Martello Manor Marks Hythe Opening with Mayor, Veterans Group and Dementia Leaders
Martello Manor, the newest care home by provider Boutique Care Homes, officially opened the doors to its Show Suite on, welcoming over 50 guests, in what proved to be a genuinely celebratory day for the town.
Martyn Murphy, Director of Operations of Boutique Care Homes, said: “Martello Manor is everything we set out to build, a place where care genuinely feels different from the moment you walk through the door. Saturday was a reminder of why the community piece matters so much to us. We didn’t want to open a care home in Hythe, we wanted to become part of Hythe. The response from the Mayor, from the Hythe Dementia Awareness Forum, from the Royal British Legion, it told us that people here feel that too. We’re incredibly proud of what Marlene and the team have already built, and we’re just getting started.”
The Right Worshipful Town Mayor of Hythe, Councillor Stephen Bailey, performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by Royal British Legion Hythe and Saltwood branch, representatives from Folkestone College and members of the and the Hythe Dementia Awareness Forum. Guided tours ran throughout the day, giving visitors the opportunity to see first-hand the home’s beautifully designed ensuite rooms, intimate breakout spaces, activity and hobby rooms, and landscaped gardens.
Home Manager Marlene Abreu said, “Saturday was everything we hoped it would be, warm, welcoming, and full of the kind of energy that reminds you why this matters. Seeing so many people from across Hythe come together, from community leaders to local organisations, made it clear that Martello Manor is already becoming part of this community. We’ve been building relationships here long before the doors opened, and that felt very real on Saturday. We can’t wait to welcome our first residents and show them what life here truly feels like.”
The open day drew genuine enthusiasm from the community groups who attended. Dudley Shipton, former Chairman of the Hythe Dementia Awareness Forum, was among those who toured the home.
He said: “It was a great privilege to be with you and the team on Saturday at the opening by the Mayor of Hythe. The building is light, airy and welcoming. The superb decor is individually designed to meet the requirements of the future residents. Apart from the spacious client rooms with specially designed furniture and integral bathrooms, there are smaller breakout open areas for two or three people to sit together overlooking the garden. Altogether this is set to become an excellent care home providing a safe and nurturing environment for the residents in the local community. Your involvement with the Hythe Dementia Awareness Forum and connection with the local community in Hythe from the very start of this project has been very much appreciated.”
The Royal British Legion Hythe and Saltwood branch also attended, describing the visit as “productive and promising.” In a statement on social media following the event, the branch noted that the visit had “opened the door to some exciting possibilities,” including joint working opportunities and Martello Manor’s interest in coming on board as a Gold Sponsor for Armed Forces Day, a commitment the branch described as “a fantastic boost for the event and a great show of support for our local armed forces community.”
The Hythe Dementia Alliance shared a similar sentiment, sharing: “To say we were impressed would be an understatement. We’re really looking forward to continuing to build on the strong relationship we’ve established with Jude and Marlene, and to working together to further enhance the support services available in Hythe.”
