
Coombe House is a warm, welcoming home where the residents are treated with kindness and respectR A(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

We can't recommend this care home highly enough. The care is excellent; everyone is so friendlyMargaret W(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

We don’t think we could find a better home anywhere.Jane Y(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Coombe House is a warm, welcoming home where the residents are treated with kindness and respectR A(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

We can't recommend this care home highly enough. The care is excellent; everyone is so friendlyMargaret W(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

We don’t think we could find a better home anywhere.Jane Y(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Coombe House is an Outstanding-rated (CQC, March 2021), residential care home offering exceptional, person-centred care in a warm and homely environment. Set in the picturesque village of Streatley, near Reading and Newbury in Berkshire, the home benefits from excellent transport links to London and across the South of England. Family-owned since 1988, Coombe House combines extensive experience with a truly personal approach to care.
Both long-term residential care and short-term respite...
Care Provided by Coombe House
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
- Eating Disorders
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 24 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Convalescent Care
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
- Day Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Gardens
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Coombe House for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Coombe House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Good to Know
Owner
- C Windebank and S Howard
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Suzanne Howard (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
- Last Refurbishment: 2023
- Number of floors: 1
Room Information
- Single Rooms (20)
- Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (20)
Visiting
- At any time
Parking
- Plenty of parking space in the driveway
Coombe House Reviews (70)
Coombe House has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.856) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Coombe House has 70 reviews.
My mother was over 100 years old when she came to live in Coombe House. She was there for nearly two years before she passed away last December. I visited my mother every day and saw what a wonderful relationship she built up with the staff there who were so kind , caring and compassionate. This happy relationship continued into the last six weeks of her life when it became clear that her health was failing. The care she received especially at this final stage was exemplary. The staff kept her clean, well presented , hydrated and fed with food appropriate to her needs. Quickly they provided all the necessary equipment when she was bedridden, watching her constantlly and sitting with her when she became agitated. It gave my brothers and me great comfort to know that Mum was so well cared for at the end of her life. She passed away very peacefully in her sleep. Thank you all for the wonderful care you all took of our mother; we are so grateful to everyone at Coombe House.
Thank you for your lovely review, we do appreciate the time you spent writing this. Your mother was a true lady - gracious, kind, and always so appreciative of the care and support she received. She never failed to thank the staff, and her warmth and gentle nature were greatly valued by everyone at Coombe House. It was a privilege to care for her, and she will be remembered with great fondness.
From the moment you walk in, it feels like a home rather than an institution; warm, welcoming, and always well cared for. Many of the team of carers have been there for years, which is extremely reassuring. They know my mother well - her personality, her needs, and what helps her feel comfortable and happy.
She is looked after with genuine kindness, respect, and good humour. The communication is also excellent, which gives me real peace of mind and makes me feel like we're all working together to care for her.
There came a point when I could no longer manage caring for my mother on my own, and finding Coombe House was a lifeline for both of us. I often recommend it to others and do so without any hesitation - it really is a wonderful place.
Thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to share your experience - we truly appreciate it. We're so pleased that your mother is doing well again; it is always a pleasure to care for her.
My mother is a resident at Coombe House, Streatley, Berkshire. Recently, she had a debilitating bout of ill health, which could have been extremely serious. The staff and management acted in an exemplary manner, showing love, compassion and ensuring overall comfort on her slow road to recovery. I can't praise their efforts highly enough, they have all been like an extension of our family.
Thank you for taking the time to review Coombe House, it is much appreciated. Your mother is a pleasure to care for and we are so glad to see her up and about again!
We are so grateful to everyone at Coombe House who know and look after our mum so well. All the team are kind, caring, sympathetic and professional. They know her well and she is very fond of them. The food is great, there's always a cup of tea and home made cake and a welcome when you drop in. The surroundings are very comfortable and spotless, mum's room is cosy and light, with her own things around her. Mum can no longer live independently, and we are so glad and fortunate that she has been able to live at Coombe - it is the very best that we could have hoped for.
Everytime I visit Coombe House, from the moment I step in through the front door to the moment I leave, I find the whole experience thoroughly pleasurable. The staff are without exception, so friendly and welcoming. I never feel that I am in their way. Suzanne & Sarah, the management team are always visible and approachable too. Mum, who is 95, has lived there for a year now. She regularly says how happy she is to live there and how friendly and kind all the staff are to her. Kindness is very important to Mum. The House is the perfect size, not too large, It feels very homely. There's a lovely comfortable lounge where everyone can socialise and a conservatory which overlooks the pretty garden and beyond that beautiful trees. Mum loves her bedroom, it's so bright and airy. We're really pleased that we found Coombe House, we know that Mum is cared for very well there, she is happy which makes us feel at ease.
Thank you for taking the time to review us, it is much appreciated.
My elderly mother has been living at Coombe House for the last 6 months. There is a comforting sense of being able to trust in the many years of experience and caring integrity of the family-owners who lead the friendly and very capable staff-team. Alongside professionalism, there is warmth, sensitivity, respect and good humour in abundance. It really is a lovely atmosphere with staff taking time to get to know residents as individuals and a feel of genuine care. Any health-care information is always well-communicated. My mother has thrived in this atmosphere, and I've found I can relax knowing she is safe and cared for in this way. The house itself is a lovely welcoming building with comfortable living room and conservatory that essentially feel like being in a large family home. The garden and walk-around pathway are very attractive and enable residents to be 'in Nature'. I always feel welcomed, have been offered many cups of tea and delicious home-made cake and it is a joy to visit!
My mother has been resident at Coombe House in Streatley for 9 months now and is happy and settled. She will be 95 next month. Naturally, she is becoming frail with the passing time, needing medication twice daily. It is a great relief to us to know she is very well cared for in such a comfortable, hospitable home. She settled into Coombe House fast, where all staff display a lovely, kind, dignified manner towards the residents. The conservatory is a year-round, light-filled space with views of the pretty garden, while other rooms are comfy and large for activities. The general standard of care and attention to detail is extremely high, while the food is clearly excellent, filling the house with enticing aromas all day long! My mother frequently tells us how happy she is there, and we see for ourselves how very kind and helpful the staff are. It was a great relief as she was unable to live alone safely, even though she walks unaided. She has new friends and has a new lease of life.
