Mount Ephraim House, a Greensleeves Care home in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, has re-opened its doors to residents and staff after an extensive period of renovation and expansion.
Award-winning home manager, Karen Cooper, who has lived in Kent since her teenage years, has worked in care managerial roles since the late 1980s, and has been at the helm of the local landmark since 2007. She has now returned along with some of the home’s original residents, including her mother, Cynthia, 88.
During the renovation period, residents at Mount Ephraim House transferred to nearby Greensleeves Care sister home, Lavender Fields in Sevenoaks. Despite construction delays including Covid-19, Karen and her mother remained steadfast in their determination to return home to Mount Ephraim House- and the day has finally arrived.
Karen said of the return to Mount Ephraim House:
“Mount Ephraim House has always been a home away from home to me, and indeed a home to my mother.
“The renovations and expansion have really brought out the beauty of the building and the space is the best it has ever been. Colleagues and residents have waited patiently for their return and it’s a testament to how much love there is for the home. We are all thrilled to be back.
“To be returning to the home along with my mother is really special, and we can’t wait to settle in and start welcoming more residents to our beloved home.”
Part of the not-for-profit Greensleeves Care family of care homes, Mount Ephraim House is steeped in history; operating continuously as a care setting since the 1950s, the original 17th Century site was a rumoured favourite hunting lodge of King Charles II.
A considerate programme of upgrades and renovations has expanded the home, which now features 57 en-suite rooms, characterful lounges, a light-filled conservatory, stunning gardens and an ample balcony to enjoy expansive views of Tunbridge Wells Common.
The home offers Greensleeves Care’s award-winning residential and dementia care in a setting that provides the best of old and new: modern care in a home rich with character, and a vibrant community of residents and staff ready to welcome new residents from day one.
The home is now open and welcoming new residents, as well as skilled new team members.