A TYNE Valley care home is set to invest in a six-figure refurbishment to improve the experience for guests.

Wentworth Grange in Riding Mill was founded in an Edwardian manor house almost 40 years ago by specialist community nurse Phyllis Lee and her late husband Ronald, with a new building being constructed in the property’s grounds 13 years ago.

Their son Jeff now works alongside his mother as a director of the business and is overseeing the refurbishment, which will include the creation of two new orangeries, a new reception area, new panoramic windows to take advantage of views over the Tyne Valley, a new tea room and extensions to a number of guest bedrooms.

The 50-bed property is dual registered to provide both residential and nursing care, meaning guests can stay in the same familiar location as their care needs change.

The refurbishment will take place over the next six months and a number of North-East contractors have already been signed up to the project.

Imperial Cabinets of Blaydon will be designing the bedroom furnishings and fittings, Hexham’s Abbey Conservatories is providing the orangeries and glasswork, and Blaydon’s CSN Services is managing the electrical requirements.

Meanwhile RMT Accountants & Business Advisors is working with the management team on the financial and business aspects of the upgrade programme.

Jeff said: “The improvements we’re making will further enhance the welcome we can give to guests and their families, and they will position us perfectly as we move into our fifth decade.

“RMT’s ongoing advice has helped us build firm financial foundation on which we can take this investment programme forward.

“The team adheres to the same high standards that we set for ourselves and their wider contacts within the regional business community have also proven to be extremely beneficial.”