The History of Tracey House
The Beginning
Originally built as a private residence rich in local history, Tracey House was constructed by Mr W. Tracey of Bovey Tracey and has long held a special place within the town. Over the years, the house welcomed many notable visitors and dignitaries, reflecting its standing and significance within the community.
Once described as the jewel in the crown of the Tracey family legacy, the home carries forward values of pride, responsibility, and care that have been embedded in its walls for decades.
That sense of continuity lives on today. Some members of our current staff team have grandparents who once worked in the grounds of the house, creating a rare and deeply rooted connection between past and present. There were even times when reaching the house from Bovey Tracey meant travelling by horse and cart up the hill.
Early Days
In July 1983, Tracey House was formally registered as a care home, opening its doors to just seven residents and providing essential nursing care in a warm, family-led setting. As the needs of the local community grew, so too did Tracey House. Over time, the home expanded thoughtfully with the addition of a new wing, followed by the Coach House and cottages, broadening the range of care and living options available while preserving its homely character.
Jo and George Zakrzewski later took over the running of the home from Jo’s parents, continuing its family legacy. During this time, they raised their own family in the Coach House, further embedding Tracey House as not just a place of care, but a true home at the heart of the community — shaped by continuity, commitment, and generations of hands-on care.
Outstanding
By 2018, under the dedicated leadership of Jo and George, Tracey House had grown to its current size, strengthening its long-standing role within the local community. During this period, the home was proudly recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for delivering Outstanding standards of nursing and senior care. This recognition reflected a consistent focus on compassionate, person-centred support, a stable and committed staff team, and a culture where residents are treated with dignity, warmth, and respect every day.
Where are we now?
Today, Tracey House has entered a new chapter. Following its reopening, the home is led by Yvette and Steph, whose combined experience, energy, and shared values are shaping a renewed future for Tracey House. Steph even started her working life aged 14 as a general assistant under Jo and George before working her way up to assistant manager. Together, they have focused on restoring stability, strengthening standards of care, and re-establishing the warm, family-led culture that has always defined the home.
While the home continues to honour its deep roots and long-standing connection to the local community, Yvette and Steph are guiding it forward with a modern, thoughtful approach to care. The result is a home that respects its heritage while confidently looking ahead — committed to providing safe, personal, and high-quality care for today’s residents and for generations to come.