A New Chapter for a Whitley Bay Landmark: The Opening of Bay View House

It’s been a long time coming, but we couldn’t be more proud to finally share some wonderful news – our brand-new care home, Bay View House, officially opened it’s doors on 14th October.

For the past five years, our team at Prestwick Care Group has been working tirelessly to restore one of Whitley Bay’s most loved seafront buildings – the former Rex Hotel, originally built in 1907 as The Waverley Hotel. What began as a grand old hotel, later known for its ballroom and bar, has now been beautifully transformed into a state-of-the-art care home while keeping its heart, history, and heritage intact.

Preserving the Past, Building the Future

When we first stepped inside the building, we could feel the history within its walls. We knew we had a huge responsibility, not just to create a new care facility, but to preserve a landmark that means so much to the Whitley Bay community.

Behind its familiar façade, the property has been completely remodelled and rebuilt into a five-storey home with 83 spacious bedrooms, each with private en-suite facilities, specialist beds, bespoke fitted furniture, TV, and free Wi-Fi.

On the top floor, we’ve created four luxurious penthouse suites designed for residents who wish to maintain maximum independence while receiving the care and support they need.

More Than Just a Care Home

We wanted Bay View House to feel like a home, a place where residents, families, and friends can truly enjoy life together. Inside, you’ll find a welcoming bar, cinema room, restaurant, and hair salon, alongside several comfortable lounges and family rooms for socialising or simply relaxing.

Many of the rooms and communal spaces have uninterrupted sea views, stretching from St Mary’s Lighthouse in the north to Cullercoats in the south. There are also peaceful outdoor courtyards and a secure fourth-floor roof terrace, where residents can take in the fresh sea air and sunshine.

Creating Opportunities and Preserving Heritage

We’re proud that Bay View House has created around 80 full- and part-time jobs for local people. As a company that has been providing care services across the North East for over 35 years, it means a lot to us to continue investing in our communities and preserving the region’s architectural heritage.

Throughout the restoration, we worked closely with specialist craftsmen to retain many of the building’s original features, including the dome, windows, and internal columns ensuring that while the interior has been modernised, the spirit of the old Rex lives on.

Looking Ahead

This has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding projects we’ve ever undertaken. Seeing the building brought back to life, ready to serve a new purpose, fills us with immense pride. Bay View House is more than just a care home – it’s a celebration of Whitley Bay’s past and a promise for its future.

If you’d like to take a closer look at Bay View House and our other facilities, explore our video tours and virtual walkthroughs of each home on our website

We can’t wait to welcome our first residents and the wider community through the doors of Bay View House, a place where history, care, and comfort come together on the Whitley Bay seafront.