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Tara's Retreat is dedicated to providing residential care for older people and for those with dementia related needs. It has been designed and equipped...
Tara's Retreat is situated in the High Street of the beautiful rural Hertfordshire village of Sandridge, on the outskirts of the historic City of St Albans. This purpose built home opened in 2006 and is set in landscaped groups which enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Tara's Retreat is dedicated to providing residential care for older people and for those with dementia related needs. It has been designed and equipped to the highest standard to ensure that residents enjoy a superior quality of life.
All 46 bedrooms are en-suite and decorated to a high specification, all of which may be personalised.
Tara's Retreat offers a choice of lounges and dining areas, a fully equipped activities room and accessible patio areas. The private gardens at Tara's Retreat offer a safe environment, with easy access pathways for outdoor activities.
Tara's Retreat 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.
Care Provided by Tara's Retreat Care Home
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 69 Service Users
Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Convalescent Care
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- 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
Contact Tara's Retreat Care Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Tara's Retreat Care Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Tours
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- B&M Care Ltd
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Karen Langley (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
Room Information
- Single Rooms (69)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (69)
Tara's Retreat Care Home Reviews (41)
Tara's Retreat Care Home has a Review Score of 8.5 (8.472) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Tara's Retreat Care Home has 41 reviews.
The care my father had received in Tara's Retreat has been first-class. Since day 1 he has been welcome with open arms and given great care. I would highly recommend this home to all. Big thank you to all the staff.
The care my father had received in Tara's Retreat has been first-class. Since day 1 he has been welcome with open arms and given great care. I would highly recommend this home to all. Big thank you to all the staff.
Take care Karen and the team.
When I visited a family friend I was impressed from the outset. Taras has such a lovely warm and welcoming feel to it. The level of care shown to my family friend was second to none and staff showed compassion, kindness and patience. Taras is in a lovely, peaceful location with excellent...
When I visited a family friend I was impressed from the outset. Taras has such a lovely warm and welcoming feel to it. The level of care shown to my family friend was second to none and staff showed compassion, kindness and patience. Taras is in a lovely, peaceful location with excellent facilities for its residents. What a lovely place
Thank you for your lovely review. We are very happy your family friend is living with us.
My Husband has now been in Tara's Retreat for 7 months and in that time has been very well looked after the care and attention he gets is second to none. The staff are all excellent and look after each resident as if they were their own relatives I cannot praise them enough for what they do. Thank...
My Husband has now been in Tara's Retreat for 7 months and in that time has been very well looked after the care and attention he gets is second to none. The staff are all excellent and look after each resident as if they were their own relatives I cannot praise them enough for what they do. Thank you All.
Thank you for your lovely review. Your comments mean such a lot to the team. Our residents care is always our main priority and it's nice for this to be recognised.
As a temporary Respite resident my Mother found that although many staff were lovely, especially activities staff, there were often problems with communication, resulting in repeated use of male carers for personal care and some late meals.
As a temporary Respite resident my Mother found that although many staff were lovely, especially activities staff, there were often problems with communication, resulting in repeated use of male carers for personal care and some late meals.
From the absolute beginning of my mums journey at Taras, she has been looked after above and beyond expectations! Mum now has severe dementia but remains quite physically fit, with her weakness being her chest/ lungs. My sister and I have been called to hospital on two occasions, to be told that...
From the absolute beginning of my mums journey at Taras, she has been looked after above and beyond expectations! Mum now has severe dementia but remains quite physically fit, with her weakness being her chest/ lungs. My sister and I have been called to hospital on two occasions, to be told that mum would not live - we both knew that if we could just get her back to Taras she'd be okay! We were told by doctors that mum had forgotten how to swallow, which we thankfully knew not to be true as we went in to give her yoghurts/ sips of water etc whilst at hospital! On the evening she got 'home' to Taras- she independently ate a huge meal, followed by lovingly prepared extra desserts! She was sent back under 'End of Life' care, which thankfully neither we or Taras agreed was the case. We are now about two years on and mum is extremely happy and alive!!! Taras have put in place every possible asthma/ breathing help- first spotting signs of a chest infection etc. Taras is beyond amazing!
Thank you for your lovely review. We absolutely adore your Mum and never believed she was at end of life. Hope we have many more years with her.
