The Old Rectory Retirement Home

Lanfranc Gardens, Off Summerhill, Harbledown, Canterbury CT2 8NJ
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9.5 15 Reviews
  • The Old Rectory Retirement Home, Canterbury
The Old Rectory offers a comfortable and welcoming home for the elderly.

It is pleasantly situated close to the church in the historic village of Harbledown, which is just over a mile from Canterbury City centre, with a convenient bus stop nearby.

The house, with its homely atmosphere, offers spacious accommodation in 19 single rooms. The home is registered for 20 to accommodate a couple sharing if this is the preference. Provided they have a large room available.

There is full central heating and a call bell system that was recently updated.

A passenger lift connects the 1st-floor rooms with the ground floor lounges and dining room. There is also a stairlift if this is preferred.

All bedrooms have a wash-basin with hot and cold water, while ample bathrooms and toilets (some en-suite) are provided. There is a specialist bath and a wet room for showering if this is preferred.

Under the personal supervision of the manager a friendly, relaxed atmosphere prevails, where residents are free to come and go as they please. The home offers activities in the afternoons for those who want it, such as cards, board games and bingo. Entertainers visit the home on a regular basis.

Activities are always under review to suit new residents. A hairdresser visits every fortnight and a foot care specialist visits every 6-8 weeks. There is a charge for their services.

Friends and relatives are encouraged to visit at any time without prior notice, but the home states meal times are respected.
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Care Provided by The Old Rectory Retirement Home

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 20 Service Users

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1250 – £1350
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1250 – £1350

Items not included in the fee: -
Transport and escort for appointments outside the Rectory.
Hairdresser and foot care/chiropodist
Personal Toiletries
Newspapers & magazines


Information on fees for individual rooms available are available on request.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Old Rectory Retirement Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Contact The Old Rectory Retirement Home 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 The Old Rectory Retirement Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Owner

  • Axiom Rectory Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Christine Devlin (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2023
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (18)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (10)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (1)

Visiting

  • Visitors are welcome during the day time. The home prefers visitors not to interrupt residents during meal times.
    Lunch is between 12.30 and 1.30pm.
    Evening meal between 5-6pm


    If wishing to see the Manager, please phone first to check availability.

Parking

  • Parking within the grounds of The Old Rectory.

The Old Rectory Retirement Home Reviews (15)

