Blackbrook House

Gun Hill, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6HP
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9.7 88 Reviews
  • Blackbrook House, Colchester
Blackbrook House in Dedham is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Essex-Suffolk border. The home provides residential and dementia care for up to 55 residents in comfortable ensuite rooms and continues to welcome new residents. Blackbrook House supports trial stays and shorter stays as well as permanent care.

The home ensures each individual’s health and care needs are continually met by working closely with customers and their families. Menus are cooked freshly on site and to residents' tastes and daily activities are arranged with residents.

They provide on-going dementia training for care staff which ensures their approach always reflects best practice. Anchor recognises that everyone is an individual and works hard to provide person-centred care.

As one of England's largest not-for-profit providers of housing and care for those over 55 years of age, Anchor continually reinvests the money it makes into its retirement properties and care homes, to continually raise standards to provide a high-quality service to surpass customer’s expectations.
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Care Provided by Blackbrook House

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 55 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1367
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1367
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1367
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1367

Colleagues at Blackbrook House will be happy to discuss our weekly fees with you and what our fees include.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Blackbrook House to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Contact Blackbrook 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)

Contact Blackbrook House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

  • Anchor
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Person in Charge

  • Lucy Yarham (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 2008
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (55)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (55)

Visiting

  • The home welcome visitors as an integral part of day-to-day life.

Parking

  • There is onsite parking, including disabled spaces.

Blackbrook House Reviews (88)

9.7

Blackbrook House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.678) out of 10, based on 30 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Blackbrook House has 88 reviews.

