Oak Hill Mansion in Accrington to reopen as nursing home

Oak Hill Mansion, on Manchester Road, will reopen as a nursing home on November 3. It will be under the management of the Oak Care Group, which acquired the site in February.

The manager of the site, Lisa Macphee, said staff are excited to open.

She said: “We are excited to announce that the nursing home is set to reopen in November.

“We have welcomed visitors already and it seems to have a lot of interest. 

“We will be showing commitment to providing top-quality care for our residents, as luxury care is what we do.

The run down Oakhill Mansion in Oakhill Park in Accrington in 1992 (Image: NQ) “Our team’s blend of experienced staff and fresh talent ensures we continue the legacy and standards we have delivered, while also promoting new projects.”

Lisa said the mission of Oak Care Group is to help restore and bring to life old historic landmarks, that aren’t being used or have lost their purpose.

She said: “Our aim is to create a nurturing environment where residents can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. 

“We believe that every individual deserves to live with dignity and respect, and we are dedicated to providing high-quality care that reflects these principles.

"As the property is a historic landmark, we also strive to honour the rich history of Oak Hill Mansion Nursing Home while evolving to meet the needs of today’s generation, by displaying it’s history lavishly honouring its past.”

Lisa said the property’s ‘historic charm’ has been preserved with the addition of new equipment and upgraded living spaces.

Oak Hill Mansion (Image: Oak Care Group) Lisa said: “While the home’s historic charm and legacy have been lovingly preserved, we have made several improvements to enhance the experience for both residents and their families. 

“We’ve invested in state-of-the-art healthcare equipment, upgraded living spaces to improve comfort, and introduced more wellness programs that support both physical and mental health. 

“At the same time, our core values of compassion, respect, and personalised will add to the harmonious atmosphere surrounding the property. We are proud to continue our tradition of providing a home-like atmosphere where residents feel valued and supported.”

Lisa said members of the community are excited to see the building brought back to life.

She said: “The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Families, residents, and members of the community have expressed excitement about the improvements and are eager to see the nursing home’s revival. 

“Our staff and management team have been touched by the support and enthusiasm, and we are committed to living up to the high expectations. 

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the community for their ongoing support throughout the years. 

“It is a privilege to be able to serve our residents in such a unique, historic setting, and we look forward to creating new memories while honouring the traditions that have made this piece of history a cherished landmark. 

“Our doors are always open for those interested in learning more about our vision and services, and we’re excited for the future ahead.”

The property has an extensive history and was once owned by some notable people, having been built by Thomas Hargreaves, owner of Accrington’s Broad Oak Print Works, after he purchased the land in 1815.

In 1889 the estate belonged to Reginald Gervis Hargreaves, who was married to Alice Liddell, the model for Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

In 1891 the building was bought by Hyndburn Council for £9,591 (the equivalent of £1million in today's money) and used as a museum until 1947.

After that, the building fell into a state of disrepair, and it was famously purchased for £1 Abbeyfield Society, a charity providing residential care for the elderly.

The distinctive Grade-II listed property, which dates back to the 19th century, has a long history in the town and was once used as a home for the elderly.

The mansion underwent an £800,0000 transformation and was converted to feature luxury apartments for the elderly in 1994.

In October 2019, plans to close the care home were revealed after a review was carried out into the quality, safety and long-term financial viability of the home. It was sold in June, 2021.