Thank you Tara's for helping to look after Mum. We are grateful she is in a small quiet unit. We must remember nothing is perfect but Mum is content. The staff are amazing. Some are just unbelievably kind and generous with their time. You are always made to feel welcome and if things are not quite...
Thank you to every single member of staff for all your support.
Gill
Thank you for your positive comment. We are very pleased you feel Mum is content and you and your family feel supported.
My Dad became a resident at Tara's in 2023. He lived in "Meadows" initially which is bright and homely with plenty of activities and atmosphere.
He has since moved down to "Hillview" as he requires more personal care. He is always brought into the lounge now so he can be with...
My Dad became a resident at Tara's in 2023. He lived in "Meadows" initially which is bright and homely with plenty of activities and atmosphere.
He has since moved down to "Hillview" as he requires more personal care. He is always brought into the lounge now so he can be with other residents. He looks forward to his food and clears his plate - he has always had a good appetite and this hasn't changed.
The home is clean and tidy. We did have a temporary issue with the cleanliness of his room which was addressed with management and resolved - he had new flooring put in his room and regular checks mean that his needs are met. I have given a 5 star review for cleanliness as the home is clean - the main challenges are when a resident's needs change which I believe is the case with my Dad.
We are happy to hear we resolved the issues with cleanliness and that dad enjoys his meals.
After quite a traumatic stay at a couple of hospitals she has returned back...
After quite a traumatic stay at a couple of hospitals she has returned back to Tara's (her home). I have been blown away in the care and general concern for her wellbeing. Even the carer's that were not assigned to her floor have been to see her to check how she is doing. Holding her hand, stroking her face, making her laugh, giving her comfort and reassurance and just making her feel loved has meant the absolute world to me.
These carers are incredible people and I cannot thank them enough for what they do and keep on doing. Knowing I can talk to any member of staff whenever I need to gives me total peace of mind and reassurance that Tara's is a truly special place with truly special people. x
Hello, Thank you for your kind words. I will share your review with the team. Thank you again x
My friend was discharged from hospital for 'End of Life Care' in the evening. The following morning I went to visit at 10 am. I was let in, didn't see anyone, went to her room, she was lying there half-covered with a coloured type of sheet. There was a duvet on the armchair and dirty bedding on the...
My friend was discharged from hospital for 'End of Life Care' in the evening. The following morning I went to visit at 10 am. I was let in, didn't see anyone, went to her room, she was lying there half-covered with a coloured type of sheet. There was a duvet on the armchair and dirty bedding on the floor. I sat with her for 10 mins, then left, still didn't see anyone. A relative was going in at 12 which the Home knew about, so I knew she would be clean and comfortable for them. I went to visit again late afternoon and she passed away whilst I was there, Thank God I knew she didn't die alone. Also, how can a Care Home not have any clean laundry to use on Christmas morning?
I am sorry to read your negative experience. I will share your review and its contents with the team and ensure this experience is not repeated in the future. This is not something we have ever experienced before and our end of life care is usually very highly commented on by relatives. I am happy to discuss in person if you wish to do so.
The home is well-run. Staff and management polite and helpful. Any problems or queries are resolved promptly. Any issues regarding the resident are taken seriously.
The home is well-run. Staff and management polite and helpful. Any problems or queries are resolved promptly. Any issues regarding the resident are taken seriously.
Thank you for taking the time to review us. We always appreciate any feedback and are happy you have had a positive experience here at Tara's Retreat.
As a PAT (Pets as Therapy) volunteer, my review is based on experience and observations on fortnightly visits with my dog when we visit residents both in the lounges and individual rooms, accompanied by one of the staff members responsible for activities. Tara's is a bright, clean and welcoming...
As a PAT (Pets as Therapy) volunteer, my review is based on experience and observations on fortnightly visits with my dog when we visit residents both in the lounges and individual rooms, accompanied by one of the staff members responsible for activities. Tara's is a bright, clean and welcoming place and there is a feeling of community and things going on, whether it's visits to the hairdresser, watching a film in the cinema room or knitting at the 'Knitter Natter' session. For those who spend more time in their rooms, rooms are spacious and pleasant and personal belongings are accommodated. In my experience, the staff are friendly, dedicated and caring and they go the extra mile to engage with residents, as well as attending to their practical needs. Based on my experience, residents appear to be treated as individuals, with care and respect.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We love having you both here for our residents. Your positive comments will be shared with the team here at Tara's Retreat.
