelly, dry rice and UHT milk.   

Residents, relatives, staff and visitors at Avon Reach all helped to gather food to include in the bags.

Tracy Blick, Manager of Christchurch Food Bank Plus, said: “We are so grateful for donations and it is lovely to think that older generations are prepared to help.

“Last summer we provided 4,000 food parcels for local families and we think it will be about the same this year.”

Avon Reach resident Edna Buckingham said: “It was lovely to support the food bank and help out local families in the area. I hope we will continue to support them.”

Fighting hunger 

Pictured outside St Joseph’s Church in Purewell, the home of Christchurch Food Bank Plus, with bags of donated food items from Avon Reach care home are, from left: Sarah Veal, Deputy Manager of Christchurch Food Bank Plus; Megan Castell, Companionship Team Leader at Avon Reach; and Jess Brolan, Home Manager.

4 weeks for the price of 3 in a New Forest Colten Care home 

Try care home living for yourself or your loved one, at Colten Care's expense. All Colten Care homes are currently offering 4 weeks for the price of 3, so why not see for yourself what sets them apart - once you experience their comfort, care and companionship it's highly likely you'll want to stay longer!

Three of Colten's New Forest homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission: Linden House specialist dementia care home in Lymington, Woodpeckers residential home in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton.

Find out more about Colten Care

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 21 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Seven of the homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and Colten Care earns a consistently high group score, currently 9.9 out of ten, on the public review site Carehome.co.uk. Based on such third-party advocacy, Colten Care is the UK’s highest-rated care home group for its size.

All Colten Care homes are registered for nursing care

All homes are registered for nursing care and four are dedicated dementia care homes with Admiral Nurse support. Unlike people who receive domiciliary care in their own homes, residents in Colten Care homes have the reassurance that 24/7 nurse-led care with companionship is on hand whenever they need it. Residents live in the highest standards of accommodation, enjoying homecooked food, fresh laundry and housekeeping services, and safe, peaceful and inspiring gardens. Colten Care also supports residents to raise thousands of pounds for charities of their choice every year. Founded more than 35 years ago, Colten Care has won multiple awards for the quality of its care and remains an independent, family-owned care home provider. For more information, visit www.ColtenCare.co.uk

Three Colten Care homes in the New Forest are rated outstanding

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the New Forest, three of which are rated Outstanding and three of which are in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House (Outstanding). There are also homes in Brockenhurst -Woodpeckers (Outstanding), New Milton - Kingfishers (Outstanding) and Mudeford - Avon Reach. Click on the links to find out more about each home... 

Man's most loyal servant visits lady who still helps to pay his keep

Equine visitors Colonel and Elvis bring delight to Colten Care's Avon Reach home, especially to Margaret! 

Ed Note: If a dog is man’s best friend, then the horse is his most loyal servant. – Joseph V. DiBianca, Loudly They Speak: The Memoirs of a Horse Listener

Horses from the Fortune College Bransgore visit Avon Reach in Mudeford

A pair of horses who normally work with young disabled people have brought joy to elderly residents of a Dorset care home.

Colonel and Elvis made a 15-mile round trip in a twin horse box from The Fortune College, centre for riding therapy in Bransgore, to Colten Care’s Avon Reach home in Mudeford.

Reunion between long term sponsor and bringer of joy!

Their special visit served as a personal thank-you to Avon Reach resident and horse-lover Margaret Barnes who has contributed to Colonel’s living costs for more than 15 years.

Margaret first became involved with the college around 20 years ago when she was editing the New Milton talking newspaper for blind and partially sighted people in the New Forest.

She became interested in sponsoring a horse after hearing that a local bank provided support that way.   

Margaret said: “I really liked the idea of what the college was about and all the good work they were doing with the children. I love horses but have never ridden one except as a child.

“Before Colonel I sponsored a horse called Bertie. I used to visit the college quite often to see the horses work. 

“It was delightful to see Colonel and Elvis making the trip to Avon Reach. I continue to support Colonel with sponsorship and it was such a joy to welcome both horses for an afternoon with us.”  

The visit came about after college representatives offered to bring the horses to see Margaret and fellow residents in line with the relaxing of Covid restrictions on care home visits.      

Jane Roberts, Companionship team member at Avon Reach, said: “Our residents thoroughly enjoyed meeting the horses. They spent time stroking the pair and feeding them carrots, which were consumed very quickly.

“Both Colonel and Elvis were very gentle and the smell and feel of them contributed to a really pleasurable experience all round.

Precious moments: physical presence combines with past experience to prompt renewed pleasure

“Many of our residents have spent time with horses in the past and it was fantastic to witness the precious moments when they could renew hands-on contact with a pat and a stroke.”

For resident Jean Davies, the experience broke new ground. “I had never stroked a horse before and I was thrilled,” said Jean. “It was the highlight of my year.”

College Principal Jane Delves and Equine Manager Claire Wesson both accompanied the horses.

Jane said: “This was a lovely trip and we were so happy to see the residents come outside and greet the horses.

“We’re grateful to Margaret for her continued sponsorship of Colonel. We rely on such support to help towards the costs of essentials such as feed, hay, shoes and teeth checks.”

Both the college and Avon Reach hope to arrange a return visit later this year.

About Colonel, Elvis and Fortune College

Colonel is a 25-year-old piebald (black and white) cob while Elvis is a New Forest grey pony, aged 20.

Fortune College is a specialist centre that prepares young people with learning disabilities to live as independently as possible and participate in their local communities. Its patron is the actor Martin Clunes.