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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Blackbrook House
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Total of 88, showing 1-20
Review from Lynne M (Friend of Resident) published on 12 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Blackbrook House. The care my friend receives from all of the staff, this includes every single person who works there, is exemplary. She has always been a very social person, and it is still in her, even though she has problems with her memory. The staff are always smiling and extremely helpful
if needed. They include her in the activities, she sometimes is not sure if she want to go, then she loves joining in.
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Review from Rachel V (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum moved into Blackbrook December 2025. She'd been struggling for some time, especially since my dad died, and was having increasing problems with her memory. She couldn't cope at home any longer. Within 2 weeks of moving into Blackbrook, she was a different person - happy, relaxed, content and
making friends. Emily and her team have been amazing! They are the loveliest, most caring team I could have wished for. They treat the residents like family, with kindness and smiles, helping my mum and others to feel 'at home', safe, and cared for. Nothing is too much for the team. They make me feel welcome and reassured every time I visit too. Blackbrook itself is incredibly clean, lovely lounges, bright & fresh. The outside courtyard is beautiful. My mum's room is lovely. We have been able to put pictures up & decorate with personal items too. Thank you again to Emily the Team Leader, for your amazing energy, and your experience enabling my mum to feel like Blackbrook is her 'home' :-)
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Review from J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been very impressed with the care our father has received at Blackbrook. Despite his challenges he has been treated with kindness and compassion. The staff are always friendly and responsive to any questions. Clearly the home is well run and the residents well cared for.
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Review from Joyce B (Wife of Resident) published on 16 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Although my husband was only in Blackbrook House for a short time I spent several hours there and was so impressed with the patience, kindness and overall enthusiasm of the staff. Especially when he was reaching the end of his life he and I were cared for and treated with dignity and gentleness.
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Review from Laureen W (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother wanted to go to respite when she left hospital, so my husband and I looked at several establishments before settling on Blackbrook House. When we arrived having arranged to view, from the moment we walked through the front door the atmosphere was that of relaxed efficiency . The building is
bright and airy, the colour scheme restful. We were shown round by Joanne, viewing the available rooms. The more we saw the more it became clear that Blackbrook House was the one. Decision made. my mother moved in a few days later. She is 98 years old still living independently before admission to hospital. She has settled in well, due in large part to the efficiency and friendliness of all the staff. We feel that she now feels, Blackbrook House to be 'home' and we hope that she will decide that this environment is one she likes and that she will decide to become a permanent resident, a decision we would fully support.
We recommend Blackbrook House to anyone seeking care for a loved one.
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Review from Karen C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 27 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience of seeing my mother in law cared for and looked after 24/7 is a weight of my mind. She is safe, happy and integrates into the care home activities which we have witnessed and she seems very happy. She is a social lady who benefits from company and stimulation.
Eating collectively has
been amazing for her and she loves her food and has gained weight.
My husband and I are so glad we made the decision to place her in Blackbrook and we can rest easy that she is getting all her needs met.
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Review from Phil H (Son of Resident) published on 23 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I originally visited 5 care homes around the Colchester district to see the facilities and suitability for my fathers needs. I choose 2 to show him, with Blackbrook being my preference but did not tell my father. After the visits with him, he choose Blackbrook. From my initial visit and for every visit
subsequent all the staff were welcoming and helpful, nothing ever seemed to be a problem. Its fair to say my father probably wasn't the easiest resident the home or staff had experienced, but regardless never a word of complaint, all they did was support, adapt and help. My father was treated with a huge level of respect and provided his dignity too, right through to his last days. On that occasion the support for me was fantastic too. Thank you to everyone for your help and support to my family. Clearly good management comes from the top and that is clear to see at Blackbrook.
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Review from Mick P (Son of Resident) published on 19 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having to have to put our mother into care was a heart-breaking experience for my sister and myself which with her dementia and non compliance of the situation even harder ,
All of the staff superbly lead by the manager made it a lot easier and their care for her is absolutely brilliant , we held
her 90th birthday tea in the upstairs lounge area with their help and we think she had a Great time surrounded by her family from 85yr old brother to 2 11 month old Great Grandchildren
Thanks again
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Review from Alison H (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent experience of Blackbrook House. My Mum has been there nearly 2 years and she has been transformed from someone who just watched TV, was not taking care of herself and was not interested in anything or anyone around her, to someone who takes an active interest in everything. She is a very different
person and I have not only got my Mum back but a happier version of my Mum than I have ever seen in spite of the fact that she was very happily married and had a lovely family! Being nurtured and looked after suits her down to the ground. She loves the staff, enjoys the activities, feels respected and cared for. I am always welcomed and the staff are very caring and friendly. I think the care and attention the staff show Mum is something she has needed for a long time and finally found! I definitely chose the right home for Mum. I am so happy she went to Blackbrook House.
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Review from Wendy S (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum was very unsettled when she first came. However with the excellent care and kindness of the staff she is now in a much better way. The staff are all very kind and considerate, if I have any questions they are only too happy to answer and reassure me. I am entirely satisfied with the care she
is recieving
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Review from Jenny W (Wife of Resident) published on 12 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff are so very kind and helpful.
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Review from William D (Son of Resident) published on 12 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having tried several care home previously I am delighted to find Blackbrook House for my mother. She has settled in very well. Your carers are all really polite and attentive. It is a great comfort to know my mother is being well looked after. The premises are very cheerful and bright, my mother's room
on the north side is a bit glooming and I understand you will consider her for a brighter room when one becomes available.
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Review from Maureen M (Friend of Resident) published on 9 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly kind understanding accomodating smiling staff.
Excellent decor comfortable furnishings a real homely atmosphere,i in fact everything you could want from a care home Food also looked super. All in all wonderful place for a loved one to find themselves when personal independence is no longer
an option. Visited my friend in a few local homes when she has had short care needs and this seems gold star in comparison.
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Review from Carol M (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad moved to Blackbrook House at the ripe age of 97 - quite a transition for someone who was previously living in an independent flat. From the outset the managers and all the staff were very kind and thoughtful and treated Dad with respect and care. The home is welcoming, clean and bright with lovely
areas to sit and walk around. Although Dad is now very frail he continuously comments on how kind and caring the staff are. To end with his own words 'Excellent, nice staff, very understanding and always prepared to listen to what you have to say. They are all very lovely'.
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Review from Michael N (Son of Resident) published on 19 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mother spent the last three years of her life at Blackbrook House and knowing that she was safe and comfortable there was a huge weight off my mind. The staff were all very caring and treated Mum with respect.
The managers were always approachable and treated Mum as an individual not just as a client.
Her final passing was treated with compassion and dignity.
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Review from Jill B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would strongly recommend the manager and her team.
They cared for my father in a caring and compassionate way.
They dealt with his needs in an amazingly professional way.
Sadly, we were unable to keep him there any longer due to social services.
The care home has a warm and friendly atmosphere,
it is a wonderful place.
Thank you for all your help and support for the family as well.
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Review from A J (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My sister and I visited our mum at Blackbrook House and had our lunch with her last week (12th December) and it was such a memorable and joyous visit. We were given a lovely table in the dining room in a little secluded area all decorated festively for Christmas. The staff were all amazing and made
us all feel very special taking pictures for us and the assistant manager went above and beyond to look after us, printing and laminating a lovely photograph of all three of us together. The food was delicious. Thank you Blackbrook House.
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Review from Christine H (Resident) published on 31 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are very helpful. Breakfast is brought up to my room. I watch TV while I'm having breakfast. There's a choice for lunch and dinner which is very nice. A lady who sits at my table is a vegetarian and she is catered for. My room and shower room are regularly cleaned and polished. I forgot to
say I have the same thing for breakfast every morning!
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Review from L M (Wife of Resident) published on 19 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Blackbrook House is the best-kept care home that I have been in. My husband is a resident, he is very happy where he is. With dementia, it is very hard to assess his feelings. I only have one gripe and on several days over the last few weeks, when there are no senior staff on shift, things seem not
to run as smoothly. The inexperienced agency staff seem to not know what they are doing. It is a very hard job, I know, and it is easy for me to say but I do think there should be more experienced staff to guide them.
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Review from G H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Would appreciate, when the weather is appropriate, that the outdoor patio area could be cleaned, swept and pressure washed, and bird feeders cleaned with table and chairs as the area looks unloved and not useable.
Reply from Lucy Yarham, Home Manager at Blackbrook HouseThank you for taking the time to leave Blackbrook House a review. Our outside patio is due to be jet washed when the weather improves but recent storms have made this difficult. Please don't hesitate to contact me should you have any queries or concerns so we can discuss these and resolve where possible. Thank you again for your time.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.678)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.678) out of 10 for Blackbrook House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 30 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 30 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.678 for Blackbrook House is calculated as follows: ( (255 Excellents x 5) + (86 Goods x 4) + (11 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 354 Ratings = 4.678
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Blackbrook House is based on 30 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 55 registered maximum number of service users is 11, which has been reached with 30 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 18 Jan 2020

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Requires improvement
  • Well-led Good
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

2 Bed Vacancies

Posted: 02 Feb 2026

We currently have two vacancies for care. Please contact Blackbrook House directly for more details.

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Awards / Recognitions (13)

Meet the Team (0)

There are no team members posted.

Frequently Asked Questions about Blackbrook House

What types of Care is Blackbrook House registered for?

Older Person Care & Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Blackbrook House have?

There are 55 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Blackbrook House?

Lift, Wheelchair Access & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Blackbrook House to the centre of Colchester?

5.5 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 Blackbrook House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Blackbrook House has an Enhanced Service - more info.