Overall Rating
'Outstanding'
Welcome to The Close Care Home, an award-winning nursing and residential care home in Oxfordshire, now proudly part of the Eleanor Healthcare Group, a trusted name in high-quality, person-centred care.
Recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as Outstanding, The Close sets the benchmark for excellence in personalised nursing care, dementia support and luxury residential living. At The Close, we offer more than care, we offer a true sense of home.
A Prestigious Location in Oxfordshire
Nestled on four acres of beautifully landscaped grounds along the River Thames, The Close Care Home enjoys a tranquil setting within easy reach of Oxford, Abingdon and Wallingford.
Residents enjoy picturesque countryside views, refined living and easy access to the cultural richness of the Oxford area.
Why Choose The Close?
We are proud to be rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), a distinction achieved by fewer than 4% of care homes in England. This rating reflects our unwavering commitment to safe, effective, responsive and well-led care.
From the moment you enter, The Close feels like home. Recent refurbishments were guided by residents’ input, making every space both elegant and meaningful.
- Beautifully decorated, en-suite rooms with flat-screen TVs and nurse-call systems
- Peaceful lounges and reading corners
- Riverside views and calming garden terraces
- The Lily Room Spa and Elthams Hair Salon for holistic well-being
- The Boat House Bistro & Lounge – our sociable café-style dining hub
- Private dining at The Riverside Room for family celebrations.
We redefine nursing and personal care by placing every individual’s needs, choices and dignity at the heart of everything we do. Our multi-disciplinary team offers:
- Outstanding nursing care tailored to clinical needs
- Dedicated dementia care that supports memory, identity and independence
- Comfortable residential care for those seeking community, safety and support
- Flexible respite and convalescent stays
Our food is a standout feature. With award-winning chefs, we provide:
- Fresh, nutritious meals cooked on-site daily
- Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients
- Flexible mealtimes and personalised menus
- Specialist meals for those with dietary or cultural requirements
- Innovative initiatives like “microwave meals” for dementia residents to encourage independence
- Weekly themed Takeaway Nights for fun and social connection
Led by our Life Skills Support Team, we offer a dynamic calendar of activities tailored to resident interests:
- Arts and crafts, gardening and music therapy
- Bingo nights, film screenings and Gin Club
- Pool tournaments, live performances and book clubs
- Day trips using our accessible vehicles – from garden centres to crocodile sanctuaries!
Our Screening Room, Den and Library offer entertainment, reflection and relaxation at any time.
We value and support every resident’s cultural and spiritual needs. Local clergy from all religions regularly visit to hold services and personal observance is respected and encouraged.
Wellbeing
Wi-Fi
Recent Awards & Recognition
We are an award-winning nursing and residential care home in Oxfordshire, proudly recognised for delivering exceptional care, innovation and compassion. Our long list of accolades reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and the list goes on and on.
2025
- Named one of the UK's Top 100 Care Homes – Lottie Awards
2023
- Winner, Outstanding Independent Care Provider – National Care Awards
- Finalist, Care Home Leader – Social Care Leadership Awards
- Winner, Workforce Development – National Care Awards
- Winner, Excellence in Small Residential Care – LaingBuisson Awards
- Highly Commended, Care Home Manager – Great British Care Awards
2022
- Winner, Dignity and Respect Care Home of the Year – National Care Awards
- Winner, Regional Care Home of the Year (South England) – Caring UK Awards
- Multiple commendations for leadership and team excellence across Oxfordshire
Meet the Team Behind The Close
Our compassionate, professional team is the heart of everything we do. Led by clinical and operational leaders, our team includes experienced nurses, carers, chefs, activities coordinators, therapists, hospitality staff and more.
Each member is committed to delivering dignity, independence and joy to the daily lives of our residents.
Leadership & Clinical Team
Tania Kent
Registered Home Manager
Richard Edwards
Home Manager, Non-Clinical
Tania Kent
Registered Home Manager
Richard Edwards
Home Manager, Non-Clinical
Caroline Ramsey
Clinical Deputy Manager
Anna Walker
Clinical Lead
Gopika Hiregoudar
Clinical Lead
Hospitality & Lifestyle
Callum Chapman
Head Chef
Selina Morris
Hotel Services Manager
Jill Eltham
Bistro Dream Team
Vanessa Morrison
Close’s own Edward Scissorhands
Vanessa Morrison
Close’s own Edward Scissorhands
Wellbeing & Activities
Paige Hart
Activities Lead
Paige Hart
Activities Lead
Support & Admin
Rachelle Reeves
Home Administration Manager
Rachelle Reeves
Home Administration Manager
Lucy Hancock
Receptionist
Lucy Hancock
Receptionist
What Families Say About Life at The Close
Real stories. Genuine care. Heartfelt praise.
Nothing speaks more to the quality of care we provide than the voices of our residents and their loved ones. Their words reflect the warmth, dedication and attention to detail that defines daily life at The Close.
Lynda C (Grandmother of Resident)
Overall Experience
5.0 out of 5
My Granddaughter of 23 years old has been at The Close Care Home for 2.5 years. I have never seen her so happy, content, relaxed and well cared for.