Images from top:

Avon Reach resident Margaret Barnes reunites with horses Colonel and Elvis from The Fortune College. Margaret has sponsored Colonel’s living costs for more than 15 years. With them is the college’s Equine Manager Claire Wesson.  

Avon Reach resident Peter Denning feeds Colonel a carrot

Elvis from The Fortune College on his visit to Colten Care’s Avon Reach care home in Mudeford.

4 weeks for the price of 3 in a New Forest Colten Care home 

Try care home living for yourself or your loved one, at Colten Care's expense. All Colten Care homes are currently offering 4 weeks for the price of 3, so why not see for yourself what sets them apart - once you experience their comfort, care and companionship it's highly likely you'll want to stay longer!

Three of Colten's New Forest homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission: Linden House specialist dementia care home in Lymington, Woodpeckers residential home in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton.

Find out more about Colten Care

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 21 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Seven of the homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and Colten Care earns a consistently high group score, currently 9.9 out of ten, on the public review site Carehome.co.uk. Based on such third-party advocacy, Colten Care is the UK’s highest-rated care home group for its size.

All Colten Care homes are registered for nursing care

All homes are registered for nursing care and four are dedicated dementia care homes with Admiral Nurse support. Unlike people who receive domiciliary care in their own homes, residents in Colten Care homes have the reassurance that 24/7 nurse-led care with companionship is on hand whenever they need it. Residents live in the highest standards of accommodation, enjoying homecooked food, fresh laundry and housekeeping services, and safe, peaceful and inspiring gardens. Colten Care also supports residents to raise thousands of pounds for charities of their choice every year. Founded more than 35 years ago, Colten Care has won multiple awards for the quality of its care and remains an independent, family-owned care home provider. For more information, visit www.ColtenCare.co.uk

Three Colten Care homes in the New Forest are rated outstanding

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the New Forest, three of which are rated Outstanding and three of which are in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House (Outstanding). There are also homes in Brockenhurst -Woodpeckers (Outstanding), New Milton - Kingfishers (Outstanding) and Mudeford - Avon Reach. Click on the links to find out more about each home... 

Going, going, gone: Colten Care's Jess loses her locks for a good cause

Healthcare assistant from Belmore Lodge Lymington braves the shave for Macmillan Cancer Support 

A member of the care team at Lymington's Colten Care home Belmore Lodge raised nearly £800 for a cancer charity by braving a head shave.

Healthcare Assistant Jess Wild thanked all who contributed to her initiative which was in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Before, during and after

Jess said: “I braved the shave in memory of a few people including a mentor whose strong mind and courage I’ll admire for the rest of my life, my grandmother who will forever be my guardian angel, and everyone else who has ever been affected by cancer.

“My grand total is £782. I am so honoured to be surrounded by such generous and kind people. Thank you to all who supported me.”

Jess’s sister Alex Bingham did the honours with the clippers.  

Belmore Lodge resident Maureen Marks said: “This was a truly hair-raising experience for Jess but she is a good sport and took the ‘close shave’ in her stride.”

Residents at Belmore Lodge and Colten Care’s 20 other care homes in the south will also be raising money for Macmillan by taking part in the annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in September.

Before, during and after - images

BEFORE. Thumbs up as Jess Wild, Healthcare Assistant at Colten Care’s Lymington home Belmore Lodge, awaits her head shave in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

DURING. Colten Care Healthcare Assistant Jess Wild has her head shaved at Belmore Lodge by sister Alex Bingham.

AFTER. Jess Wild after her charity head shave at Colten Care’s Belmore Lodge in Lymington.

4 weeks for the price of 3 in a New Forest Colten Care home 

Try care home living for yourself or your loved one, at Colten Care's expense. All Colten Care homes are currently offering 4 weeks for the price of 3, so why not see for yourself what sets them apart - once you experience their comfort, care and companionship it's highly likely you'll want to stay longer!

Three of Colten's New Forest homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission: Linden House specialist dementia care home in Lymington, Woodpeckers residential home in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton.

Find out more about Colten Care

With more than 30 years’ experience, Colten Care is an award-winning family-owned care home company. It has 21 quality care homes covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Sussex and offers a range of services spanning residential, nursing and dementia care. Seven of the homes are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and Colten Care earns a consistently high group score, currently 9.9 out of ten, on the public review site Carehome.co.uk. Based on such third-party advocacy, Colten Care is the UK’s highest-rated care home group for its size.

All Colten Care homes are registered for nursing care

All homes are registered for nursing care and four are dedicated dementia care homes with Admiral Nurse support. Unlike people who receive domiciliary care in their own homes, residents in Colten Care homes have the reassurance that 24/7 nurse-led care with companionship is on hand whenever they need it. Residents live in the highest standards of accommodation, enjoying homecooked food, fresh laundry and housekeeping services, and safe, peaceful and inspiring gardens. Colten Care also supports residents to raise thousands of pounds for charities of their choice every year. Founded more than 35 years ago, Colten Care has won multiple awards for the quality of its care and remains an independent, family-owned care home provider. For more information, visit www.ColtenCare.co.uk

Three Colten Care homes in the New Forest are rated outstanding

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the New Forest, three of which are rated Outstanding and three of which are in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House (Outstanding). There are also homes in Brockenhurst -Woodpeckers (Outstanding), New Milton - Kingfishers (Outstanding) and Mudeford - Avon Reach. Click on the links to find out more about each home...