Sainthill House

Cowick Lane, Exeter EX2 9JG
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9.6 48 Reviews
  • Sainthill House, Exeter
Sainthill House & Cottage provides personalised residential, respite and day care within a safe, relaxed and homely environment. The service supports individuals with a range of care needs, recognising that every resident has different abilities, preferences and aspirations. The House and The Cottage each have its own dedicated staff team, overseen by an experienced General Manager, allowing care to be tailored to residents’ individual needs.

The home’s philosophy of care is centred on dignity, privacy, independence, choice and fulfilment, with resident-led care at the heart of daily life. Residents are encouraged to maintain independence wherever possible, make informed choices and continue enjoying meaningful lifestyles physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Families and loved ones are welcomed as part of the care planning process to help ensure support remains personalised and responsive to changing needs.

Experienced and compassionate staff aim to create a warm and respectful atmosphere where residents feel valued and comfortable. Care is based on detailed assessments and ongoing reviews to support wellbeing and individual preferences.

Bedrooms and communal areas are designed to provide comfort, privacy and opportunities for social interaction, helping residents feel at home while remaining connected with others. Outdoor spaces offer peaceful areas for relaxation and enjoyment.

A varied programme of activities encourages mental stimulation, confidence, social engagement and wellbeing, while nutritious meals are prepared to suit a range of dietary requirements and preferences. Strong community links also help residents maintain social connections and engagement with the wider community.

Care Provided by Sainthill House

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability / Autism
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Younger Adults

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 23 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)
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • 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 What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1450
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1450

The fee covers 24-hour care and support with skilled and qualified staff. The level of personal care required will be determined on pre-admission assessment and then reviewed. The fees cover:
- 24hr person-centred care, promoting independence, management of medication, support with accessing the community, shopping, appointments, support to ensure family and friends relationships are maintained.
- full board with some en-suite accommodation on a single occupancy basis
-cleaning, maintenance and decoration of room
-provision of special diets
-continence products
-personal laundry (not items of dry cleaning)
-TV licence
-meaningful wellbeing and engagement programme


The fees do not cover personal items, for example, hairdressing, chiropody, physiotherapy, massage, toiletries, dry cleaning, transport, telephone charges and newspapers.

The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Sainthill House for full pricing details and T&Cs.

Contact Sainthill House 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 Sainthill House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Owner

  • Sainthill House Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Catherine Lowe (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • Ages 18+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2025
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (23)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (7)

Visiting

  • The resident’s family, relatives and friends are actively encouraged to visit regularly and to maintain contact by letter, virtual platforms or telephone when visiting is not possible.
    Visitors will be welcomed openly at all times in both services, but should preferably let staff know of arrivals and departures, ensuring they sign in and out of the home.
    The resident has the right to refuse to see any visitor and this right will be respected and upheld by the staff.
    Both The House and The Cottage each have a cordless phone and residents are able to install telephones onto their own rooms (at their own expense) should they choose to do so.
    Residents are able to invite their relatives for lunch by prior arrangement and relatives are actively encouraged to visit both The House and The Cottage. Community transport can be arranged to facilitate external visits by the residents subject to a satisfactory risk assessment being carried out.

Parking

  • On street parking

9.6

Sainthill House has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.597) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Sainthill House has 48 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 45
  • 3
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Date Published
  • 48
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  • 8
  • 40
Reviewer Connection to Sainthill House
  • 13
  • 9
  • 4
  • 4
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 48, showing 41-48
Review from Julie B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Not being able to visit my mum as often as I would like as I live in France, I would like to express my satisfaction of the great care my mum is receiving from Sainthill House. Each time I ring which is nearly every day my calls are received by very courteous and friendly staff, and sometimes my mum
even picks up the phone so this means for me that she is very happy and content at Sainthill. The is is a great relief for me living so far away. So once again thank you to the manager and staff at Sainthill. Merci, Merci, Merci.
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Review from Rita M (Resident) published on 5 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I found all the staff very helpful and friendly.
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Review from Susan S (Resident) published on 30 March 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very pleased with Sainthill House. Manager and staff are very helpful and I am happy here.
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Review from Christine T (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 February 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum had a two week respite at Sainthill following a viral infection. Her stay there got her back into a routine and her health improved many thanks to the manager and his wife and the lady who took time to make mum comfortable in her new surroundings. I will not hesitate to place mum there again
if needed.
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Review from G D (Resident) published on 11 February 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was admitted to Sainthill House for the month of February, not knowing it even existed. My stay proved to be very enlightening. They are all dedicated to a very high degree and give a service beyond measurable to everyone who has the misfortune to be admitted there, myself being one.
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Review from Sarah F (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 December 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been a resident at Sainthill House for nearly four months. We as a family initially chose this care home because 1) we had a very positive initial meeting with the previous manager and staff, all our questions were answered sympathetically. 2) We got a good impression as the residents
seemed happy and included in decisions and well cared for. 3) A lovely ground floor room ideal for my father was available. Four months on, my father has settled in well and is very happy with all aspects of living in Sainthill House. The new manager is making some good changes for improvements e.g. they have bought a mini bus for excursions, my fathers room has new flooring. We are very happy with everything at Sainthill House.
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Review from Jane D (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 October 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
When we first came to view Sainthill House on behalf of my father the first impression was of a lovely old house set in a comfortable garden, back from the road so traffic noise was reduced. The house was light, airy and very welcoming. Even more so was the warm welcome from the staff. It was evident
that the staff provided a friendly but professional and safe atmosphere for the residents.
Once my father had moved in we could visit any time and were always assured of a warm welcome and a cup of tea. This was to be the case for the 4.5 years that my father lived there until his death in August 2015.
The care from the staff was fantastic, he was always treated with dignity and respect and if he felt there was a problem the Manager and staff would always listen and try and sort it out as quickly as possible. The home was well supported by external professions. There was a good range of activities both indoor and outdoors.
It was always a great relief to know that my father was being cared for in a safe environment.
My only comment in relation to the facilities is to hope that a through floor lift will be installed sooner rather than later as It would make a big difference to both staff and residents living on the upper floor.
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Review from Iris C (Wife of Resident) published on 25 September 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are very friendly, kind and help my husband in every possible way. The home is very clean and the food very nice.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.597)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.597) out of 10 for Sainthill House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 8 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 4.947 for Sainthill House is calculated as follows: ( (89 Excellents x 5) + (5 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 94 Ratings = 4.947
  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 4.65 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Sainthill House is based on 8 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 = 3.65
    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 23 registered maximum number of service users is 4.6, which has been reached with 8 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: 27 Apr 2019