9.5

The Old Rectory Retirement Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.540) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Old Rectory Retirement Home has 15 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Review from S W (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 91 yr old Mum has been at the Old Rectory Harbledown Carehome, since mid August she did not want to come, after a few months of a hospital stay. Mum does not have dementia but needs all round care, with high level needs. I have always found the staff to be understanding from the beginning. They are
kind, considerate, cheerful, professional and give Mum good care. The building is not the fanciest or most up to date looking, but it is clean, well ordered and homely. It smells clean and fresh upon entering. The staff work very hard to maintain high standards of care. The food is well balanced, some days tastier than others. There are organised daily activities and festive celebrations: eg: summer party/Halloween/Easter/Christmas. Mum could be in another place and not so happy. Whilst she doesn't want to be in a Carehome, this is a good choice, as it is smaller in size and the staff are welcoming. I like them very much and am thankful for all they do in caring for our Mum. Thank you
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Review from Linda M (Sister of Resident) published on 15 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are friendly, caring and welcoming to visitors. I have witnessed their prompt response to buzzers. Thanks to the staff teamwork my sister is clean and cared for. She has not lost weight so obviously taking the time to feed her as she is not able to care for herself. The manager has been very
helpful negotiating with K.C.C. so we didn't have the stress/need to move her to another care home. The family's input as to her care has been welcomed and we are kept informed of any changes promptly. Thanks to all the team.
Reply from Brinto Antony, Director at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeThank you, Linda, for your wonderful words.
We are truly grateful that you took the time to share your experience. It means so much to hear that our staff's care, teamwork, and responsiveness have made a positive difference for your sister and for your family. We are especially glad that you feel supported and informed, and that our manager's efforts helped ease what could have been a stressful situation.
Your appreciation encourages our whole team to continue giving the best care possible, with kindness and respect at the heart of everything we do. Thank you again for trusting us.
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Review from S S (Friend of Resident) published on 8 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Family friendly home, clean, staff are lovely. Sarah is a lead carer whom I find easy to speak with and if there is a problem its dealt with immediately. Very professional organisation.
Reply from Brinto Antony, Director at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeThank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted to hear that you find our home welcoming, clean, and family friendly. It's wonderful to know our staff are making such a positive impression, and we're especially pleased that Sarah's support has been helpful and approachable for you. We take pride in addressing any concerns promptly and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, so your feedback means a great deal to us.
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Review from J B (Friend of Resident) published on 21 November 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I foudn it a very friendly, caring + efficient residence. Always clean. Very cheerful staff + management that was helpful but respected peoples privacy.
Reply from Brinto Antony, Director at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeSincerely thank you for sharing such kind words about our residence. We are delighted to know that you found the environment friendly, caring, and efficient, and that the cleanliness and cheerful spirit of our staff stood out to you. It is especially meaningful to hear that our management's professionalism and respect for privacy made a positive impression. Your thoughtful feedback and recommendation are deeply appreciated, and they inspire us to continue providing the highest standard of care and comfort
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Review from Alain B (Friend of Resident) published on 21 November 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It is a very caring, friendly and efficient place, very cheerful staff - management was very helpful + professional and respected resident privacy. To be recommended!!
Reply from Brinto Antony, Director at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeThank you so much Alan for your kind words and thoughtful recommendation. We are truly grateful that you took the time to share your experience. It means a great deal to our team to know that our care, professionalism, and respect for privacy made a positive difference. Your appreciation encourages us to continue providing a friendly, supportive, and efficient environment for all residents. We deeply value your trust and recommendation.
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Review from Janice R (Sister of Resident) published on 12 November 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My brother went into The Old Rectory after 18 mths of hospitalisation. Respite etc, he moved in on the 25th September and the difference in him is so pleasing to see. He look much better, has different activities to join in, enjoys the food and is happy there. We cannot praise the staff and Christine
(manageress) highly enough, friendly, caring and very welcoming. They are just lovely.
Reply from Brinto Antony, Director at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeThank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful words. We are truly touched by your feedback and delighted to hear about the positive transformation in your brother since moving into The Old Rectory.
It means the world to us to know that he is feeling better, enjoying the activities, and finding joy in the food and daily life here. Your praise for Christine and our team is deeply appreciated they work with genuine care and dedication, and your recognition is both encouraging and uplifting.
We are honoured to be part of his journey and grateful for the trust you've placed in us. Your message reminds us why we do what we do, and we will continue striving to provide a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment every single day.
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Review from A A (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 12 November 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sunday visit in her room before lunch. Staff were all really friendly, kind & caring. No concerns about the room or quality of care. Staff seemed experienced & knowledgeable. The building is lovely & seems well-maintained. Thank you for everything you are doing.
Reply from Brinto Antony, Director at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeThank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words following your Sunday visit. It truly means a great deal to us to hear that you felt welcomed and reassured during your time here.
We're especially touched by your recognition of the team's friendliness, kindness, and professionalism. Every member of staff is deeply committed to creating a safe, caring, and homely environment, and your feedback is a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do.
Knowing that you had no concerns and felt confident in the care and surroundings brings us real joy. We'll be sure to share your message with the team it will lift their spirits and affirm the heart they put into their work every day.
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Review from A B (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 November 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My visit coincided with the Old Rectory late Summer Party. What a fabulous event to get know all the staff in an informal way. The dancing was exceptional as was the food. It was evident that a lot of work and thought had gone into planning and organising the event. A reluctant relative spent over four
hours enjoying herself.
Reply from Brinto Antony, Director at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeIt means the world to hear that you enjoyed our Late Summer Party at the Old Rectory. Your kind words truly touched us.
Every dish was lovingly prepared by our in house chef and team, and the traditional dance performances were brought to life by our dedicated care team and their wonderful family members. It was a heartfelt celebration that took weeks of planning and teamwork, and seeing it all come together so joyfully was deeply rewarding.
We believe in the power of informal gatherings not just for our cherished service users, but for their families too. Moments like these allow us all to relax, connect, and celebrate the bonds that make our home so special.
Thank you for taking the time to join us and for helping make the day unforgettable for Antoinette, for your family, and for our entire Old Rectory community. We're already looking forward to welcoming you at future events, where we hope to create even more beautiful memories together.
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Review from K W (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 26 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
On behalf of the family of Moreen, we wanted to say a big thank you to the owners and staff of the Old Rectory for inviting all residents and their family, to their Open Day on 13th September 2025.
It was fantastic to have an afternoon of good food, music and entertainment shared with all the residents
and their families. This re-confirmed the caring ethos we have seen at the care home since our first introduction. Thank you.
Reply from Brinto Antony, Director at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeThank you so much for your beautiful message-it truly touched our hearts. We were absolutely delighted to welcome all families and our residents' loved ones to the Open Day. Seeing everyone come together in laughter, music, and joy was a reminder of why we do what we do. Your kind words reaffirm the warmth and connection we strive to nurture every day. It means the world to us that you feel the care and love we pour into our home. Thank you for being part of such a special afternoon-we're already looking forward to the next one!
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Review from Val H (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum always looks and smells lovely, which is down to staff care, as she cannot do this for herself, we are very grateful for this. She has gained weight, so staff are clearly taking time to feed her, as again, she can't do this for herself. Staff are kind and courteous at all times. We have only praise
for staff's attitude and effort. Food always looks and smells good. Thank you for caring so well for my beloved Mum.
Reply from Brinto Antony, Director at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeThank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience-it truly means a lot. We're so pleased your Mum feels cared for and comfortable, and we're grateful for your recognition of the team's effort and compassion. Your feedback encourages us to keep delivering the highest standard of care.
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Review from P P (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad spent 6 months at the Old Rectory and we were very happy with the staff and management, It is a tough job and all the staff are extremely kind and caring. It is a lovely care home because it is small and personal. We get to know the carers and management over the 6 months and feel comfortable
leaving dad in their care.
Reply from Christine Devlin, Manager at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeThank you very much for taking the time to review our home, we do appreciate all feedback and are pleased to hear that you were happy with the care we provided for your dad. With best wishes from the whole team at the Old Rectory
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Review from H T (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has lived at the Old Rectory since April. She was adamant that she was not going to live in a home but now says: "I'm very happy living here. All the staff are so kind and look after me very well. The food is very good."
She has now relaxed and she is enjoying her time at the Old Rectory.
As a family, we are delighted and also appreciate the way the staff care about not only Mum but all of us. Mum's contentment is a relief to us all. Well done Old Rectory.
Reply from Christine Devlin, Manager at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeThank you very much for your kind review, we are so pleased that your mother feels very much at home with us now.
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Review from Heather M (Niece of Resident) published on 15 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My aunt has been at The Old Rectory nearly six months now. The tone was set even before my aunt moved in when the then Manager and Deputy Manager came out to visit my aunt in the hospital facility she was in at the time. They established a real connection with my aunt during that visit, which made a
favourable impression on her and meant that she looked forward to moving in when a place became available.


