It's Not a Hotel, It's a Home" – Jon and Jules on What Makes Somerforde Different

At Somerforde Residential Care in Newton Abbot, the difference is felt the moment you walk through the door. It's homely. It's clean, light and airy. And it's run by people who genuinely care about creating a space where older residents don't just receive care—they feel valued, secure and cherished.

We sat down with Jon and Jules, the owners of Somerforde, to talk about what drives their approach to residential care, why design matters, and how they're challenging the stigma many families feel when choosing a care home for their loved ones.

Watch the interview below, or read on for the key themes they discuss.

What Sets Somerforde Apart

"What we're really proud of is the home environment that we've created," Jon explains. "It's not a hotel, it's a home."

That distinction matters. A hotel is transient, clinical, built around efficiency. A home is where people belong. And for residents spending their final years at Somerforde, that feeling of belonging is everything.

Jon goes on to emphasise the quality of care: "I'm proud of our care because I think it's second to none." This isn't idle boasting. The proof comes from the professionals who work with Somerforde day in, day out district nurses, mental health teams, and social workers.

"The feedback that we get from district nurse teams, from the mental health team is always incredibly positive," Jon says. "The social workers that come in and say, 'My goodness, this is fantastic.'"

Those aren't comments you get from a mediocre care home. They're the result of consistent, excellent practice.

Standing Out in a Challenging Industry

The care sector is underfunded and often misrepresented in the media. But Jon and Jules have deliberately positioned Somerforde differently.

"I'm proud really that we're in an industry that despite its lack of funding, despite the continuous negativity through the press, Somerforde has this unique homely, wonderful, caring attitude that spreads right the way through."

This matters to families. When someone makes the decision to move a parent or grandparent into residential care, they're often carrying guilt. That guilt needs addressing not by glossing over the decision, but by being honest about what care homes actually do.

Reassuring Families

"There is a huge amount of guilt that is connected to putting your mother or father into a home," Jules acknowledges. "They aren't abandoning them. They're putting them somewhere where they're safer because quite often they've had falls or they're unable to cook for themselves or look after themselves."

It's a conversation many families need to have, and Somerforde's role is to help ease that transition.

"Part of our job as well is to say you're doing the very best thing. We will take the greatest of care. We will do everything we can to ensure that your parent is happy, contented, and fulfilled."

That message delivered with genuine warmth can be transformative for families wrestling with difficult decisions.

Why Design and Environment Matter

One of the most interesting points Jon raises is often overlooked in care home discussions: design.

"Design is a huge contributor to well-being and how a place feels is important because if you're proud of where you are, proud of the place you're sitting in, if it feels light and clean and airy and colourful, you're going to feel better about being somewhere."

He's right. The psychology is clear: environment affects mood, motivation and dignity. A tired, dated care home can make residents feel like they're being warehoused. A bright, thoughtfully designed space communicates respect and care.

"So why would we imagine just because you're becoming elderly that you don't also want to have that same pleasant aesthetic around you?"

It's a question more care homes should ask themselves.

A Commitment to Excellence, Not Expansion

Finally, Jon shares something that reveals the values driving Somerforde:

"We've have a wonderful team of staff and it works and I don't want to be part of a group. I don't want to be owning more care homes. I just want Somerforde to be the best at what it does."

In an industry where large corporate chains often prioritise growth over quality, this is refreshing. Jon and Jules are choosing depth over breadth—investing in making one home exceptional rather than spreading themselves thin across multiple sites.

That's a philosophy that benefits residents, staff, and families alike.

Is Somerforde Right for Your Family?

If you're exploring residential care options for a loved one in Newton Abbot or the surrounding Devon area, Somerforde's approach speaks for itself. With a capacity of 32 residents, the home remains small enough to provide genuine, personalised care but experienced enough to handle complex needs.

We've seen the feedback from professionals. We know what families tell us. And we stand behind what Jon and Jules have built.

To learn more about Somerforde, visit www.somerforde.uk or call 01626 361786 to arrange a visit.