
The team are fantastic, caring and supportive.Harvey P(Son of Resident/Service User)

There was a wide variety of activities suited to each one's needsB C(Respite Resident/Service User)

It truly feels like home from homeA L(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

The team are fantastic, caring and supportive.Harvey P(Son of Resident/Service User)

There was a wide variety of activities suited to each one's needsB C(Respite Resident/Service User)

It truly feels like home from homeA L(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Horkesley Manor is a residential, nursing and dementia care home set in a substantially renovated manor house in the Essex countryside, at the end of a long drive in the village of Great Horkesley just outside Colchester.
Horkesley Manor looks out over open fields, with grounds that give it a peace and sense of space felt immediately, bright, well appointed communal areas, and Colchester's shops and services a short distance away...
Care Provided by Horkesley Manor
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
- Younger Adults
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 73 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)
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Smoking not permitted
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Wheelchair Access
- Ground Floor Accommodation only
- Gardens
- Bar/Café
- 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 Horkesley Manor for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Horkesley Manor 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)
Support you may be entitled to
- If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Stow Healthcare Group
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Michael Parris(Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Mixed (no single-gender units)
- Ages 18+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: -1
- Last Refurbishment: 2026
- Number of floors: 1
Room Information
- Single Rooms (73)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)
Visiting
- The home is open to visitors 24 hours a day
Parking
- Free, onsite parking is available at all times
Horkesley Manor Reviews (104)
Horkesley Manor has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.683) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Horkesley Manor has 104 reviews.
The team are fantastic, caring and supportive.
Thank you for sharing such thoughtful feedback. We're so pleased your mum has felt safe, supported, and able to maintain her independence at Horkesley Manor. Your kind words about Laura and the team mean a great deal.
I just want to thank Horksley Manor for all the Care & Dignity the staff gave my Mum when she was there. So supportive and caring and made my Mum so comfortable in her last days. Even once she'd passed away they were supportive of me and my family. Nothing was too much and the care was second to none. Such a lovely care home and would promote to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation ,making my Mum's last two weeks her most comfortable and pain free. Lovely support from all who work there.
Thank you for your heartfelt words. We're truly honoured to have cared for your mum and to know she was kept comfortable with dignity and compassion in her final days. It means so much that you and your family felt supported throughout - your kind feedback will be shared with the team at Horkesley Manor.
A big thank you to all the excellent staff.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're so pleased to hear you experienced such attentive care during your stay and that our team responded quickly to ensure your comfort. It's lovely to know you enjoyed the meals and activities - your thanks will be shared with the whole team.
I was very happy with the service provided. Mother was well cared for and the experience of respite care was positive. Mother was treated well and a well-known hot drink was provided especially for her bedtime drink. We will definitely consider using the home in the future.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We're so pleased to hear your mother had a positive respite stay and felt well cared for, it's lovely to know the little personal touches made a difference. We'd be delighted to welcome you again in the future.
The staff were extremely welcoming & always greeted us with a smile and any queries were dealt with immediately & solutions found to make my father's stay there more comfortable.
My father sadly passed away at the home, but while he was there he was treated with great dignity & respect at all times. I would highly recommend Horkesley Manor to others seeking excellent care for their loved ones.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. To know that your father was cared for with such kindness and compassion during his time with us brings some comfort. Looking after someone at such a tender and emotional time is a privilege, and it is always done with the...
I felt my dad spent his final days in a warm, comfortable environment. The home is a lovely care home that I have experienced. The staff looked after Dad well. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Knowing that your dad was comfortable during his final days at Horkesley Manor is reassuring to hear. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for trusting us with your dad's care.
Our family has had a very positive experience with this care home. The staff consistently treat my parent living with dementia with dignity and respect, and they take the time to understand their needs and communicate with us clearly. We have felt reassured that they are being cared for safely and compassionately.
We have also noticed a significant improvement in our other parent since their move from hospital into the home. Their physical and especially their cognitive health have improved, and they are much more settled and comfortable than they were previously. The staff provide appropriate friendly support without being intrusive, and the structured routine appears to have helped with both confidence and stability.
The home has a calm atmosphere, and we appreciate the regular updates from staff and their willingness to address any questions promptly. We feel that both parents are being looked after thoughtfully and professionally.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
We are so pleased to hear that both of your parents have settled well at Horkesley Manor, and that you feel reassured by the care, kindness and respect shown by our team. It is especially...
How lucky I am that I can go to work and feel this secure that my mum is being looked after in such a caring way. There's a happy feeling from everyone working there and if you have to take a family member somewhere for care , you couldn't find a better place . Thank you to everyone that's working here for giving me invaluable piece of mind and most importantly loving my Mum
Thank you very much for sharing such a thoughtful review. It is greatly appreciated by everyone at Horkesley Manor.
We were very pleased to hear that your mum felt truly at home with us over the Christmas period. The team place great importance on understanding each resident as an individual and...
My dad's life has changed so much for the better since being at Horkesley Manor. My dad had a long term diagnosis of epilepsy and a new diagnosis of dementia but we suspected the cocktail of epilepsy drugs were contributing to his deterioration and dementia symptoms. Not one doctor would listen though. That all changed at Horkesley manor because their nurses listened and supported us. With their support we finally got his neurologist to wean him off some meds. Now my dad who at one time didn't know who I was, always recognises me and even asks after my children. He is never aggressive anymore. He expresses that he is happy where he is and he feels like he is being looked after by a family. That is such a comfort to us. He is always well looked after. Clean and comfortable. He has plenty to eat and drink and enjoys his meals. We cannot thank the staff at Horkesley Manor enough for everything they have done for my dad. We wouldn't want him to be anywhere else.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review. We're so pleased to hear how much of a positive difference our team at Horkesley Manor has made to your dad's wellbeing. Knowing he feels happy, safe, and cared for like family means so much to us. Your kind words will be shared with the team, who will be incredibly proud of the role they've played in supporting him and your family.