Thank you for your lovely review, your time in writing it is much appreciated.
There is always a warm welcome at Coombe House. Even when you arrive at this beautiful house you can admire the care taken in its pretty grounds. We are delighted with the way our mother has settled in and often says how fortunate she is to be here. She loves her spacious and attractive room but spends most of her time socialising downstairs in the comfortable sitting room and conservatory. The staff are brilliant, committed to making this a home from home with a very caring atmosphere. Lovely freshly cooked food is also much enjoyed. Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to review us, it is much appreciated.
My mother's overall health and well being would not be as good as it is, if she had been cared for in her own home. She always speaks highly of the excellent home made meals and enjoys the activities provided, which include quizzes, crafts, Scrabble and Canasta, to name a few.
This is an ideal home, which manages to feel like a home as opposed to an institution, while still providing tip top care.
I have been struck by the dedication and compassion of the owners and all members of staff, each prepared to go that extra mile.
Notably staff turnover is extremely low. Staff know the residents and visitors well. It is clear that all residents are happy, settled and enjoy the comfort of their surroundings' and the activities provided.
This care home has been run by the same local family for decades and has had an excellent local reputation throughout the many years I have lived in the village.It is clear upon walking in and speaking to staff, family and friends this is a very special place. There is little need for elaborate marketing here, management time is invested in delivering quality care.
I would not hesitate to recommend this lovely care home on every level.
The clue is in the word "Care", and this was the stand out establishment we visited, where "Care" was clearly a priority.
The management are fantastic and the staff are amazing.
I have no.hesitation in recommending Coombe House to anyone
Thank you for your wonderful review.Your feedback means a lot us and inspires our team to keep delivering the exceptional care we're known for every day.
I was very impressed with the quality of care that I witnessed. Every staff member showed dignity and respect to the residents and always had time for the relatives too. Many staff had been working there for years. The home was spotlessly clean and the food was excellent.
Coombe House has a wonderful balance of being very welcoming, friendly, and homely as well as being professional. The management are approachable and listen well, they also take appropriate action if necessary as well as exercising common sense. It is obvious that the overarching aim is to truly care for both residents and relatives and to keep everyone safe.
As my father approached end of life, the experience of the management and staff was second to none. Everything was in place to make his final days comfortable. The care and compassion shown to him and to our family brought us great comfort. It will never be forgotten. An excellent care home.
Thank you for your lovely words. Your father was a pleasure to look after, always polite and appreciative of our care - he was a real gentleman & shall be missed by us all.
Coombe House provided excellent care for my father. The staff are very experienced and, almost without exception, have worked there for a long time; they are very kind and compassionate and always aim to provide great care for the resident in a dignified and polite way.
My father spoke very highly of the quality of care and food he was given. He felt very comfortable in Coombe House.
After looking at several care home for mum from the large modern to the more traditional, Mum felt most comfort with the atmosphere at Coombe House. It is small enough to be homely with the staff having time to spend with the residents. Mum often says "they are all very kind". She is happy there and I feel comfortable knowing she is well cared for.
Coombe House feels like home to my mum. It is a lovely house with a beautiful outlook and super staff.
My mother moved into Coombe House in November 2024. The staff and owners are very friendly and helpful and made my mother's move seemless. She settled in very well helped by the warmth and professionalism of all involved. The care home feels like my mother's home and she is very happy there. The food is excellent . The activities are appropriate to the residents. What more can I say except I feel total peace of mind that my mother is being looked after really well and I dont have to worry about her.
We are so very happy with mum's progress and happiness since moving to Coombe House 8 months ago. It really is an exceptional home with superb standards. We feel very lucky and safe knowing she is well cared for and stimulated each day with activities, friendship, laughter and excellent food!! What more can a family ask for to give peace of mind. Thank you Coombe House staff and management. We value your efforts.
Thank you so much for your review and lovely words, it is much appreciated. We are so pleased that your mother is doing so well!
My mum is very well looked after and she tells me that the food is excellent. Her room is always clean and tidy as is the rest of the care home and her clothes are regularly laundered. I have found the staff at Coombe House to be very kind, friendly, and helpful. They are experienced and are able to look after Mum very well and I have no concerns about the standard of care. I am happy to recommend Coombe House as a residential care home.
By August 2023, it was no longer tenable for our 105-year-old mother to remain in her own home. Assisted by a family member, who is a well-informed psychiatric nurse, we reconnoitered several care homes in the Thames Valley region with good or outstanding CQC ratings. The homes we visited ranged from hotel-standard facilities and decor to small-scale homeliness. Our principal criteria were excellent person-centred care, safety, and cleanliness. Coombe House was our first choice. We were struck by its family-orientated ethos, which has been instilled by its owners in all the staff, who could not be kinder and more caring. The home has character. Our mother is not left isolated in her own room (which is always spotless). She is dressed well each day and brought to the communal living space, where residents are gently encouraged to socialise. Our mother is now 106, fully settled in and content. We had high expectations and Coombe House has exceeded them.
My sister moved into Coombe House six years ago after becoming extremely ill and unable to look after herself. She has received superb care and is now nearly 95. She regards Coombe House as her home - and the staff and Coombe House have become part of her family. All the staff without exception are extremely kind and caring, as are the managers. The activities they provide keep her as mentally alert and physically fit as possible. She is very musical and has been delighted to be able to play Coombe House's piano, which she says has a good tone. Her short-term memory has become bad and she has always been a great worrier. The managers and staff cope with this magnificently. She has recently changed her room to one that is smaller but in many ways more attractive. - and she is happy there. We are thankful that she is able to stay at Coombe House - hopefully for the rest of her life. Thank you again, Coombe House, for the love and care you give her.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 19 July 2018Outstanding
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveOutstanding
- SafeGood
- Well-ledOutstanding
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Coombe House.
There are no upcoming events for Coombe House.
Awards / Recognitions (1)
- 14 May 2026Recipient: Coombe House
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Coombe House.
Meet the Team (5)

