New opening
some care home operators off, but following our due diligence of the site, the noise from the line was limited and it provided a good outlook for the accommodation to the rear of the site, with residents able to enjoy watching the passing train traffic.” I asked Tom about the build, and whether
things went according to plan and on schedule. He told me: “The project was negotiated with Lawrence Baker, who are one of the main care home contractors in the market – they have completed all of Boutiques previous builds. They delivered the home on budget and three weeks early, and all at Boutique are delighted with the quality of the finish within the home. The site had various challenges, including no existing access into the site, poor ground conditions, and the lack of drainage and utility infrastructure in the area. Through good risk management and early engagement of the contractor and the supply chain, all the project risks were overcome, which ensured the home was delivered on time and to budget.” When it came to sustainability,
Tom tells me that although the local planning authority did not stipulate any environmental credentials over and above Building Regulations, Boutique’s energy strategy nonetheless ensured that Keymer Hall achieved EPC ‘A’ and BREEAM Very Good ratings, with PV panels installed on the roof and heat pumps incorporated into the building as part of the energy mix. Recognising that the site was ecologically sensitive, the provider also installed ecological enhancements such as log pile hibernacula, insect hotels, and bat and bird boxes. “We’ve embraced the biodiversity side
at Boutique and are looking to deliver developments that go beyond the 10 per cent
Lounges are named after local places of interest
biodiversity net gain requirements,” says
Tom, explaining that Boutique intends to “… fully integrate the site with the surrounding environment, ensuring connectivity for ecology and wildlife, and allowing our residents to have the associated benefit.”
Football and tiles As one would expect from a Boutique home, Keymer Hall has been thoughtfully and impeccably designed, both inside and out. The team tell me that, with a number of homes already under its belt, Boutique was keen to take what it has learned so far and apply it to Keymer Hall and future Boutique homes, thus optimising the resident experience. For example, Boutique has done away with a dedicated cinema room, which director of operations Martin Murphy refers to as “wasted space”, allowing the provider to incorporate its largest hair salon yet – a beautiful, dual-aspect room where residents can enjoy getting their hair done while looking out across Keymer Hall’s garden and the ancient woodland beyond. Of course, should residents wish to enjoy a film or big screen TV, there are plenty of comfortable spaces in which to do so, as well as plenty of quiet lounges and private seating areas where those wishing for some quiet away from TV and other distractions can enjoy some peace. Lounges and other spaces are named after
local places of interest, and the corridors at Keymer Hall are lined with artwork inspired by the rolling, scenic South Downs – which stretch across the south of England from Winchester all the way to Eastbourne
March 2026
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