The company was founded in 1984 with the purchase of Kidsley Grange by the Poxton and Whatley families. This building was an old farmhouse that was converted into a 22 bed nursing home.
This partnership was expanded under the Layton name, an anagram of the Poxton and Whatley names, to include our homes West Hallam Care Home 1988 and Smalley Hall Care Home in 1989.
During the time that the Layton business was growing Mr. Gerald Poxton (retired) went into partnership with Mr. Dennis Wright (retired), in 1986, when The Firs was purchased and converted into a 26 bed nursing home. Just two years later the partners then purchased Woodborough Hall in Nottingham.
The photo shows The Firs as a farmhouse when it was first purchased. As you will see, if you visit our site, a good deal has been done to the grounds including two extentions and the addition of Codnor Park. Although you can still see the well which is now next to our car park!
In 1993 Dr. Michael Poxton and Mr. Ian Wright joined the business and Ashmere Care Homes was formed. This was a time of rapid expansion and several properties were added to the portfolio, the Sutton site was purchased in 1994, Codnor Park was then added to The Firs site in 1997 and the King William home in 1998.
When the Whatley family retired in 2004 from the Layton business Ashmere Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire was created.
The business has grown and diversified since it was founded, moving from only nursing homes, to many homes diversifying into residential and Dementia care. There have been many extensions to the properties and much work to improve the surroundings and level of care given to our residents.