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Creating Spaces of Comfort and Connection: The Old Rectory Nursing Home, Grappenhall

Writer's picture: Victoria BellerbyVictoria Bellerby

Nestled in the picturesque village of Grappenhall, The Old Rectory Nursing Home has been a sanctuary of care and compassion for over 30 years. Surrounded by three acres of tranquil, leafy grounds, the home enjoys the serene company of St. Wilfred's Church and the Bridgewater Canal. This family-owned haven has long been a place where the elderly not only live but thrive. Recently, the home partnered with BellaBe Design to reimagine its interiors, blending biophilic and dementia-sensitive designs with evidence-based health principles to create an environment where warmth, functionality, and well-being are at the forefront.


The Lounge: A Space for Relaxation and Connection
The Lounge: A Space for Relaxation and Connection

A New Chapter in Design

The reimagined spaces at The Old Rectory were crafted to foster connection, enhance usability for staff, and ensure comfort for residents. BellaBe Design honoured the home’s legacy of care while transforming the interiors into vibrant hubs for interaction, activities, and moments of joy. At the heart of this transformation was a harmonious flow between spaces and an emphasis on connecting the interiors to the surrounding natural beauty.


The Lounge: A Space for Relaxation and Connection

The original lounge layout posed challenges, with a corner fireplace and TV setup that lacked storage and obstructed the stunning garden views. BellaBe’s solution introduced wall-to-wall storage along the side wall, creating a striking focal feature with thoughtfully curated games, books, and décor. The contemporary fireplace and TV integration added both functionality and elegance.


The lounge area was carpeted to enhance warmth and a homely feel, while the adjacent dining floor was finished with a stylish herringbone vinyl design, creating distinct zones without sacrificing flow. Additional touches, such as window seating/shelving and Roman blinds, maximized garden views and brought a modern, cohesive aesthetic.


A Focus on Flow and Moments

BellaBe’s vision centred on creating seamless transitions between rooms, promoting natural movement while simplifying staff workflows. The design philosophy emphasized “views within the room,” with focal points that encourage curiosity, engagement, and a sense of connection.


By designing spaces that evoke distinct moments—breakfast in a sunny nook, an afternoon movie by the fire, or a cozy corner for card games—the layout supports natural circadian rhythms. In the evenings, the ambiance shifts with glowing table lamps and a lit fire, ensuring a sense of comfort and security.


Safety glass panel fire doors in hallways were another thoughtful addition, encouraging residents to peek into communal spaces and join activities. This subtle yet effective design choice fosters community engagement and reduces feelings of isolation.


The Dining Area: Where Functionality Meets Style

In the dining area, built-in bench seating along the back wall added comfort and aesthetic appeal, with a stylish shelf and wall detailing tying the space to the lounge. The dining tables were carefully arranged to balance practicality with an inviting, intimate atmosphere.


Attention to detail around windows further enhanced the biophilic connection, drawing the eye outward to the beautiful gardens. The space was designed as more than a dining area—becoming a versatile hub for shared meals, activities, and conversations.


The Café/Bistro: Multifunctional space for dining, conversation & activities.
The Café/Bistro: Multifunctional space for dining, conversation & activities.

The Café/Bistro: Bridging Indoors and Outdoors

The café/bistro is now a lively heart of the home, seamlessly connecting indoor spaces with the lush gardens. Large windows and direct access to the outdoors improve natural light, encourage residents to enjoy the fresh air, and inspire a sense of well-being.


Non-supporting arches and an outdated bar area were removed, opening the room and making it more inviting. Elegant bench seating with a stylish backdrop adds charm, while the converted bar area now serves as a convenient coffee station/kitchenette. Moving the TV to an adjacent wall ensured visibility from all angles, complemented by a tasteful sideboard for added practicality.


The café also features thoughtful additions like a reminiscence corner with retro fashion posters and movie icons of the 1950s and 1960s, complete with a hat stand for sunny days. A “potting shed” area near the garden doors offers seeds and plant pots to encourage gardening activities, fostering a connection with nature.


A Time to Remember:  Fun reminiscence corner for a little singing and delight.
A Time to Remember: Fun reminiscence corner for a little singing and delight.

Thoughtful, Evidence-Based Design

The redesign of The Old Rectory goes beyond aesthetics, incorporating evidence-based principles to address the specific needs of residents. Dementia-friendly features, biophilic elements, and intuitive layouts support mental and physical well-being.


Collaboration was key to the project’s success. Feedback from residents and staff shaped the design process, ensuring spaces reflect their daily routines and needs. From initial concepts to the final touches, BellaBe worked closely with all stakeholders, making the design journey inclusive and rewarding.


A Place to Call Home

The Old Rectory Nursing Home is now more than ever a place where residents can flourish. BellaBe’s thoughtful design has transformed the home into a sanctuary that prioritizes well-being, connection, and the natural beauty of its surroundings.


Whether sharing a coffee in the bistro, enjoying the garden views from a cozy lounge, or participating in a lively group activity, every moment at The Old Rectory is infused with warmth and care. BellaBe’s team was on hand throughout the renovation process, working closely with contractors and clients to ensure every detail aligned with the vision.


In the final stage, the team styled the spaces with furnishings, décor, plants, and artwork, ensuring the rooms were ready for everyday living and photography. The result is a beautifully curated environment that feels like home, celebrating the harmony of thoughtful design and compassionate care.


Acknowledgements

This project would not have been possible without the support, feedback, and inspiration of so many incredible individuals and teams.


The Residents

A heartfelt thank you to the residents of The Old Rectory Nursing Home, whose needs, stories, and personalities guided every design decision. Your comfort and joy remain our top priorities.


Elizabeth Lawrence & Jonathan Eyes

Your vision and dedication were instrumental in bringing this project to life. Thank you for trusting us to reimagine these cherished spaces.


The Team @orncare.co.uk

Your commitment to providing exceptional care created the foundation for everything we designed. It was a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and compassionate team.


Photography by Charlie Phillips

Special thanks to Charlie Phillips for capturing the beauty and warmth of the redesigned spaces. Your stunning imagery showcases the heart and soul of The Old Rectory.

Follow Charlie’s work:instagram.com/charlie_philography


Visit Us

Learn more about the care and community at The Old Rectory Nursing Home:www.orncare.co.uk

 

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