St Marys

Woodlands Road, Holbrook, Ipswich IP9 2PS
Review Us
9.8 151 Reviews
  • St Marys, Ipswich
St Marys, in Ipswich, is a purpose-built facility supporting 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 team gets to know their customers and works with them to organise wellness activities which match individual and group interests, both in the care home and the local community. Each customer’s individual needs are regularly assessed to ensure their care plans meet their lifestyle requirements. Meals are cooked fresh and from locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients where possible by a highly trained catering team.

Anchor is England’s largest provider of housing and care for those over 55 years of age and has 60 years of experience as a not-for-profit provider of services to older people.
Show St Marys on the Map

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 What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

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

Our colleagues at St Marys will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding our fees and what is included in our fees.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact St Marys to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Contact St Marys to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Funding Types Accepted

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

Contact St Marys to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Anna Dabrowska (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Please contact St Marys directly to discuss yours or your loved ones' care needs.
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (60)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • 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 (151)

9.8

St Marys has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.763) out of 10, based on 30 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time St Marys has 151 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 113
  • 37
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 151
  • 9
  • 15
  • 30
  • 121
Reviewer Connection to St Marys
  • 52
  • 31
  • 12
  • 12
  • 7
  • 6
  • 6
  • 4
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 151, showing 101-120
Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from B D (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from S P (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 3 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from David W (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 7 November 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Alan B (Resident) published on 16 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Margie H (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from H D (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Diana S (Wife of Resident) published on 9 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
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.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Josephine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Emma S (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Colin H (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff help create a supportive atmosphere and we feel that my father-in-law is happy and very well cared for here.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Rachel K (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
It's nice here. My nana seems happy and well looked after.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Sophie K (Great-granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Feel welcome here. It's nice and homey. Staff are nice. Nana is happy here which is the main thing.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from O P (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Lovely atmosphere.
Staff are very welcoming and always willing to help.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from E F (Respite Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Have enjoyed my stay.
The staff were very kind and helpful.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Anthony K (Son of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Every time we come to visit mum, we are always welcomed by all staff. When we ask questions, we get full answers. If staff don't know, they find out.
I believe mum gets well looked after, she seems happy. Staff are cheerful and helpful.
I would not want my mum anywhere else.
Thank you for all your
hard work, care and support. This is where I would like to be when my time comes. Fantastic.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from E K (Great-granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Nana seems very happy and well looked after. We enjoy visiting.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from G J (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Great staff who are always helpful.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from K L (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff are always helpful and informative.
The home is clean and presented well.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from M L (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The care home is clean and tidy.
The staff are helpful and always happy to help with any problems.
I feel it is a very safe place for my mum to live and be cared for.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.763)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.763) out of 10 for St Marys 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 30 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 30 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 4.763 for St Marys is calculated as follows: ( (272 Excellents x 5) + (80 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 354 Ratings = 4.763
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for St Marys is based on 30 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 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
    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 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 30 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: 6 Dec 2023

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

3 Bed Vacancies

Posted: 13 Oct 2025

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

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (10)

Meet the Team (3)

Anna

Anna

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 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: Administrator Joined: 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.