I have always found the staff at Tara’s Retreat very kind and helpful to my mother in law who is very confused every day. She is safe and comfortable in her own room with her own facilities. She chooses not to partake in the activities but a variety of events are available.
I have always found the staff at Tara’s Retreat very kind and helpful to my mother in law who is very confused every day. She is safe and comfortable in her own room with her own facilities. She chooses not to partake in the activities but a variety of events are available.
Thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat Care Home.
I chose Tara's Retreat out of all the care homes in the area for a variety of reasons. The staff are amazing. Positivity and kindness go so far. They always have great activities on and they allow pets to visit which makes such a difference. Shout out to the loveliest receptionist and understanding...
I chose Tara's Retreat out of all the care homes in the area for a variety of reasons. The staff are amazing. Positivity and kindness go so far. They always have great activities on and they allow pets to visit which makes such a difference. Shout out to the loveliest receptionist and understanding manager. The nurse comes weekly. Can’t fault anyone and really trust Tara's.
Good morning. Thank you so much for your lovely review. I will share your positive feedback with the staff.
Tara's Retreat has provided my mother with safety, security and friendship. Knowing she is receiving a high level of care and support has alleviated some of the stresses experienced by having a vulnerable elderly parent. From the very experienced Home Manager and her team to the carers, all staff...
Tara's Retreat has provided my mother with safety, security and friendship. Knowing she is receiving a high level of care and support has alleviated some of the stresses experienced by having a vulnerable elderly parent. From the very experienced Home Manager and her team to the carers, all staff are welcoming, friendly and supportive, taking the time to discuss any issues or needs.
With plenty of activities to get involved with, the residents at Tara's Retreat have access to a cinema room where they are able to watch a good selection of movies past and present. My mother particularly enjoys a game of pool in one of the smaller, more intimate lounges. Activities for the summer also included a great game of crazy golf and the activities coordinators always encourage friends and family to join in the events. The home is tastefully decorated and the ensuite bedrooms are very comfortable.
Thank you for your kind words. My team work very hard to keep our residents safe and happy. I will share your review with the team at Tara's.
My aunt has certainly rallied since she has been a resident at Tara's Retreat. Every time I visit her she sings the praises of the staff. I feel comforted that she is being well cared for and is safe and happy.
My aunt has certainly rallied since she has been a resident at Tara's Retreat. Every time I visit her she sings the praises of the staff. I feel comforted that she is being well cared for and is safe and happy.
We are delighted that your aunt is happy here at Tara's Retreat. The staff work so hard to achieve this and are grateful for your positive review.
Many thanks.
Tara's Retreat Care Home is a comfortable home where my father (who has advanced dementia) is kept clean and comfortable and well fed. It is well managed with enquiries and requests dealt with promptly and cheerfully. The staff take an interest in the residents’ likes and dislikes and makes an...
Tara's Retreat Care Home is a comfortable home where my father (who has advanced dementia) is kept clean and comfortable and well fed. It is well managed with enquiries and requests dealt with promptly and cheerfully. The staff take an interest in the residents’ likes and dislikes and makes an effort to get them venturing out into the communal areas and involved in the life of the home. It is early days but so far we are very happy with the level of care provided.
Dear Julia, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.
After a long stay in hospital we needed to find a Care Home for Dad. We were struck by the welcoming atmosphere and how clean and tidy Tara's Retreat Care Home was on our first visit. The manager has been very helpful in finding a lovely room for Dad and assisting with all the paperwork involved as...
After a long stay in hospital we needed to find a Care Home for Dad. We were struck by the welcoming atmosphere and how clean and tidy Tara's Retreat Care Home was on our first visit. The manager has been very helpful in finding a lovely room for Dad and assisting with all the paperwork involved as this can be quite daunting. All the staff have been kind, caring and respectful to Dad and helping him to adjust to his new situation. He has actually gained a little weight since his arrival thanks to the lovely food he is enjoying. He has had a couple of medical issues since his arrival but these have been dealt with swiftly and we have been kept informed at all times which helps us to adjust to the situation and stops us worrying about him so much as we know his welfare is a priority to the whole team here.
