PC Channel Islands

Lavender Villa Transformed to Respond to Jersey’s Ageing Population

Lavender VillaAs the ageing population increases, a once popular hotel has been converted into a beautiful residential home.

Nearly two years after finally closing its doors as a hotel, Lavender Villa has regained its former glory and has re-opened as a state-of-the-art residential home.

The Home, which boasts 20 en-suite rooms, is the first to open following the latest States report on health care. Jersey is leading the way with revised legislation that is ensuring the highest calibre of care within local care facilities. In the States Health and Social Services Review 2011 Deputy Anne Pryke, Minister for Health and Social Services confirmed that: “The number of people over 65 will double by 2040.” She highlighted that “these changes will affect everyone. If you’re over 35 today, you will be over 65 in 2040 and will need to be able to access the services that older people take for granted today. Those of you who are currently under 35 will be responsible for paying the taxes to provide these services, so it is crucial that you have your say on how and where funds are spent.” The report concluded that ‘nursing and residential care homes will soon have no space left for the growing number of older people – this could happen in the next two years.’Lavender Villa

The owners of Lavender Villa, Alaistair Jerrom-Smith and Nick Bettany, have taken heed of the recommendations and have commissioned a residential home that meets all the latest criteria. They have employed the highest calibre of staff including Residential Care Manager Judith Milburn, a qualified nurse with 30 years experience in hospitals and care homes.

The philosophy of the new business is to create a ‘home away from home’ where residents’ individual requirements are met and independence is encouraged. Residents will be able to take advantage of the enviable location backing onto the Royal Jersey Golf Course with uninterrupted views of the coast and easy access to walks and Gorey Village. The property addresses the shortage of residential homes in the east of island with current offerings generally focused in the west. LAVENDER VILLA BEDROOM

Residents have already secured places to move in following the official opening on 23rd August. They will be the first to benefit from the new residential home with landscaped gardens, private transport, and a dining concept devised by local Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin, who has acted as a consultant for the project.

This is the latest stage in a long and interesting history for the building. The land was originally sold by George Gaudin to Francois Journeaux in 1837. The original house was then built in 1853 (Registre Publique). Later on, it operated as a guesthouse and then a hotel for 30 years inclusive. It finally shut in September 2009 becoming one of many small hotels in Jersey to close due to the demise of the tourism industry.LAVENDER VILLA Bedroom with view

Nick Bettany, Joint Owner, who has a background in luxury real estate, says:

‘We are immensely proud to open such a unique residential home concept, ensuring the primacy of residents care within a caring and small boutique environment and building on the legislation that has been recently introduced in the island to assist in putting Jersey at the forefront of elderly care. We have taken great care in converting the original building to be able to re-open it as a business that will serve the local community.’

Shaun Rankin, Food & Beverage Consultant, says:

‘It’s very interesting for me to be involved in such a project. There are many requirements to be met when catering for the elderly and we were also determined to be as flexible as possible to allow residents independence in their dining choices. Lavender Villa Residential are a company with very high aspirations in seeking to offer the highest possible standard of care and service for the elderly, an increasingly important demographic in Jersey. I believe it will be a very special residential home and residents will be proud to be part of the Lavender Villa community.’LAVENDER VILLA Lounge

 Lavender Villa will hold an open weekend on Saturday 27th (2pm-5pm) and Sunday 28th August (11am–3pm). All visitors are welcome and will be offered refreshments. For more information please call: (01534) 888107.

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