Bayards Court

Brief

Lancer Scott was appointed as Principal Contractor for Bayards Court, a new care home in Dartmouth, delivered in collaboration with Sanctuary Care and Vivant Care.

Set in the scenic South Hams countryside on the South Devon coast, the project reflected Vivant Care’s ambition to create a best-in-class home that sets a new benchmark for premium care and hospitality-led living in the UK.

Bayards Court is Vivant Care’s first home and represents a £13.9 purpose-built development. As the client’s first project of its kind, the scheme required a collaborative approach, dealing with a number of design changes whilst the care team developed the new brand, ensuring the finished home met the high standards expected of a premium home delivering exceptional care and hospitality.

Solution

From stylish lounges to peaceful gardens and bright dining rooms, every corner of Bayards Court in Dartmouth has been crafted with residents in mind.

The build of the three-storey property featured a combination of traditional masonry and modern steel frame construction. The building envelope is carefully formed using locally cut stone, through-coloured render and hanging slates, with a stunning natural slate roof finish.

Set in extensive grounds in a residential estate, residents can enjoy the formal courtyard and kitchen gardens, as well as communal patio areas with soft seating and outdoor kitchen.

Glazed balconies have been incorporated into key communal rooms, providing additional access to outdoor space, while filling the interior with natural light. From these areas, people living at Bayards Court can enjoy stunning views across the surrounding countryside.

As we step inside, the space provides 63 beautifully designed ensuite bedrooms and suites, alongside a range of high-quality communal and lifestyle spaces, including:

• A state-of-the-art gym
• Elegant cocktail bar and private dining room
• A spacious auditorium for events, films, entertainment and talks
• Hair and beauty salon
• Creative areas and library
• Social areas that offer the opportunity for connection and community

The upper floors contain sumptuous ‘snug’ areas, and a studio where residents can relax and enjoy painting, sewing, and crafts.

For added comfort throughout the communal spaces and social areas, we installed air conditioning and cooling systems, creating pleasant spaces for residents to relax and enjoy each day.

In terms of care staff facilities at Bayards Court, we built and delivered:

• A commercial kitchen
• Bespoke laundry room
• Fully equipped medical rooms
• Extensive storage facilities
• Staff only areas and private changing facilities
• Maintenance office and plant room

As with any large-scale build programme, our team faced challenges. The key one being the exposure level of the site and the impact of excessive winds and extreme rain. This had an impact on the programme length, but together with the client, the project was handled with care and consideration from beginning to end.

After two years in the making, we’re thrilled to unveil Bayards Court in Dartmouth – a truly special development crafted for the local community and expertly delivered by our team.

This outstanding result is one we’re incredibly proud of, and we’re delighted to have brought this vision to life for our client, Vivant Care. We’ve no doubt this new home will make a lasting difference for residents receiving care, and their families.