A new care home in Dartmouth has been shortlisted for a prestigious national design award after redefining what later living can look like.

Vivant Care’s Bayards Court Care Home is a finalist in the Care Home Design of the Year category at the Care Home Professional Leaders in Care Awards, recognising its innovative approach to care home design and hospitality-led living.

The first Vivant Care home, backed by over 25 years of Sanctuary Care’s expertise, opened recently and completely challenges traditional perceptions of care, combining stunning spaces and exceptional hospitality, with care discreetly woven in.

Features include a wellness suite with state-of-the-art gym equipment to support mobility and strength, a beautiful private dining room, life skills kitchens that enable residents to continue baking and preparing meals, a cocktail bar overlooking the coast, a studio, auditorium and family room for visiting children to enjoy.

Outside the home, there are beautifully landscaped gardens complete with an allotment area for residents to enjoy home-grown produce, and an outdoor kitchen with a barbecue and pizza oven for Alfresco dining.

Unlike traditional care settings, Bayards Court, which offers residential and respite care, as well as holiday stays, has been designed around how people want to live. Residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining, with chefs who have worked in AA Rosette kitchens, a concierge service and a driver, and accessible spaces that promote independence and a wide range of opportunities to pursue hobbies, interests and meaningful experiences.

Home Manager Justine Thelwell said: “We are absolutely delighted that Bayards Court has been shortlisted for the Care Home Design of the Year Award. The home is a vision of something completely unique, with many comparing it to a boutique hotel rather than a care home.

“Bayards Court reimagines what later living can look like, and places fulfilment, independence and wellbeing at the heart of every design decision.”

The winners of the Leaders in Care Awards will be announced later this year at an awards ceremony in Warwickshire.

Sanctuary Care has been delivering trusted care to older people since 1995. Sanctuary Care provides quality residential, dementia, nursing, respite, day, and palliative care in their care homes across England and Scotland.

At the heart of Sanctuary Care’s expertise is their passion to enrich the lives of their residents, teams and those living in the communities in which they operate.