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St Marys

Woodlands Road, Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2PS
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St Mary's you are amazing!Kevin B(Son of Resident/Service User)
St Marys, Ipswich
Whenever we have visited St Marys, the staff are always very helpful and friendly.Jill C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
St Marys, Ipswich
You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Keep doing the wonderful job you do.C G(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
St Marys, Ipswich

St Marys, in Ipswich supports up to 60 older people to live a comfortable lifestyle, as well as offering dementia care. It is located in an idyllic peninsula setting in the village of Holbrook.

The home continues to welcome new residents for a range of residential care services, including convalescence care, respite care, trial stays, and long term care for those who can no longer look after themselves.

The St Marys care...  

Care Provided by St Marys

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 60 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential CareFrom £1,420From £1,500
Residential Dementia CareFrom £1,420From £1,500

Fees can vary depending on care needs and other factors. Colleagues at St Marys will be happy to discuss our weekly fees with you and what our fees include.

Contact St Marys 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)

Good to Know

Group / Owner

  • Anchor
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Person in charge

  • Anna Dabrowska (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (60)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (59)

Visiting

  • Visitors are welcome at St Marys.

Parking

  • Onsite parking is available, including disabled spaces.

St Marys Reviews (157)

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9.8

St Marys has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.811) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time St Marys has 157 reviews.

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Showing 157 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Victoria W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 April 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The staff are all very good and very kind to Grandma. They always make me feel very welcome and are so helpful when I am there; I never feel in the way. Grandma seems very happy there and often comments how nice it is.

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Review from David B (Son of Resident) published on 16 April 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

What greater test for a care home could there be than having to weather the storm of a viral pandemic? With many of the residents unaware of what is happening in the world, the manager and her team of hard-working carers have continued to offer a tip-top service with love and care for their guests and all with a smile on their faces. At a time when so many of us would like one-to-one contact with all our family members, to know that all those in St Marys are getting the care and attention we would want for them is unbeatable. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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Review from Dean B (Son of Resident) published on 14 April 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The Staff make this home what it is: a safe, friendly, welcoming and warm. Nothing is ever too much trouble. The manager has injected fun and enthusiasm, and of course professionalism. I have every confidence in the care and attention the staff provide and of the approach and decisions by management. Involvement by relatives and friends is actively encouraged. I wish I could take part more. I have no hesitation in praising St Marys. March has been a challenge for everyone. Not being able to, or wishing to risk a visit, but the Manager has set up a video call and staff are always pleased to take gifts in at the door.

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Review from Alan P (Friend of Resident) published on 2 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The staff and everybody were very helpful and everywhere was very clean and tidy. My friend said the food was very good.

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Review from M N (Wife of Resident) published on 17 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My husband has been a resident in St Mary's for 11 months in the Constable (dementia) section. The new manager has been working extremely hard to improve various aspects which have deteriorated during the absence of a manager. She is struggling with staffing problems and having to employ several agency persons. Practical difficulties with turn around of laundry and identification of clothes are ongoing.

Reply from Kristy Smith, Manager at St Marys

Thank you for taking the time to review St Marys and we are pleased that you are likely to recommend our home. We have permanent members of staff recruited to ensure that the required number of staff are on duty on each shift to provide the appropriate levels of care. We have recently refocused our laundry to ensure this meets the needs of our residents at all times.

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Review from B L (Wife of Resident) published on 8 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My husband died in September 2019 but had been in St Mary's since 2017. The care was excellent and the staff were very kind and very professional. I visited my husband most days at lunchtime, being able to help with his food. He was unable to do anything for himself but was always dressed and very clean thanks to the care staff. The bedroom was spotless and the bedding nice. The rooms of St Marys were always clean and tidy including the dining room. The food was good, different daily. The activities I have heard are good have only heard singing and piano playing lovely. For me, St marys is an excellent care home with wonderful and very kind staff. Excellent.

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Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
I have been extremely pleased with the care that my mother has received at St Mary's. The staff are caring and sensitive to the resident's needs and always make visitors feel welcome.

They try hard to ensure that the atmosphere is calm and homely and they engage with residents with empathy and kindness.

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Review from B D (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Our mother came to St Marys at the end of July 2019. Mum lost our dad in April and was not able to stay in her home as she has quite well developed Alzheimer's. This was made much worse by these events and we found a home in Colchester, however, her medication had an adverse effect on her behaviour resulting in falls and being requested to leave the home. After a long spell in hospital St marys agreed to take her in. They have been amazing The attitude, care and medical attention has been second to none mum is finally settled and happy.

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Review from S P (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 3 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The inclusive care offered to all residents at St Marys is refreshing and heartening. The staff encouraged interaction across all involved and we have been delighted with the service provided.

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Review from David W (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 7 November 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
All staff without exception are always helpful and willing to assist whatever the problem.
The home is always warm, clean and tidy, which makes for a pleasant place to visit which makes the residents very content and safe.

A credit to all staff and Management.

