the adjacent state-of-the-art gym (which also houses a hydrotherapy swimming pool) and rehabilitation suite are both unapologetically modern buildings, though neither detracts from the period charm of the main building. The rehabilitation suite – dubbed the ‘1150 Club’ – is described by Loveday as ‘the UK’s first purpose built, post-surgery rehabilitation unit, not just for older people but for people of all ages’. Equipped with a second glass of lemonade
and eager for some cool shade on such a hot day, I enjoyed a stroll through the leafy gardens before rejoining the other attendees to listen to a brief speech by Laurence Geller, in which he thanked attendees for coming and spoke a little about Loveday Esher and his vision for elder living. “This property is best in its class,”
Laurence told those assembled, “and it’s intended to be that way – as are our other properties. We just don’t believe in mediocrity. He continued: “My parents both died of
dementia-related issues, six years apart, and if I knew then half of what I know now, I would have made their lives so much better. Because lives can be made better, longer, more productive, and happier, and I will go to my grave with a sense of shame of what I didn’t do. “So when I saw the lack of supply of care
homes that knew how to handle dementia, that was the catalyst for the Loveday experience. We believe in giving the older members of our society the respect, dignity, and acknowledgement they deserve. “At Loveday, care is not simply a service
– it’s a real calling. We invest heavily in philanthropy, research, technology, education, and we’re working with
Loveday has stylishly married the old and the new to stunning effect
Suppliers list
Contractor – Redridge Building Contractors Architects & interior design – DIZ Architects; 39 Designs Furniture – Kilworth Furnishing Company Beds – Opera Beds Flooring – DSH Flooring Bathroom fittings - The Water Gallery Laundry – Allsop & Francis Kitchen – CNG Food Service Equipment Technology – Adaptive Care Solutions
government on developing strategies for care and for our ageing population. We’re truly dedicated to making lives better – not just for our Members, but for their families and their loved ones and – by creating rewarding careers – for our fabulous associates and team members. “Every detail at Loveday Esher is done to
support excellence in care and excellence in hospitality. This is where country beauty meets the real world, and we’re very proud of it.”
Making a statement A few weeks later, I caught up with Laurence to discuss the genesis of – and ethos behind – Loveday Esher, and Loveday & Co’s ambitions for future growth and development. Before moving into the care sector,
Laurence Geller CBE made a name for himself with a long and incredibly successful career as a hotelier, having started in 1971 with Grand Metropolitan Hotels (now Diageo), becoming deputy MD and joining the board in 1974. In 1976, he became senior vice president of Holiday Inns, running both their international and domestic, divisions, and subsequently served as chief operating officer of Hyatt Development Corporation, joining the board of Hyatt and co-founding Classic Residences by Hyatt (now Vi Senior Living). Laurence then founded hotel company Geller & Co. in 1989, which became Strategic Hotels and Resorts, and was listed on New York Stock Exchange in 2004. Today, he is the chairman of both private real estate investment firm
October 2025
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