I'm afraid despite the friendliness and commitment of some of the staff, I would not recommend this establishment to anyone, we made that mistake before we realised just how poor some of the practices were, and needless to say the friend who we recommended also turned out to be shocked by some of the lack of care and support shown to their mother and are also going to be reporting it.My relative ended up being safeguarded by the hospital, and the home looked into by social care (also reported to CQC), After my relative ended up in hospital for a month, and the attitude of Stow healthcare senior management leaves a lot to be desired, so much so I have commenced legal action to recover fees paid during the period that she did not receive the care and support she should have done. The fact that the fees for this home totalled almost £1750 a week, including fnc, and yet not only the service provided was poor, but the food, and lack of basic hygiene care as well.Her new home is far superior
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are genuinely sorry that your experience did not reflect the standard of care we strive to provide and we recognise how upsetting this must have been for you and your family. We take all concerns extremely seriously. In response to the issues...
All the staff are wonderful - nothing is too much trouble - and everything is done with a smile !
Horkesley Manor has given my mother a quality of life that I never thought possible. Having previously spent a long time bedridden in hospital, it has been miraculous to see my mother in a wheelchair enjoying the sunshine in the garden.
What sets Horkesley Manor apart is a real sense of compassion in looking after others and treating them with respect and dignity. It has made a tangible difference to my mother's life and our family and I will be forever grateful for the kindness and understanding she continues to receive each day.
Thank you for such a thoughtful review. We're delighted to know the care and compassion shown at Horkesley Manor has made such a difference to your mother's quality of life. It's wonderful to hear she is enjoying time in the garden, and we're so grateful for your kind words and trust in our team.
When we visit there is always a lovely happy and calm atmosphere, and the staff all work together well.
Horkesley Manor is super clean, light and airy with views over the meadow from the dining room, a good variety on the menu home cooked by the chef and plenty of activities going on if you wish to participate yet also quiet and peaceful
We feel very lucky to have found such a wonderful care home for our Mum.
Thank you for your thoughtful review. We're so pleased your mum feels at home at Horkesley Manor and that you and your family feel welcomed and supported by our team.
Horkesley Manor has a truly welcoming atmosphere with a fantastic manager and carers and nurses who are passionate about care and attention. Everyone has time to talk and doors are always open to assist with any special needs or requests. The home has a cheerful feel and every member of staff greets you with a smile. The property has nice decor with clean and bright rooms. Dog friendly which is so important to residents and visiting families and everyone feels welcome. Very much an up beat feel given from the wonderful staff who work there which has a positive effect on the residents and families.
Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted you find Horkesley Manor welcoming and that our team's passion and positivity are felt by residents and families.
It was so hard having to move my father into a care home although we had run out of other options for care. However, we chose the right one! Horkesley Manor are taking very good care of my father. There is a good ratio of male carers which is good for him and his dignity. All the staff from cleaners to managers are good. Whenever we have had concerns the management team have been quick and transparent and very professional to deal with our concern. There are a good range of activities and interaction available if that is what your loved one would like.
Thank you for your thoughtful review-we're pleased to hear that your father is receiving the care and support he needs and that our team has been responsive and professional. We're glad you've felt confident in your choice of Horkesley Manor and appreciate your kind words.
My father passed away whilst he was there and he was treated with dignity and respect.
Thank you for your kind words. We're so glad you felt your father received the care and attention he deserved. Your recommendation and appreciation for our staff mean a lot to us.
Thank you so much for all you do, I would not hesitate in recommending Horkesley Manor to anyone else who needs care for their loved ones.
Thank you so much for your very kind words about the care your mother is being given at Horkesley Manor, especially around our Aspen Memory Centre. We are so delighted you are happy with the level of care she's receiving and thank you so much for giving 5 stars all around! Your feedback is incredibly important to us and the staff team at the home will be delighted with your comments.
My world collapsed November 2022 due to Parkinson's. I was less that 50% operative and worsening. My family made a wise decision, Horkesley Manor. It has wonderful staff suffice all my needs. I will if needs be spend the rest of my life here. I am extremely lucky to have found you. Thank you.
We are thrilled to hear how happy you are at Horkesley Manor! Staff will be delighted to read your positive comments which we will be sure to share with them. Thank you so much for taking the time to submit a review.
Now that she is receiving palliative care, that excellent standard continues from the dedicated staff. The carers, nursing staff, kitchen staff, cleaners and the management team are really friendly and helpful.
The home itself is constantly having improvements carried out, so it feels welcoming and comfortable with
well-maintained surrounding grounds. Well done and thanks to all.
Thank you so much for sharing such lovely reflections on the work of the team at Horkesley Manor and the way in which this has supported your wife and you too. We will continue you to support you through this current difficult time. We are so pleased the refurbishment of the home has made such a difference.
The two rooms used were clean and comfortable. Father-in-law had a bed extender provided to lengthen the bed and chair risers. The maintenance team also sorted out a raised toilet seat and rails for both parents. The only downside to the room was the shower which didn't work for the 2 weeks my father-in-law was in respite.
There was a slight mishap at the end of respite care when some medications went missing but were eventually found so all good.
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your review with us. We are delighted you were so happy with the stay in general and in particular the staff, the food provided and the rooms. We have checked the shower of the room that you loved staying in and it is working without an issue. It...
Mum's room was very nicely provided with luxury curtains, a lamp and armchair with cushion. Regular single bed, not this bulky medical bed. On suite, very clean, the staff all appear very calm but competent and talk very politely to the residents. This is the Memory Dementia Hub which has an open kitchen in the common room and relatives have the ability to make tea/coffee at any time. I like that the staff do not wear a uniform but have a name badge. Relaxed atmosphere, sense of calm and care. Food, meals, very good quality. Mum has gained weight back, cheerful and lots of smiles.
We are delighted to read your review and hear how happy and settled your mum is whilst staying in our Memory Centre. The team will be overjoyed with the feedback which we will of course share with them. Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us. Kind regards.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (1) & Events (0)
- 01 Jun 2026
From Monday 15th to Sunday 21st June, Horkesley Manor will be opening our doors to the community. We'd love for you to come and see what life here is really...
There are no upcoming events for Horkesley Manor.
Awards / Recognitions (4)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Stow Healthcare Group
- 22 Apr 2021Recipient: Stow Healthcare Group
- 08 Dec 2017Recipient: Stow Healthcare Group
Meet the Team (3)

