A Family Home, Not a Corporate Chain
In 1993, brother and sister Philip Mabbott and Verity Hallam opened The Byars with a simple conviction: that a care home should be exactly that. A home. Not a facility. Not a unit. A place where people are known, valued, and looked after properly.
More than thirty years later, that conviction has not changed, and neither has the ownership. The Byars is their only care home. There is no head office, no regional management layer, no corporate reporting structure. The people who own the home are the people who run it.
That focus shows in the results. The Byars holds the highest possible CQC rating, Outstanding, in every single inspection domain. In 2016, it was recognised as one of only four nursing homes in the entire country to achieve this distinction.
As they put it themselves: "This is our only Care Home, we are a small Home and we are not part of a larger organisation." That is not a limitation. It is the entire point.
Care Centred on the Individual
The services we provide, whether clinical, social, or domestic, are centred on the individual. Every member of staff is empowered to fulfil their potential. They are our greatest asset.
Nursing Care
Qualified nurses on duty around the clock, delivering clinical care with the warmth and familiarity of a family home. Every resident is known by name, not by room number.
Residential Care
A permanent home with the support you need. Help with daily living, companionship, and the reassurance that someone is always there when you need them.
Dementia Care
Specialist support from staff who are highly skilled and well-trained in dementia care. We create safe, familiar routines in an environment designed to reduce anxiety and confusion.
End-of-Life Care
Excellent end-of-life care delivered in partnership with families. Compassionate, dignified, and shaped by what matters most to each person and their loved ones.
Respite Care
Short-term stays to give family carers a well-earned break, or to support recovery. Flexible arrangements tailored to your circumstances.
Physical & Sensory Support
All 30 bedrooms on the ground floor with full accessibility. Care for those with physical disabilities or sensory impairments, delivered with understanding and patience.
Fully Inclusive Fees
At The Byars, your fees cover everything: nursing care, laundry, toiletries, entertainment, and activities. No hidden extras, no surprises. We believe families should know exactly what they are paying for from the outset.
What is included in your fees:
A Homely, Welcoming Atmosphere
The CQC described The Byars as having "a homely welcoming atmosphere" with "excellent opportunities to participate in a variety of social and recreational activities." That is what daily life looks like here.
One of Four Lounges
En-Suite Bedroom
Personal Touches
Grounds & Gardens
Excellent Social Activities
CQC inspectors noted "excellent opportunities to participate in a variety of social and recreational activities." Nothing is compulsory. Everything is available.
- Garden walks and wildlife
- Hairdressing salon visits
- Arts and crafts sessions
- Musical entertainment
- Quizzes and word games
- Animal companionship
- Seasonal celebrations
- Armchair exercises
- Raised bed gardening
- Reading and storytelling
Animals at Home
The CQC noted that animals at the home provided residents "great comfort and joy." Our animals are part of the family, not a programme. They are simply here, adding warmth and companionship to everyday life.
Plus four ground-floor lounges, specialist bathrooms, a hairdressing salon, and communal gardens with raised beds featuring traditional plants and night-time illumination.
A Door to Your Own Garden
Every one of our 30 bedrooms has its own private external door leading directly to a secure garden area. This is not an afterthought or an add-on. It is fundamental to how The Byars was designed.
It means residents can step outside whenever they choose, without asking permission, without waiting for assistance, without navigating corridors. Fresh air, birdsong, and a view of the Trent Valley countryside are literally a step away.
The secure gardens feature raised beds with traditional plants and night-time illumination, so the outdoors is accessible at all hours and in all seasons.
"The Byars is unrelenting in the pursuit of excellence. Every member of staff is empowered to fulfil their potential. They are our greatest asset."
All Ground Floor
30 bedrooms, every one on the ground floor. No stairs, no lifts, no barriers to independence.
En-Suite Wet Rooms
Every bedroom has its own en-suite wet room. Privacy and dignity are built into the architecture.
Trent Valley Setting
Nestled in the idyllic village of Caythorpe, near Lowdham. Rural peace with easy access to Nottingham.
Outstanding in Every Domain
Inspected by the Care Quality Commission on 16 April 2019. The Byars holds the highest possible rating, Outstanding, in all five inspection categories. In 2016, it was named one of the "Fab Four" — one of only four nursing homes in England with this distinction.
In Their Own Words
Quotes from the Care Quality Commission inspection report
The quality of care which our inspectors found here was exceptional.Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, CQC
Staff were highly skilled, motivated, and well-trained.CQC Inspection Report
Positive and caring relationships between people using the service and the staff.CQC Inspection Report
Excellent end of life care delivered in partnership with families.CQC Inspection Report
Robust quality assurance systems sustaining continual development and improvement.CQC Inspection Report
Animals at the home provided residents great comfort and joy.CQC Inspection Report
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions families ask most often. If yours is not here, please telephone us on 0115 966 3981.
A Tour of The Byars
Photographs from around the home. The best way to experience The Byars is to visit in person.
Water Feature Garden
The Home
Private Gardens
Rural Wildlife
Doorstep Gardening
Trent Valley Views
Resident Cat
Caythorpe Village
Arrange a Visit
The best way to experience The Byars is to see it for yourself. We welcome visitors at any time. Fill in the form below or telephone us directly.
Contact Details
Telephone 0115 966 3981
Address
Caythorpe Road, Caythorpe,
Nr Lowdham, Nottinghamshire,
NG14 7EB
Visiting
Visitors are welcome at any time.
Please telephone ahead if you would like a guided tour.