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The story of Fairdene Lodge residential home in Hove is one of family, and that remains a big part of the home today. It started back in 1984, when Tom Holliday took over Fairdene shortly after the death of his wife Kath, with whom he had managed a care home in Peacehaven in the late 70’s. His intention was to set daughter Maria up as his business partner.

Our Care Home in Sussex is inspired by a strong family philosophy

Fairdene Lodge was then a large detached Victorian house, which was registered for 14 elderly people, and Tom was proud that it was a popular home in the community. When the house next door came up for sale in 1988 he decided to buy it and expand Fairdene Lodge by joining the two houses at the rear.

Tom and Maria both had their roles; for example, Tom was in charge of the business side, but he also liked to get amongst the residents as much as possible. He’d often take them out in his car, or attend a football match or two with them. He had great empathy, and created an excellent philosophy for Maria to follow.

The success of Fairdene even encouraged Maria and her sister Denise to open another care home, Grosvenor Lodge, to help even more elderly people in the Brighton and Hove area.

Tom’s health deteriorated as he got older, and eventually his mobility became poor, and he was unable to cope with his own health needs. He gave in to the fact he had to let go of his own home and move in to Fairdene to be cared for. Ironically, he passed away in 2004 after being a ‘resident’ in his beloved Fairdene Lodge where once he was in charge.

Maria missed him terribly, but carried on his legacy. Fairdene continues to be a thriving care home in the heart of the Brighton & Hove community, and though Maria has made many changes since his passing, she remarks often about how proud he would be that the home is so lovely today.

Today, Fairdene Lodge is a popular, welcoming care home in Sussex, specialising in dementia care in a homely environment. Find out even more more about our history here.