Originally a 12th century Cistercian Abbey set in acres of beautiful parkland, Coombe Abbey is now a luxury hotel offering a ‘stay with a difference’. Exquisitely restored rooms provide a sumptuous venue for visitors and guests with feature bedrooms providing that extra piece of luxury and interest for its guests. Coombe Abbey has a long and interesting history and has had its own fair share of intrigue and apparitions, having survived some 900 odd years of wars, religious upheaval, and the inevitable change of ownership.

The September event saw nine franchisees, accompanied by Kevin Lewis, CEO of Caremark, Anne O’Rourke, Operations Director and Karen Pennington, National Support Manager enjoy an introduction to six very special wines with the opportunity to taste them following the talk given by a wine expert. A competition then followed to identify old and new world wines with a wine prize being awarded for the correct answers.

A private gourmet dinner came next with the franchisees enjoying fine dining in the Walnut Suite in one of the beautifully restored rooms.

Sue Hills, MD of Caremark (Mid-Sussex) commented “The dining experience was intimate and felt like we were in someone’s own private home. My only regret is that I did not stay longer!”

Their overnight stay was made all the more special by the sumptuous décor and the huge flickering candles everywhere.

“The hotel with its nooks and crannies was amazing. You could see a murder mystery weekend going down a treat. We felt like we were taking part in a costume drama! It really was a very special event,” commented Karen Precious, Director of Caremark (East Riding).

The next Platinum Club event will take place in December with planning for the special day already well under way, the location of which is being kept well and truly secret!

Caremark, via its network of franchisees, delivers home care and support to vulnerable individuals throughout the UK. The service is provided to people of all ages, ethnicities and abilities to enable them to continue living safely and independently at home, as well as providing support for them to continue community activities.