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Review from Alan B (Resident / Service User) published on 16 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
Overall, very good.
Not enough activities and outside walks and need more outings if you cannot drive yourself.
But overall very good apart from what I have mentioned.

Need more chances to go out walking etc and outside access.

Reply from Kristy Smith, Manager at St Marys

Thank you for taking the time to review St Marys and we are pleased that you are extremely likely to recommend our home. We are focused on provide a range of activities for our residents. We are currently updating our gardens to enable residents to go outside and enjoy our garden throughout the year.

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Review from Margie H (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 September 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mum had been in St Marys for 18 months until her death on 17th August 2019. She had been diagnosed with vascular dementia, the staff not only looked after her with love, kindness and compassion, but they also looked after us too. I always enjoyed our visits as it felt like one big family. We were all so pleased to see some of the staff at her funeral. I will miss them all.

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Review from H D (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My mother has been in St Marys for two and a half years until her death in July. She suffered with arthritis and dementia and the staff treated her with kindness and compassion.

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Review from Diana S (Wife of Resident) published on 9 September 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

There are some excellent, dedicated carers here. However, the organisation relies too heavily on agency staff. I am fortunate enough to live close to St. Marys and was, therefore, able to be there most days. They did their best when caring for my late husband but are under considerable pressure. There are other (and less expensive) homes in the area.

Reply from Kristy Smith, Manager at St Marys

Thank you for taking the time to review St Marys and we are pleased that you rate our safety and security good. We have an ongoing recruitment programme to ensure that we have the required levels of permanent care staff and only use agency employees to ensure that we maintain the required number of carers. We are holding a recruitment day shortly to increase our permanent staff team.

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Review from Josephine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My mother has just enjoyed a weeks respite at St Marys. She has been well looked after physically and mentally. To quote her, the carers were excellent without exception. The building is homely, clean, light and comfortable and my mother's room was very nicely presented. I would always want her to return in the future.

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Review from Emma S (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
The staff in the home have always been very helpful and my mum has always been treated with kindness and respect.

I know that when I am away, I can go knowing that my mum will be well looked after well-fed and watered. The only issue I have would be the staff that cover from agencies that I have seen who do very little to help the usual staff on shift.

Reply from Carol Cranfield, District Manager at St Marys

Thank you for taking the time to review St Marys and we are pleased that you are extremely likely to recommend our home. We have noted your comment regarding agency staff and we are holding a recruitment day shortly to increase our permanent staff team.

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Review from Colin H (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

The staff help create a supportive atmosphere and we feel that my father-in-law is happy and very well cared for here.

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Review from Rachel K (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

It's nice here. My nana seems happy and well looked after.

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Review from Sophie K (Great-granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Feel welcome here. It's nice and homey. Staff are nice. Nana is happy here which is the main thing.

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Review from O P (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
Lovely atmosphere.

Staff are very welcoming and always willing to help.

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 23 August 2025
Overall
Good
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveGood
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledOutstanding
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

2 Bed Vacancies

Posted: 27 July 2026

We currently have two vacancies for care. Please contact St Marys for further details.

News (7) & Events (0)

News
  • 27 Mar 2026

    An Ipswich care home is delighted to have been classed as Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the second highest rating possible, as well as being rated Outstanding for...

  • 23 Jan 2026

    Residents at Anchor’s St Mary's care home in Holbrook have been celebrating the kindness of a local pupil. Emily, a student at Holbrook Academy, has developed a wonderful bond with...

  • 19 Dec 2025

    Residents and colleagues at Anchor care homes across Suffolk are embracing the festive spirit. From crafting Christmas decorations and singing carols, to decorating trees and baking festive treats, each activity...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for St Marys.

Awards / Recognitions (11)

  • 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Anchor
  • 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Anchor
  • 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Anchor

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for St Marys.

Meet the Team (3)

Anna
Anna Job Title:Home ManagerJoined: 2015

Hi, I’m Anna. I’ve been with Anchor for almost a decade.

My focus as Home Manager has solidified around pioneering dementia care and fostering a people-oriented environment. Our team, through collaborative efforts, has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and resident satisfaction, upholding high standards of care.

With a strong foundation in care management, I've launched initiatives that promote staff development and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.

Alison
Alison Job Title:AdministratorJoined: 2015

Hi, I’m Allison, and I have been the administrator for St Mary’s for over 10 years now.

My role requires a fair few different hats, including reception, payroll, recruitment, purchasing, and finance, to name a few, and I love the variety that the role brings. My main focus, however, is to be approachable for all residents, family and staff. We operate on an open-door policy, so pop in and say hello; there’s always cake and coffee to be found.

Marco
Marco Job Title:Deputy Manager

Hello, my name is Marco, and I am the Deputy Manager at St Mary´s care home. My goal is to ensure the care we provide is person-centred, loving and caring.

I like to lead my team by example. Having years of experience in rehabilitation and psychiatric hospitals has given me a baggage of tools that I use daily to coach and guide my team to deliver the best care possible and ensure our residents remain safe, healthy, and happy.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact St Marys to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. St Marys has an Enhanced Service -more info.