Although she is the youngest there, all the carers and other residents communicate with her which makes her smile. She has physio on a regular basis and takes part in many of the activities that they provide, including music sessions which are her favourite. She has a main carer and they have so much fun together and it is very obvious they are close. Her main carer knows all her nonverbal signs and can interpret the meaning to give her the very best care. Her other carers are also very much respected and love my granddaughter very much and it shows every day. Two other staff members are also very supportive of my granddaughter in every way and overall I couldn’t be more pleased with everything at Close Care.
Nita B (Wife of Resident)
Overall Experience
5.0 out of 5
My husband has been a resident of The Close for three years. He is totally dependent on the staff for all his needs and requires full-time specialist care from the manager and her team. The staff are his main carers who are so dedicated and kind where nothing is too much of a problem.
A special thank you to the carer who transported my husband to our son’s wedding and accompanied him throughout the service and the photographs.
We are always delighted to speak to the staff on reception who are very supportive with any issues or concerns that I might have.
Finally you have all been wonderful and it’s so reassuring to know he’s in the best care home possible.
Mary P (Respite Resident)
Overall Experience
5.0 out of 5
I was a resident for 2 weeks. The staff were all pleasant. The food was excellent. The room was kept very clean and I was cared for very well. The friendship between the residents, the care staff and the senior staff was very good. My daughter reported that everyone she dealt with in the home were very friendly and helpful.
Unfortunately, my mobile telephone was unable to get a signal while I was a resident which made it very difficult for me to contact my family & vice versa. I am told that this is a known problem and many telephone networks do not have signal inside the care home.
Leigh P (Son of Resident)
Overall Experience
5.0 out of 5
The staff were truly outstanding, treating my mother with incredible warmth and empathy. The entire team of carers in Willows were beyond fabulous. They were caring, professional and always attentive. I cannot thank them enough for the wonderful care they provided, ensuring my mother was looked after with the utmost kindness. Their dedication and compassion made all the difference during such a challenging time.
Ruth S (Daughter of Resident)
Overall Experience
5.0 out of 5
My mother has been living at The Close now for over seven years. The continuity of care has been amazing, adapting to her changing needs as her illness progresses. She is not only well cared for physically but truly loved and respected as well. The nursing and care staff constantly go above and beyond with cheerfulness and professionalism.
Management is visible and supportive. Ancillary staff join in making the place feel as much like home as possible for residents and visitors. The food is freshly cooked and the option of a café where residents can eat alongside visitors is great. The activities are varied and regular and so beneficial for the more social residents like my mother. The physical environment is excellent inside and out with beautiful gardens sweeping down to the river. Everything is kept pristine. We arrived at The Close at a time of family crisis. We are grateful we found a place where my mother can live her best life.
Enquire About Life at The Close
Whether you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, our friendly team is here to help you explore your options. We’ll arrange a personal visit, guide you through funding options and provide support every step of the way.
Abingdon Road, Burcot, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3DP
2022
- Winner, Dignity and Respect Care Home of the Year – National Care Awards
- Winner, Regional Care Home of the Year (South England) – Caring UK Awards
- Multiple commendations for leadership and team excellence across Oxfordshire
2023
- Winner, Outstanding Independent Care Provider – National Care Awards
- Finalist, Care Home Leader – Social Care Leadership Awards
- Winner, Workforce Development – National Care Awards
- Winner, Excellence in Small Residential Care – LaingBuisson Awards
- Highly Commended, Care Home Manager – Great British Care Awards
2025
- Named one of the UK's Top 100 Care Homes – Lottie Awards
Next Steps
Get In Touch!
One of our specialist care advisors will be in touch within 24 hours.
Visit Our Home
Book your visit today, our team will show you around our care home.
Move-In Date
Once you and your loved ones are completely happy, we will agree to a start date for you to move into your new home.
Settling In
Get the Close Care Home experience, featuring premium suites, a beautiful expansive garden, a beauty salon and much more.
Eleanor for you
Our Partners and accreditations
We are regulated by CQC
FAQ’s
People might choose or require a residential care home if they need assistance with daily activities due to factors such as ageing, mobility limitations, or cognitive impairments like dementia. Residential homes offer a supportive environment where individuals can receive help with personal care tasks while maintaining independence and socialising with peers.
Hartley House Care Home stands out in Cranbrook, Kent for its commitment to providing exceptional residential care tailored to individual needs, its serene location amidst the picturesque charm of the town and its dedicated team of professionals ensuring residents’ well-being. With a rich legacy of operating since 1979 and a good rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), we take pride in being a cherished part of the Eleanor Healthcare Group, offering warmth and compassion in every interaction.
Our facilities include spacious and well-equipped bathroom & shower rooms, a cosy cafe for socialisation, a call bell system for prompt assistance, a welcoming dining room serving nutritious meals, a tranquil garden for outdoor relaxation, kitchenette areas for independence, comfortable lounges for socialising and various well-being activities and services, among others.
Hartley House Care Home has received a good rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), highlighting our commitment to consistently high standards of care and safety for our residents.
Simon, our esteemed manager, brings nearly 20 years of experience in the health and social care sector. With a background in nursing, dementia care and community care, Simon is dedicated to delivering high-quality and person-centred care. His leadership and commitment to continuous improvement ensure that Hartley House remains a place residents and staff can be proud of.
To experience the warmth and exceptional care at Hartley House Care Home, you can schedule a visit today. Contact us through our website or give us a call to arrange a personalised tour of our facilities. We look forward to welcoming you to our home.
