Willowthorpe Care Home

High Street, Stanstead Abbotts, Ware SG12 8AS
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9.6 35 Reviews
  • Willowthorpe Care Home, Ware
Purpose built to cater for residents' specific needs, Willowthorpe opened in April 2005. The home is situated in the charming Hertfordshire town of Stanstead Abbotts. With picturesque riverside views, Willowthorpe attracts an array of wildlife as well as narrowboats mooring at the home.

Willowthorpe pride themselves on providing the very latest facilities and the highest standards in person centred care.

All rooms at Willowthorpe are single en-suite with shower facilities, and are decorated to a very high specification and may be personalised.

Willowthorpe offers two levels of care within different areas of the home. A 32-bed residential care environment caters for the more physically active resident, offering easy access to spacious grounds. The dementia care courtyard environment is designed to meet the specific needs of older people who have dementia related needs. This area provides a safe and secure space, offering residents freedom to move around its walk ways.

Willowthorpe offers residents a choice of period style lounges and dining areas, together with a sunny, riverside garden terrace and courtyard. The beautifully kept grounds at Willowthorpe offer views along the river, with easy access pathways for outdoor activities.

Willowthorpe offers long term residential care and short stay respite breaks for older people. The home specialises in the care of older people with dementia related needs and benefits from a safe and secure dementia environment.

The home's Activities Organiser arranges a varied social calendar of meaningful, appropriate activities and entertainment, including trips to places of interest.

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Care Provided

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 56 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke

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
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1350
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1350
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1450

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Willowthorpe Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Lisa Edwards (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Comprehensive Pre Admission Assessment/Life Histories
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (56)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (53)

Willowthorpe Care Home Reviews (35)

Total of 35, showing 1-20
9.6

Willowthorpe Care Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.631) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Willowthorpe Care Home has 35 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 28
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Date Published

35
8
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24

Review from Bernard W (Son of Resident) published on 25 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been in the home 3 years and she is happy with the level of care she receives. The staff are extremely kind and caring and always bring a smile to her face. The genuinely seem to care for mum. A good range of activities are provided. A lovely location by the river.
We are delighted we sent
mum to such a caring home.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for the lovely feedback. It is a pleasure to care for your mum.

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Review from R A (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 17 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Feel safe and happy here.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you, I am glad you feel safe and happy here at Willowthorpe.

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Review from Paula H (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum is very well cared for. The staff clearly know who she is as a person and actively encourage her in the things she loves. All staff are kind, caring, fun and considerate. I cannot recommend Willowthorpe Care Home highly enough.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for the lovely comments. I will ensure I pass this onto the Abbotts team.

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Review from Nikki G (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An amazing care home that looks after mum so well. They take their time to really get to know their residents. I cannot recommend Willowthorpe highly enough.

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Review from P W (Son of Resident) published on 23 June 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum is well cared for. She particularly enjoys her meals. The staff know me and keep me informed about mum's health and needs. I am always made to feel welcome at Willowthorpe.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for the review. I will pass your comments on to the team.

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Review from C T (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 June 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Helpful friendly staff.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for the review. I will pass this on to the team.

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Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After a stay in hospital with a broken ankle, Dad arrived at the end of 2024. The senior team were extremely helpful in the stressful battle of getting Dad moved here and ensuring the necessary equipment was in place for his arrival. We soon realised he would never feel so safe, comfortable and cared
for if he were to return home (as was our original plan) and we therefore decided he should become a permanent resident. He has a lovely room over looking the river and has found his own little routine. Whenever I visit, the staff always smile and greet you in a friendly manner and genuinely care about Dad and his well-being. I would have no hesitation in recommending Willowthorpe. Thank you everyone.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for the lovely review, I will pass this on to the team.

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Review from A W (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum moved into Willowthorpe in January as she felt she could not manage at home, and was warmly welcomed immediately by the staff and other residents. She has suffered several health issues since arriving , these have all been dealt with professionally and compassionately. We are very grateful that
she is now in their safe hands. She's looking forward to summer so she can enjoy the beautiful grounds.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for the kind review, I will pass this on to the team. We look forward to enjoying the warmer weather with her.

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Review from Maureen T (Wife of Resident) published on 17 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been in Willowthrope Care Home for ten months. The staff are really kind and caring. They always have time to chat to me when I'm visiting and are always talking to both of us. They took him fishing on the river bank in the summer which he really enjoyed. The home is such a bright and
welcoming place, I don't think our family could have chosen any better care home.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for the lovely feedback. It is a pleasure to care for your husband.

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Review from M O (Grandson of Resident) published on 14 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Nan moved to Willowthorpe as her care home closed down. Coming to Willowthorpe was the best thing we have done, always lots going on for families and residents, great atmosphere and always made to feel welcome and when I bring my children, they don’t want to leave, that makes it easier to visit. The
entertainment and games that are played are fantastic, Nan seems very happy here.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your review. I will pass this on to the team. It is a pleasure to care for your Nan and to see the children when they visit.

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Review from Kathleen G (Resident) published on 4 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Excellent care from the staff. A friendly atmosphere. Lovely surroundings. The food is good but the chips need to be crisp. My room is lovely but not warm enough for me. The bathroom is cold, toilet flush is difficult. Sometimes find tights are late back from the laundry. The activities are disappointing,
limited choice of music. I suggest group scrabble with wallboard (seen in another care home) drawing, more exercises and singing.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your comments, recognising the wonderful care here at Willowthorpe. Your suggestions are much appreciated and I will endeavour to work with you to make the changes suggested. My door is always open and I am happy to discuss any changes that are required to ensure you are comfortable in your home.

