The Limes Retirement Home

Earlsford Road, Mellis, Eye IP23 8DY
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9.5 43 Reviews
  • The Limes Retirement Home, Eye
The Limes Retirement Home is a privately-owned care home that is ideal for a wide range of care needs, including dementia care and palliative care.

The Limes is in the small village of Mellis, close to the Norfolk Suffolk border. The sleepy village and the home is surrounded by lush green common land. The home has a large, well maintained garden with flower beds, seating areas and animals, such as chickens, for the residents to enjoy.

The 18th century house has been modernised throughout including new extensions and outdoor cottages and expresses a homely, warm and welcoming feel. The home offers a large and airy lounge with a separate dining room. The on-site kitchen provides fresh meals throughout the day which are prepared by fully trained kitchen staff. Dietary requirements are happily met if needed.

The home also has a fully equipped hairdressing salon where a hairdresser attends regularly. A range of entertainment is also provided and residents are encouraged to engage in hobbies.

The accommodation consists of 26 single en-suite rooms which are all tastefully decorated. All rooms come fully furnished although residents are encouraged to bring their own possessions to make the rooms feel like home. All rooms have a phone line and TV point installed. The Limes also offer six cottages that have their own bedrooms, shower rooms, living area and kitchen area. These are suited to independent individuals who would prefer supported living. Care packages are also available on these cottages.

Workers are trained in many complex needs and take pride in a compassionate service, with residents feeling involved in decision-making and able to pursue numerous activities and personal interests. Staff are available 24 hours a day to assist the residents. Quality assurance and firm recruitment processes are in place to ensure the team continues to meet high standards.
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Care Provided by The Limes Retirement Home

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 26 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
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees What's included?

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

Good to Know

Owner

  • The Limes Retirement Home Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Kay Freeman (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2024
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (26)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)

Visiting

  • Visitors welcome at anytime.

Parking

  • Large gravel car park at the front of the home.

The Limes Retirement Home Reviews (43)