The Old Rectory is small, homely, light and airy. On the whole the food is good, plentiful and served at regular times.


For me the home’s greatest resource is its staff. That is what I see in terms of the stability of its regular core, a number of whom have been there for some time. They are kind, helpful and welcoming of visitors at any time. More importantly, my aunt perceives them as kind and that is the most important quality for her. From what I can see the new Manager has continued what was working well before. There has always been an air of calm about the place.

Reply from Heather Brice, Administrator at The Old Rectory Retirement HomeThank you for this and the previous kind review, we are always pleased to receive such positive feedback.
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Review from Colin B (Son of Resident) published on 24 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Old Rectory Retirement Home is an attractive period House set in splendid grounds near Canterbury. The rooms are bright and airy and the establishment is spotlessly maintained by a kind, attentive and patiently good-humoured team led by the Home Manager and the previous Home Manager. My late father
could not have been better cared for and made to feel more at home in such a way that his last months were enriched despite a gradual decline in health due to chronic maladies. When Dad first arrived at The Old Rectory he told us it felt like ‘being in a 5 Star hotel.’ My family had no doubt he would be well looked after and indeed he was. The high standards of cleanliness, the excellent quality of the food and above all the constant support of an efficient, diligent team are praiseworthy. We thank you all and we have absolutely no hesitation in recommending The Old Rectory Retirement Home.
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Review from Lyn P (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 January 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having moved my mother from a larger residential home, we have found The Old Rectory to have a warm and homely atmosphere. The staff are very caring and are encouraged to interact with the residents. This leads to a better understanding of the resident's needs and preferences. Activities are available
for residents if they wish to join in. The front door can be opened by residents if they wish to go out, hence my mark of good as opposed to excellent for security.
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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.540)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.540) out of 10 for The Old Rectory Retirement Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.765 for The Old Rectory Retirement Home is calculated as follows: ( (104 Excellents x 5) + (25 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 132 Ratings = 4.765
  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 4.775 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Old Rectory Retirement 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:

    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 = 3.775
    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 20 registered maximum number of service users is 4, which has been reached with 11 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

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

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (0)

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Rectory Retirement Home

What types of Care is The Old Rectory Retirement Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does The Old Rectory Retirement Home have?

There are 18 Single Rooms and 1 Couple/Companion Room.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Old Rectory Retirement Home?

Own Furniture if required, Near Public Transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Old Rectory Retirement Home to the centre of Canterbury?

1.0 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 The Old Rectory Retirement Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Old Rectory Retirement Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.