Grand opening of Fern Meadows marks major step forward for Extra Care Housing in Oxfordshire

A brand-new Extra Care Housing scheme in Faringdon, has been officially opened today (15 April 2026), offering older residents the opportunity to live independently with care and support on hand when needed.

Developed in partnership with Housing 21, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, and Oxfordshire County Council, the Fern Meadows scheme provides 60 high‑quality, self‑contained homes – 45 for rent and 15 for shared ownership – purpose‑built for people aged 55 and over with care needs.

To date, 53 residents have already moved into Fern Meadows, with more set to benefit from the scheme in the coming months.

Residents of extra care housing schemes like those at Fern Meadows have their own front door and private apartment and live as independently as they want, while benefiting from a flexible, personalised care offer that adapts as their needs change.

The model forms a key part of the Oxfordshire Way – the council’s commitment to supporting people to live well and independently, close to their communities.

James Williams, a resident at Fern Meadows, said: “Moving into extra care housing has made a huge difference to my life. I’ve been able to keep my independence and my own front door, but with the reassurance that support is there whenever I need it.

“It’s taken away a lot of worry – not just for me, but for my family too.

“There’s a real sense of community here already, and it feels good to be somewhere that’s been designed to help people live well for longer.”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Fern Meadows shows exactly what modern care looks like.

“People deserve independence, dignity and a real sense of community – and this is what extra care housing provides. It’s vibrant, social and designed around the person, not the other way around.

“We’re proud to open this new scheme in Faringdon and give local residents more choice in how they live their lives, with support available when they need it. This is the Oxfordshire Way in action.”

Fern Meadows includes a range of facilities to help residents stay active, connected and supported, including:

• A welcoming café/bistro and a hair salon open to the public
• Spacious residents’ lounge and activity room
• Communal gardens
• A guest suite for visiting family and friends
• Secure storage for mobility aids
• A dedicated on-site housing manager and independent care team
• Care staff on-site 24/7 to provide assistance when needed

The scheme has been created to offer a warm, accessible environment where people can enjoy peace of mind, companionship and a sense of belonging.

Darren Herbet, Deputy Head of Extra Care South at Housing 21 said: “Housing 21 is a leading provider of safe, high quality, and affordable homes for older people, empowering residents to live independently.

“We currently operate over 700 housing schemes, providing 24,000 homes across the country, and we continue to grow. As the UK’s population ages, we remain committed to developing more modern, accessible homes”.

“We are delighted that Fern Meadows is the newest addition to our expanding Extra Care portfolio. It has been designed to create a vibrant and inclusive environment that offers residents both privacy and independence.

“The scheme will serve as a community hub for Faringdon, offering opportunities for local people to connect, participate and benefit from the services and activities available”.

Extra care housing forms an important part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Oxfordshire Way approach to supporting people to live independently for as long as possible. It enables residents to enjoy the privacy of their own home, with reassurance that help is available day and night.

The scheme will primarily support people aged 55+ with care or health needs, though applications from others may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Families and carers are also encouraged to explore the scheme when planning for their loved ones’ future.

More information about Fern Meadows is available on Extra care housing | Oxfordshire County Council and the Live Well Oxfordshire website.

ENDS

Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.