9.5

The Limes Retirement Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.495) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Limes Retirement Home has 43 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to The Limes Retirement Home
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Total of 43, showing 1-20
Review from Pamela A (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad has settled into the Limes very well, and it is clear that this is the right place for him and his needs at the stage of his life. The staff consistently show kindness, patience, and genuine respect, which has made a real difference to his comfort and confidence. He is treated with. dignity at
all times, and that means a great deal to our family. His daily routine suits him well and provides the right balance of support and respect for his own wish for quiet.
Reply from Kay Freeman, Manager at The Limes Retirement HomeThank you Pamela for you kind words. Your dad is a pleasure to look after
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Review from A L (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found care is good and staff are friendly and approachable.
Reply from Kay Freeman, Manager at The Limes Retirement HomeThank you for your kind words, They are a pleasure to look after.
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Review from I F (Brother of Resident) published on 28 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I find the Limes at Mellis a welcoming care home with a good atmosphere, also l like and appreciate the back outdoors. It has a large patio area with tables and pathway down to a meadow which my brother enjoys on a good weather day as unable to walk l can take him out in his wheelchair, he also enjoys
having his morning coffee outside.
When I visit as l said, the staff are very welcoming and always cheerful which is very uplifting. I like that they are very attentive in keeping residents content dealing with whatever their needs may be, be it a large or small situation.
They were excellent recently when my brother was unwell, they called a doctor in which then led to a few days in hospital.
My brother has put bird feeders outside so from his window he can watch all the birds that visit ( and there is a lot) so this does give him an interest.
Reply from Kay Freeman, Manager at The Limes Retirement HomeThank you Ivan for your lovely review. It's our pleasure looking after such a lovely gentleman
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Review from Clare B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad has been at the limes for nearly 2 years never had a problem and just recently dad had another mini stroke the staff were excellent with him and us the family kept us informed and more importantly have helped dad to gain a little bit of independence back which is very important for my dad he
loves the food and the staff I personally couldn't wish for better carers to look after my dad
Reply from Kay Freeman, Manager at The Limes Retirement HomeThank you Clare for your kind words. Your dad is a lovely gentleman and part of our family
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Review from Graham A (Son of Resident) published on 13 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father's been at The Limes for a year now and he's very happy there. The staff are helpful when I ask about him and they also keep me updated about his welfare so if my dad's happy then I'm happy. The care home is clean and tidy and the food always looks very tasty.
Reply from Kay Freeman, Manager at The Limes Retirement HomeThank you for your kind words. Your dad is a pleasure to have at the home.
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Review from W F (Nephew of Resident) published on 1 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My aunt has been in The Limes for approximately 1 year. Although the home is basic, I find the staff very caring and attentive to the needs of all inhabitants. my aunt is a very straight talking individual and tells me she is happy with her level of care.
Reply from Kay Freeman, Manager at The Limes Retirement HomeThank you for your kind words. Your auntie is such a lovely character.
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Review from V S (Wife of Resident) published on 29 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am very happy with my husband's care at The Limes. He too is very happy and content. The staff are caring and patient with the residents. The meals are excellent.
Reply from Kay Freeman, Manager at The Limes Retirement HomeThank you for your kind words; it's a pleasure to care for your husband.
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Review from J W (Son of Resident) published on 18 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When I visit my mother the staff are always friendly. She is well cared for and her room is always very clean.
Reply from Kay Freeman, Manager at The Limes Retirement HomeThank you for this lovely review. It is a pleasure caring for your mum and seeing your family.
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Review from K Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been a resident at The Limes for about 18 months. I cannot praise the care home staff enough for how well they look after my mum. They are very kind and caring and have become like a second family to me. I am very grateful for everything that they do.
Reply from Kay Freeman, Manager at The Limes Retirement HomeThank you for your lovely comments. We look forward to your visit. It's a pleasure caring for your mum.
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Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Dad's new care home offers excellent care with compassionate staff, great facilities and engaging activities. The staff provide a welcoming environment and Dad loves the gardens which are very serene. The exercise classes and music events are all well received. I was worried about moving Dad into a
new care home but the staff at The Limes took time to explain the process, reassure us and made Dad feel very welcome.
Reply from Kay Freeman, Manager at The Limes Retirement HomeThank you for your lovely comments. It is such a pleasure looking after your dad.
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Review from L C (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My parents were able to move together to the Limes when circumstances became too difficult for them to remain in their own home. The individual cottage they moved into allowed them to spend their last months together safe and secure in the knowledge that they were being cared for and their needs met
24/7, yet still maintaining some degree of independence.
The staff always appear happy and treat all the residents and visiting relatives with dignity and kindness. It is like one big family!
Reply from Kay Freeman, Manager at The Limes Retirement HomeThank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure to care for them both.
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Review from Pat W (Wife of Resident) published on 6 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband was cared for at The Limes for the last nine months of his life, suffering with dementia. I highly recommend The Limes. The carers all showed my husband respect and kindness and he was content there, joining in activities when he was able to and enjoying the appetising home cooked food.
The atmosphere of the home is warm and friendly and the garden is a beautiful place for the residents to enjoy.
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Review from J B (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Everyone who works at the Limes are friendly and caring people and have worked so hard to keep everyone safe, through Covid. I feel happy and confident our Mum is in safe hands and is well cared for.
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Review from K D (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been very pleased with the care my mother has received at The Limes. My mother is eating well and remains physically in good health considering her condition. Staff are always cheerful and helpful and have responded quickly to any concerns. The garden is lovely and sitting outside during visits
in the summer is very pleasant - my mother loves the trees and flowers.
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Review from D W (Son of Resident) published on 19 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found the managers and staff very approachable. Under the covid circumstances, they have done exceptionally well keeping the virus out which in turn has given us confidence and peace of mind for which we are very, very grateful.
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Review from S H (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident at The Limes Retirement Home for a few years and she has been very happy there. The staff are cheerful and caring and my mum enjoys the activities.
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Review from Tim C (Son of Resident) published on 6 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident for five years. In that time she has always been very well looked after by the attentive and caring staff. The staff have been excellent throughout my mother's stay but especially over the last eighteen months, when family visits have been so restricted by the covid guidelines.
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Review from T M (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Every time I have been to the care home I have always been made welcome. It's always very clean and tidy, with no unpleasant smells. Whenever I have visited my mum she has always been very clean and tidy. The staff are always very helpful. I have had no worries about my mother as I know she is well
cared for and looked after.
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Review from B R (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum has been living at The Limes for 3 1/2 years. She has been and still is well looked after and cared for. She enjoys the food and has lots of praise for all the carers. Covid restrictions has made it very difficult for her and the other residents but now visiting has been re-established it feels
a bit more "back to normal". The management kept The Limes Covid free and have taken on board the Government restrictions and changes as they were introduced and although this obviously created extra workload for them they coped extremely well. I am very happy with the care provided.
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Review from Claire C (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has been in The Limes for 6 years she suffered from advanced dementia. The care is of a very good standard. I feel my mother is well-liked and loved by the carers.
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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.495)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.495) out of 10 for The Limes Retirement Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 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 4.720 for The Limes Retirement Home is calculated as follows: ( (102 Excellents x 5) + (24 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 132 Ratings = 4.72
  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 Limes 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 26 registered maximum number of service users is 5.2, 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

Date: 20 Feb 2025

Overall Requires improvement

  • Caring Requires improvement
  • Effective Requires improvement
  • Responsive Requires improvement
  • Safe Requires improvement
  • 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

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 Limes Retirement Home

What types of Care is The Limes Retirement Home registered for?

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

How many Rooms does The Limes Retirement Home have?

There are 26 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Limes Retirement Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Limes Retirement Home to the centre of Eye?

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