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Review from Karen C (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has lived at Willwthorpe Care Home for two years. In this time, both myself and Mum have been treated with respect and have been listened to. The staff are caring, respectful and engaging with Mum. They have always given her the time she needs to process questions or discussions and listen intently,
even if Mum has repeated herself. The staff have built a great relationship with us both - which is important. The food is lovely and the environment is fresh, clean and promotes memory for the service users. I am very happy with the care, consideration and friendship given to Mum and more importantly, she is happy too!

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Review from J C (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since Mum moved into Willowthorpe 16 months ago, she has received the best possible care and kindness from every member of staff no matter their role within the home.
They liaise with healthcare professionals to ensure that Mum remains, as far as possible, in good health.
Not only do the staff and
management team care for Mum but they also provide support and reassurance for her family. Thank you.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. I will share this with my team.

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Review from Jan F (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been part of the Willowthorpe family for over four years now.
During this time mums needs have changed and support and care has been outstanding in every respect. The management and carers are a wonderful team who go out of their way to make all residents feel respected and cared for in every
aspect of their daily lives. Throughout the pandemic, we were kept well informed by both emails and in-house Facebook postings giving us a constant update on well-planned daily activities and the residents well being.
The home itself has been updated and improved with some considerable well-thought-out refurbishment during the past 2 years - making it a warm comfortable and very pleasant environment for all.
As a family, I just know that we could never have found a better home for mum - something I shall be forever grateful for. Thank you.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you so much for the lovely review. I will pass it on to the team.

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Review from Lawrence M (Son of Resident) published on 3 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a family, we were very grateful to the manager and her team for helping our mother with respite care with ease. This has since become a permanent residency as we know Mum is very happy at Willowthorpe. Her needs are being met, and she is a lot healthier and happier now she is being looked after whilst
she can still be as independent as she chooses.
We are also most appreciative of the senior team leader, who Mum trusts completely and who we could not do without, especially when it came to Mum agreeing to Willowthorpe becoming her permanent home.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for the kind review. I will pass this on to the team.

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Review from Peter F (Husband of Resident) published on 2 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

On arriving for respite care my wife was greeted by a few members of staff who greeted her by Christening name. The staff were most friendly, making myself and my wife so welcome. Compared to our care homes back home this is a 5-star hotel.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. We hope to see you again soon.

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Review from Lucinda W (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willowthorpe is an amazing care home. The staff are so compassionate, caring and loving to my mum. They care greatly for her. They keep me informed at all times and rectify any issues or worries I might have promptly. The activities are always fun-filled, my mum loves music and the entertainers. I think
of the management and all the staff as part of my family, they are fabulous.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your positive feedback. I will share this with the team.

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Review from Anne V (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willowthorpe is providing excellent care for my dad who has Alzheimer’s and they also support me. The care staff are second to none with their friendly manner.
The management team work well together to lead their ship.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you, I will share this feedback with the team.

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Review from Kay M (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father entered Willowthorpe for respite but, eventually, this became permanent as he settled in quickly and enjoyed the company of others making friends easily with both staff and residents. He loved the singalongs and listening to the other residents' life stories.
The staff gave exceptional care
for my father especially whilst he underwent chemotherapy allowing me to visit on a regular basis during this difficult time. The Team Leader was so helpful with her advice and would take time out of her busy day to listen to us. This took the stress away from the family having to do anything other than enjoy our visiting time with Dad. During his final days, we cannot thank the management enough for allowing us the extended time we could spend with Dad. We will be forever grateful knowing that he was well cared for, safe and happy.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. Dad was a character and missed by us all.

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Review from Helen S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Being met with the shock of a mum needing to move into care is never easy. Having viewed other homes I was in pieces with guilt and anxiety.
The minute we arrived at Willowthorpe and met the staff all our fears evaporated.
My Mum is happy, enjoys the food, has a lovely dual aspect room, looking over
the river. Delightful surroundings and excellent care. The shining factor here though is the staff. Being met with a smile, despite restrictions, knowing you can ring and ask questions, regular updates by email, a private Facebook group so you can see regular updates, all outstanding. The Engagement Lead is outstanding, all staff show enthusiasm, care and bring joy. If I had to spend my final days somewhere I would choose Willowthorpe for myself and I think that says everything. A proper home from home.

Reply from Lisa Edwards, Home Manager at Willowthorpe Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review. It is a pleasure caring for your mum.

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.631)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.631) out of 10 for Willowthorpe Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 11 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.649 for Willowthorpe Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (90 Excellents x 5) + (36 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 131 Ratings = 4.649

  • b) 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 4.982 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Willowthorpe Care Home is based on 11 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 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 56 registered maximum number of service users is 11.2. 11 Positive Reviews ÷ 11.2 = 0.982

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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: 9 Jan 2019

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

No Bed Vacancies

posted 13 Aug 2025

Private Residential and Dementia Care

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (1)

Lisa

Lisa Edwards

Job Title: Home Manager

I have worked in the care environment for over 25 years and can think of no better environment to be in. Over this time, I have strived to improve and hone my skills and qualifications. B&M Care not only want the best for their residents but also want this for their staff which is what attracted me to work with them and joined The Chadwick.


Working alongside a great team, we endeavour to promote and encourage independence and confidence whilst ensuring a social environment and engaging activities to develop a community within the home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Willowthorpe Care Home

What types of Care is Willowthorpe Care Home registered for?

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

How many Rooms does Willowthorpe Care Home have?

There are 56 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Willowthorpe Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, 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 Willowthorpe Care Home to the centre of Ware?

2.2 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 Willowthorpe Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Willowthorpe Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.