Ahead of opening its doors to residents, Martello Manor in Hythe offered a first-hand glimpse into Boutique Care Homes’ distinctive approach; blending hospitality, community, and culture in a thoughtfully curated pre-opening sleepover.
Martello Manor, the newest addition to Boutique Care Homes’ portfolio, is set to welcome its first residents later this month in Hythe, Kent. Before the doors officially open, I was invited to take part in one of Boutique’s pre-opening sleepovers; a tradition designed to bring together staff, partners, and the local community. It’s a simple idea, but one that feels incredibly effective.
The evening began with canapés and a glass of something sparkling, giving everyone the chance to settle in and get to know one another. Representatives from local groups, including Hythe Dementia Together, were there, alongside the Boutique team. What I found particularly touching was the presence of a soon-to-be resident’s family, experiencing the home ahead of move-in. It added a very real sense of purpose to the evening.
Dinner followed in the ground-floor dining room, where we were served a three-course meal reflective of what residents can expect day-to-day. It struck me how carefully the experience had been considered: restaurant-quality service, but without any sense of formality or distance. My red pepper soup, salmon with vegetables, and hazelnut chocolate slice were all excellent, but more than that, the atmosphere felt relaxed and sociable, exactly as dining in a care setting should.
After dinner, things took a more playful turn with a treasure hunt around the home. Guided by cryptic clues linked to both Martello Manor and the local area, we explored the building while completing a series of challenges. Some were light-hearted, like seeing how far two people could stand apart and still play catch with an egg (they weren’t hard-boiled), while others encouraged a bit more reflection, such as attempting tasks with dexterity-limiting gloves. It was a brilliant experience: engaging, genuinely fun, and cleverly designed to build empathy without ever feeling forced.
The evening continued with a quiz, before everyone gradually drifted back to the lounge. It was here that I had some of the most interesting conversations of the night. Speaking with newer members of staff, their enthusiasm for the culture at Boutique was clear. Even before residents had arrived, they spoke about feeling supported, valued, and genuinely excited for what’s ahead. It echoed conversations I’ve had previously with leadership, and it was reassuring to hear it reflected so strongly on the ground.
Eventually, we all retired to our rooms. Mine was beautifully designed, complete with an en-suite, and struck that careful balance between hotel comfort and a sense of home. It was an easy place to relax, and, importantly, to imagine living.
Spending the night at Martello Manor didn’t just showcase a new building; it offered a genuine insight into the thinking behind it. I’m already looking forward to returning to see the home come to life once residents have settled in.
