WELCOME TO DOWNS HOUSE
Residential and dementia care in Petersfield
Downs House sits in the Hampshire countryside, just over half a mile from the centre of Petersfield. We have been caring for people from the town and the surrounding villages since 1976, and today we are home to up to 49 residents.
CQC rated Good
Inspected 18 December 2025
Trusted care
Rated 9.4 on carehome.co.uk
47 bedrooms
All with en-suite toilets
24/7 care
Residential, dementia, respite, palliative and day care
Flexible stays
Short and long term
Not just a care home,
part of Petersfield
Being part of the local community matters to us. Many of our residents have lived in and around Petersfield for years, and moving into Downs House should not mean losing touch with the town they know. We get out and about to local cafés, pubs and garden centres, and residents keep up the friendships, routines and hobbies that matter to them.
We believe age should be no barrier to a full and happy life, and our team are here to help each resident keep doing the things they enjoy.
The care we offer
Residential Care
Day-to-day support shaped around each person, so residents keep as much independence as they can and feel at home from the start.
- Care team on hand day and night
- En-suite bedrooms you can make your own
- Home-cooked meals made fresh every day
- Activities, outings and events
Dementia Care
Calm, consistent care for people living with mild to moderate dementia, built around familiar routines and the things each person enjoys.
- Care plans written around the individual
- A safe, secure and homely setting
- Music and reminiscence activities
- Staff trained in dementia care
Day Care
A friendly day out for people who live at home, with good company and a hot lunch, and a welcome break for family carers.
- Come for the odd day or regular sessions
- Join in with the day's activities and events
- Freshly cooked lunch and refreshments
- Care and support from our trained team
Respite Care
Short stays for when a family carer needs a break, or for someone getting back on their feet after time in hospital.
- Short-term care and recovery support
- A personal care plan for every guest
- Full use of our lounges and gardens
- Join in with activities and events
A warm, welcoming home
We have 47 bright, comfortable bedrooms over three floors. Every room has an en-suite toilet and many have a full bathroom, and residents are welcome to bring their own furniture and photos to make the room feel like theirs.
At a glance
- 0.6 miles from Petersfield town centre
- 43 single rooms and 3 companion rooms for couples
- Lounges and an orangery that open onto the gardens
- Wheelchair access throughout, with two lifts
Award-winning gardens
We are proud of our gardens and green spaces at Downs House. There are plenty of peaceful spots for residents to sit and enjoy the fresh air, and the gardens are wheelchair accessible throughout.
Many residents love getting involved in our gardening sessions, growing flowers and vegetables together. Their hard work paid off this year when Downs House won two gold awards in Petersfield in Bloom 2026.
Our team
Our carers work alongside our kitchen and housekeeping teams, and they get to know each resident well, from the help they need with personal care to the little things that make their day.
Sam Thorne, our Home Manager, has worked in care for nearly 30 years. She started out as the weekend tea lady in a care home while she was at college, and has since cared for older people living with dementia, both in care homes and in their own homes, as well as adults with learning disabilities. She worked her way up from carer to manager, and has also trained care staff and managers as an apprenticeship assessor.
Sam holds a BA (Hons) in Health and Social Care and a Level 5 qualification in leadership and management. What matters most to her is a home where residents feel safe and respected, and a team who feel supported to give their very best care.
Food and dining
Good food plays a big part in keeping well, and we take nutrition seriously at Downs House. Our chefs cook fresh meals from scratch every day, planned to give residents a balanced, healthy diet that keeps them strong and well.
There is always a choice at every meal, and the kitchen team get to know each resident’s tastes, along with any special diets, allergies or textures they need. Snacks and drinks are offered throughout the day, and we keep a close eye on how much everyone is eating and drinking.
Mealtimes are relaxed and sociable, with residents eating together in small groups in the dining room or the garden room, or outside on the terrace when the weather is nice.
Activities and days out
Our activities coordinators get to know each resident and plan around what they enjoy, from one-to-one baking to a game of Scrabble in the garden.
We are closely involved with the local community. Residents go on trips to garden centres, cafés and local pubs, and to a local choir group, and families are always welcome at our summer parties and monthly socials.
- News
Thoughts, insights, and stories
Macmillan Coffee Afternoon at Downs House
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our Macmillan Coffee Afternoon at Downs House, with a bake sale and...
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Downs House Summer Fete Raises Funds for Dementia Friendly Petersfield
A massive thank you to everyone who joined us for our summer fete at Downs House, raising vital funds for our local...
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See for yourself
The best way to get a feel for Downs House is to come and see it. Call us on 01730 261474 or email info@downshouse.care and we will arrange a time that suits you.
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