Michael Parris is the Home Manager and brings more than 25 years of experience in the health and social care sector. A Registered Nurse since 2007, he also holds a Level 5 qualification in Leadership for Health and Social Care, combining strong clinical knowledge with a passion for delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
Michael is committed to ensuring residents feel safe, valued and truly at home. He believes excellent care is built on strong relationships, compassionate leadership and understanding each individual's unique needs and life experiences. He takes great pride in leading a dedicated team that shares his commitment to enriching the lives of residents and creating a warm, supportive environment.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys reading, watching combat sports and supporting Ipswich Town Football Club.

Meet Laura - Nursing Deputy Manager at Horkesley Manor Care Home
Laura is a qualified Learning Disability Nurse with almost 20 years of experience across acute settings, rehabilitation services and elderly care. This broad clinical background supports safe nursing practice, detailed care planning and a strong understanding of complex and individual needs.
As Nursing Deputy Manager at Horkesley Manor, Laura works closely with residents, relatives and the nursing team to promote person-centred care and clinical excellence. Supporting residents to have a voice remains central to the role, with communication tailored to individual preferences and abilities to ensure dignity, choice and inclusion.
Leading with empathy and compassion helps create a supportive and professional environment where families feel informed, reassured and involved in their loved one’s care. Strong relationships with relatives provide valuable insight, helping deliver consistent, high-quality nursing care and positive daily experiences.
Creating the best possible day for residents remains the goal every day.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her dog Simba, long beach walks and quality time with family and friends.

Meet Teresa - Home Administrator at Horkesley Manor Care Home
Teresa brings 34 years of experience in the social care sector, including 20 years working as a Care Assistant and completion of NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care. A PTLLS qualification also supports staff training and development, alongside previous administrative responsibilities within a care home setting.
For the past three years, Teresa has worked in an administrative role, supporting enquiries, admissions and communication with residents and relatives. A strong focus on person-centred care helps each individual feel reassured and supported during the move into the home and throughout daily life.
Providing clear information, a warm welcome and ongoing support to families is an important part of the role, helping people feel confident when making care decisions.
Outside of work, Teresa enjoys spending time with grandchildren and travelling abroad with husband.
Frequently Asked Questions about Horkesley Manor
What types of Care is Horkesley Manor registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment, Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Horkesley Manor have?
There are 73 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Horkesley Manor?
Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Wheelchair Access, Ground Floor Accommodation only, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Horkesley Manor to the centre of Colchester?
2.6 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 Horkesley Manor to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Horkesley Manor has an Enhanced Service -more info.