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

1 Bed Vacancy

Posted: 22 May 2026

1 single room available

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

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Meet the Team (11)

Catherine

Catherine Lowe

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 2025

I began my career in banking before pursuing a career in Health and Social Care when my children were young. During this time, I achieved an HNC Level 4 qualification and started my first role supporting individuals with direct payments to recruit and manage their own care packages, enabling them to live independently in their own homes.


In 2005, I began working with people with learning disabilities and have since progressed through a variety of roles within the sector. Along the way, I achieved both an NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care and an NVQ Level 5 in Leadership and Management, building extensive experience in supporting individuals, leading teams, and delivering high-quality care services.


I am passionate about developing and supporting teams to provide outstanding person-centred care and ensuring residents enjoy the very best experiences possible. I strongly believe in working in partnership with relatives, colleagues, and healthcare professionals to deliver a truly holistic approach to care.


Although I am relatively new to Sainthill, I hope to bring a broad range of knowledge, experience, and fresh perspectives to the team—always with a smile and a positive attitude.

Barnaby

Barnaby Griffith

Job Title: Owner/Managing Director Joined: 2008

I am the Managing Director and Group Builder for Vision Healthcare and have spent most of my life involved in the care sector, having grown up around family-owned care homes from an early age.


Together with my wife Holly, I own and lead Vision Healthcare, a family-run care provider focused on delivering outstanding, person-centred care within warm, homely and values-led environments.


I hold a BSc (Hons) in Computer Systems & Networks and began my career with Intel Corporation before moving into business development, technology and property ventures. I later joined Vision Healthcare, where I have helped lead the organisation through significant development, modernisation and growth.


A large part of my role focuses on supporting our teams, driving continuous improvement and ensuring we maintain a positive culture for both residents and staff. I have a particular interest in innovation within social care, leadership development and using technology to improve outcomes and quality of life for the people we support.


As Vision Healthcare continues to grow, I remain focused on building sustainable, high-quality services that deliver outstanding care while also creating wonderful places to work.

Holly

Holly Griffith

Job Title: Owner/Director Joined: 2009

I have worked for Vision since 2009 and have worked in the care industry since the age of 16, giving me a wealth of knowledge and experience within health and social care. Over the years, I have developed a strong understanding of supporting individuals with a wide range of needs, and I am passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred care.


In 2023, Barnaby and I bought Sainthill from Barnaby’s uncle following his retirement. Since becoming owners, we have been dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming, and homely environment where residents feel safe, valued, and comfortable. We strongly believe Sainthill should feel like a true home from home for the people who live here.


Alongside my role as Co-Owner and Director, I also oversee HR and recruitment, supporting the growth and development of our team to ensure we continue providing the best possible care and support. I am particularly passionate about empowering our staff, encouraging confidence and development within the workplace, and promoting internal progression opportunities wherever possible.


One of my favourite parts of my role is dropping into the home and spending time with our residents. Seeing them happy, comfortable, and enjoying life brings me so much joy and reminds me why I have always been so passionate about working in care. I take great pride in helping to build a compassionate, supportive environment for both residents and staff, while maintaining the family values that are so important to us at Sainthill.

Ami

Ami Livesey

Job Title: Operations Director Joined: 2020

I am a Registered Nurse with more than 30 years’ experience working within the care home sector. Throughout my career, I have held a variety of both clinical and operational roles within the private sector, giving me a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in delivering high-quality care.


