Banbury: Derelict care home to reopen after refurbishment

Abbeyfield House in Banbury, which first opened in 1992, has been restored to its original purpose by family-run business Rosalie Care.

Rosalie Care will reopen the site as a care home to serve families in the community once again.

A spokesperson for Rosalie Care said: “We are incredibly proud to be bringing Abbeyfield House back to life and preserving its original purpose as a place of care for local people.

“As a small family-run provider, our aim is simple—provide compassionate, person-centred care in a warm and homely environment while remaining part of the wider Banbury community.”

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The care home, which had fallen into disrepair after years of closure, was at risk of being converted into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) before Rosalie Care stepped in.

The spokesperson said: “To bring warmth, dignity and compassionate care back into a place that once meant so much to local families.”

The building, which closed in 2023, has been fully refurbished and now offers 10 resident bedrooms, along with therapy and sensory rooms, communal living areas, and landscaped gardens designed to bring residents, families and the wider community together under one roof.

The home will provide care for older people, including those living with dementia.

A wing of the facility has been set aside for couples living with dementia and care needs.

This approach allows couples to remain together in a familiar environment which Rosalie Care said is becoming increasingly rare within care settings.

The company said its philosophy is rooted in prioritising people over profit with a focus on reinvesting in the Banbury community it serves.

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To mark the reopening, Rosalie Care will host an open house event at Abbeyfield House in early summer.

Residents and families are invited to visit, tour the refurbished building, and meet the care team.

The spokesperson said: “We look forward to welcoming everyone to our open house event later this summer and sharing the building’s transformation with you all.”

Abbeyfield House was originally opened by Lord Saye & Sele in October 1992 and has held a special place in the memories of many Banbury families.

Its slow decline had long been a source of sadness for the community.

Rosalie Care said the restoration not only saves the building but also revives a tradition of care.

It hopes Abbeyfield House will once again serve the community with dignity, compassion, and a sense of belonging.

The open house event will give the public an opportunity to see the full extent of the transformation.