Dear Nichola, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.
My mother is treated with great kindness and dignity by the staff. It is very clear that the staff and the management work very hard to look after the residents. Although my mother suffers significantly from Alzheimer's, she is always able to tell me that she is looked after very well. Great credit...
My mother is treated with great kindness and dignity by the staff. It is very clear that the staff and the management work very hard to look after the residents. Although my mother suffers significantly from Alzheimer's, she is always able to tell me that she is looked after very well. Great credit to the manager and her team.
Thank you.
Right from the initial assessment at Mum's home where I also lived, the assessor completely ‘got’ mum, who has severe dementia - reassuring from the outset. On Mum's arrival, members of staff all came to introduce themselves to Mum, my sister and one of Mum's other carers. They all had a good...
Right from the initial assessment at Mum's home where I also lived, the assessor completely ‘got’ mum, who has severe dementia - reassuring from the outset. On Mum's arrival, members of staff all came to introduce themselves to Mum, my sister and one of Mum's other carers. They all had a good knowledge of Mum's needs and were all very kind and welcoming. We are now in February and Mum has really settled - Tara's Retreat Care Home has now accomplished the care Mum really needed, which we were finding impossible at her own home with lots of wonderful carers in place. Mum seems happy and the staff and receptionist are always fully able to give me any latest updates on Mum - staff change over information is always clearly relayed. Without exception - I have been thoroughly impressed by the extremely honest, genuine care at all times.
Dear Kim, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.
We looked at a few local care homes - Tara's Retreat had a lovely 'feel' about it from the minute we walked in. Their greatest asset is their staff. My mother cannot fault them - she thinks they are all extremely kind, compassionate and welcoming, we agree. They work hard to provide extra...
We looked at a few local care homes - Tara's Retreat had a lovely 'feel' about it from the minute we walked in. Their greatest asset is their staff. My mother cannot fault them - she thinks they are all extremely kind, compassionate and welcoming, we agree. They work hard to provide extra experiences, such as summer parties and events. The setting is also perfect - backing onto open fields and the forest. Our mother is fortunate enough to have a room with far-reaching views across fields and paddocks, which she loves. It has been the perfect choice for us.
Dear Matthew, thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to review us. Your positive response will be shared with the team at Tara's Retreat.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 16 June 2018Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
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
6 Bed Vacancies
Posted: 14 October 2026Private Residential and Dementia Care
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Tara's Retreat Care Home.
There are no upcoming events for Tara's Retreat Care Home.
Awards / Recognitions (5)
- 28 Feb 2019Recipient: B&M Care Ltd
- 01 Feb 2018Recipient: B&M Care Ltd
- 01 Apr 2017Recipient: B&M Care Ltd
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Tara's Retreat Care Home.
Meet the Team (1)

I was appointed as Home Manager at Tara’s Retreat Care Home in Sandridge in 2017, after working in the same position at B&M Care’s sister home in St...
I was appointed as Home Manager at Tara’s Retreat Care Home in Sandridge in 2017, after working in the same position at B&M Care’s sister home in St Albans, Clare Lodge. Like many other B&M Care Home Managers, I started my career as a Care Assistant and progressed ‘through the ranks’ to Deputy Manager. In addition to my experience, I have completed a number of qualifications, including several NVQs in Health & Social Care, as well as the ‘Champion of Dementia Care’ programme run in conjunction with Alzheimer’s Society.
Welcome to Tara’s Retreat, a real home from home, where community spirit and your wellbeing are our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tara's Retreat Care Home
How much does Tara's Retreat Care Home cost?
The care home lists weekly fees per person from £1,500 for residential care (respite from £1,550) and from £1,650 for residential dementia care (respite from £1,700). Funding accepted: Self-Funding (Private), Local Authority with Top-up, Local Authority, NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC).
What types of Care is Tara's Retreat Care Home registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Tara's Retreat Care Home have?
There are 69 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Tara's Retreat Care Home?
Own Furniture if required, 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 Tara's Retreat Care Home to the centre of St Albans?
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 Tara's Retreat Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Tara's Retreat Care Home has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.