Suzanne, the Home Manager at Coombe House, is dedicated to fostering an environment where peace, privacy, and independence are paramount. She ensures that each resident enjoys a nurturing atmosphere, living as independently as possible with the utmost respect and sensitivity. With a compassionate and personalized approach, Suzanne leads a committed team that recognizes and supports the unique needs and abilities of every individual. Her unwavering dedication, which enhances the comfort, dignity, and quality of life for all residents, has also earned Coombe House an Outstanding rating by the CQC.

Sarah joined the Coombe House partnership in 2003, bringing with her qualifications in alternative therapies and a deep appreciation for holistic care. Her commitment to enhancing elderly care led her to further training, completing a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care.
In her spare time, Sarah enjoys walking her Jack Russell dog, a beloved regular visitor and residents' favourite at Coombe House. Her holistic approach and leadership in care ensure that every resident receives compassionate and comprehensive attention tailored to their individual needs.

Marian, a co-founder of Coombe House, has been dedicated to providing exceptional care since 1988. A trained nurse with a BSc in Gerontology from Oxford, Marian's expertise and compassion have been instrumental in shaping the home's warm and welcoming environment. Her commitment to ensuring residents live as independently and fulfilled as possible and are treated with respect and sensitivity.
Marian's continued involvement reflects her unwavering dedication to the well-being of the residents.

Aisha joined Coombe House in 2023, bringing with her over 10 years of experience in caring for older people. As our Care Coordinator, she oversees the home's Medication Management and is currently pursuing her Level 5 Diploma in Health & Social Care. Known for her calm manner in crisis situations, Aisha’s expertise and genuine compassion make her a favourite among residents. She is committed to ensuring that every resident is treated with respect and sensitivity, tailored to their individual care needs and abilities. Aisha’s exceptional skills and warm approach truly enhance the quality of care at Coombe House.

Ann joined Coombe House in 2022 having worked in the care industry for over two decades. As a Senior Health Care Assistant, she has the responsibility for overseeing the personal care of our residents daily ensuring our residents lead a safe, happy, and comfortable life in our lovely residential home. Ann is also our Activities Coordinator, Hydration Champion and point of contact for families and friends of our residents. Her role is dynamic, each day bringing new challenges and opportunities to demonstrate compassion and empathy for all our residents' needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Coombe House
What types of Care is Coombe House registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment, Eating Disorders are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Coombe House have?
There are 20 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Coombe House?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Coombe House to the centre of Reading?
9.2 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Coombe House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Coombe House has an Enhanced Service -more info.