A CARE home in Poole has been sold for the first time since 1988 after its long-time husband and wife owners’ retirement.
St Cecilia care home, based in Nelson Road, specialises in the care of people with dementia from Poole and Bournemouth and welcomes both private and local authority- funded residents.
Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co recently completed on the freehold sale of St Cecilia, following a confidential process in which the business was sold to newly established care group, Nisi Dominus Frustra Ltd.
Nisi Dominus Frustra is a Latin motto which translates roughly as ‘Without God, all is in vain’.
Since 1988, the home has been owned and operated by Robert and Ruth Eshelby. Mr Eshelby had previously worked for Dorset social services before setting up the care home with his wife. After more than 30 years of service, the pair have decided to retire from the sector.
In its last report by government inspectorate the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in June 2021, St Cecilia was rated ‘good’. Inspectors said: “People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests.”
The home also received compliments about its end-of-life care. One relative said: “My loved one's passing was managed so well. I feel lucky that they spent their final year or so at St Cecilia's.”
This positive report came after a ‘requires improvement’ rating was given two years prior.
Charles Phillips, director of healthcare at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, said: “With the seller living in France, the buyer living in Hong Kong, and the care home and agent in England, this was at times a challenging process.
“However, following numerous Zoom calls, we are delighted that, after the buyer moved to the UK, a deal has been completed. A great level of interest was shown in this property, resulting in multiple offers and a very good price being achieved.
“The sale of St Cecilia shows that there is demand for UK care homes from buyers all around the world.”
St Cecilia, which operates from a two-storey detached Edwardian former family home, was sold for an undisclosed price.
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