I am passionate about ensuring that every individual receives compassionate, person-centred care and believe strongly in maintaining the highest standards across all areas of service delivery. Supporting teams to provide safe, effective, and dignified care is something I take great pride in.


Outside of work, I live in the countryside with my husband and two children, and I enjoy spending quality time with my family, creating lasting memories. I am also partial to relaxing in a good coffee shop and enjoying good company.

Shelley

Shelley Nineham

Job Title: Housekeeper Joined: 2025

I have worked in the care sector for the past 22 years, gaining experience in a variety of roles ranging from Carer to On-Call Manager. During that time, I developed a strong understanding of the importance of teamwork, compassion, and creating a warm and supportive environment for residents.


More recently, I decided to take a step back from management responsibilities and move into housekeeping, where I continue to play an important role in helping the home feel clean, comfortable, and welcoming for everyone.


I am outgoing, bubbly, and always happy to lend a hand whenever needed. I enjoy being part of a supportive team and take pride in helping residents and colleagues alike.

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Scott Elston

Job Title: Finance Manager Joined: 2016

I look after the company’s finances and have over 25 years of experience working in finance. I hold an AAT qualification and have developed extensive expertise in financial management, budgeting, and supporting organisations to operate effectively and sustainably.


My experience and attention to detail help support the smooth running and continued success of the organisation.

Chris

Chris Newson

Job Title: Chef Joined: 2024

I have worked in the catering industry for many years, holding a variety of managerial roles and gaining extensive experience in food preparation, kitchen management, and delivering quality dining experiences. I am passionate about providing nutritious, enjoyable meals and creating menus that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.


Before moving into catering, I worked as a Land Surveyor and Site Engineer. These experiences have given me a practical and disciplined approach that continues to support me in my role today.


I take pride in creating delicious meals, maintaining high standards, and contributing to a positive dining experience for everyone I serve.

Daniel

Daniel Chapple

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2025

I have worked within the care sector for over 20 years and have built extensive experience across a variety of care roles, including Carer, Senior Carer, Medication Lead, Head of Care, and now Deputy Manager.


I have a strong background in both dementia care and palliative care, supporting individuals with a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive needs in a compassionate and person-centred way.


Throughout my career, I have focused on ensuring residents receive high-quality care that promotes dignity, comfort, independence, and wellbeing. I have extensive experience in medication management, care planning, safeguarding, and working closely with residents, families, GPs, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for those in my care.


I am passionate about creating a warm, safe, and supportive environment where residents feel valued, respected, and truly at home.

Beckie

Beckie Welland

Job Title: Activity & Wellbeing Coordinator Joined: 2022

I have worked at Sainthill for four years as the Wellbeing Coordinator. Prior to joining the team, I worked within Special Educational Needs (SEN) and as a Family Support Coordinator, supporting individuals and families to overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes. I also hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Adult and Child Learning Disability Support Practice.


In my role, I support residents to engage in meaningful and enjoyable activities through personalised wellbeing plans tailored to their interests, abilities, and goals. I am passionate about promoting all aspects of wellbeing and helping residents maintain independence, confidence, and a sense of purpose.


What I enjoy most about my role is supporting residents to achieve things they never thought possible. Seeing their confidence grow and being part of those achievements is incredibly rewarding and is what makes my role so fulfilling.

Bridget

Bridget Baloyi

Job Title: Senior Night Support Worker Joined: 2023

I am a Senior Night Carer with an NVQ Level 3 qualification and three years of experience in the care sector. Before moving into care, I spent 13 years as a qualified Geography teacher. While I thoroughly enjoyed teaching, I was looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to work with people on a more personal level.


I chose a career in care because I felt I had more to offer in helping people feel valued, appreciated, and genuinely cared for. Supporting residents and making a positive difference to their daily lives is incredibly rewarding and gives me a real sense of purpose.


I am naturally caring, compassionate, and approachable, with a positive outlook on life. I am always smiling and enjoy being around genuine people in a supportive and uplifting environment. Building meaningful relationships with residents and ensuring they feel respected, safe, and loved is at the heart of everything I do.

Belinda

Belinda Nutt

Job Title: Team Leader Joined: 2025

I am originally from the Philippines, where I graduated as a Teacher. After moving to the UK, I chose a career in care because looking after older people is something that is deeply valued within my culture, and I have always been passionate about supporting others.


I hold an NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care and a QCF Level 3 qualification, and I have worked in the care sector for over 20 years. Throughout my career, I have gained a wealth of experience and progressed into management roles, becoming part of the leadership team in my previous position.


I am hardworking, dedicated, reliable, caring, and empathetic, and I believe strongly in the importance of teamwork to provide the highest standards of care. I have also worked with people with learning disabilities, which is an area of care I particularly enjoy and find very rewarding.


I am passionate about making a positive difference to people's lives and take pride in ensuring those I support feel valued, respected, and cared for every day.

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