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Heron House

Heron Drive, Bishops Hull, Taunton, Somerset TA1 5HA
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Heron House, Taunton
Heron House, Taunton
Heron House, Taunton

Heron House Taunton (previously Abbeyfield Taunton) is situated on the outskirts of Taunton, and offers expert residential care, set within spacious and comfortable accommodation, overlooking pleasant communal gardens.

Bedrooms are furnished to a high standard to ensure resident comfort and the home actively encourages bringing personal items to promote a more homely and familiar space. All bedrooms have their own WC and basin, including 8 single rooms which offer a full...  

Care Provided by Heron House

Primary Care Categories

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

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 44 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
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential Care£1,336 - £2,683£1,402 - £2,764
Residential Dementia Care£1,480 - £1,480£1,554 - £1,554

These figures are only a guide. Fees are dependent on resident need and can be discussed in detail with the General Manager when you make your initial enquiries.

Contact Heron 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)

Good to Know

Owner

  • Heron House Residential Home Ltd
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Person in charge

  • Paula Howlett(Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

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

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2023
  • Number of floors: 1

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (32)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (6)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (8)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (5)

Visiting

  • The Home operates an open visiting policy which is led by the residents themselves.

Parking

  • Visitor parking available on site

Heron House Reviews (26)

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9.9

Heron House has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.880) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Heron House has 26 reviews.

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Review from I M (Son of Resident) published on 3 July 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Consistently a good experience for all concerned.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much for your review, we deeply appreciate it.

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Review from Shaun M (Son of Resident) published on 2 July 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Excellent care home with wonderful staff, excellent activities with care, fun and consideration to residents needs. Pro active reviews and personalised care, well led and frequent photos and feedback of loved ones progress.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much for your review - we really appreciate the feedback!

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Review from Catherine L (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My brothers and I couldn't ask for a better place for my mother. The staff are so caring, and work so hard to make sure she is well looked after.
A special shout out to Scott who makes it possible for me to have videchats with my mum on a regular basis. I live in Ontario, Canada, so it is a wonderful way for me to have some interaction with my mother. Another shout out to Emma who just yesterday (June 16) facilitated a videochat with my mum.

Thank you to all the staff. I am so grateful and appreciative of the care you give.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much for your lovely review. It is a pleasure to support your calls with your mother all the way from Canada. I will share your feedback with Scott and Emma - they will really appreciate this!

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Review from Janice P (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Mum has been at Heron House for eight months now. It was definitely the best thing we did for her. She has settled so well and is so very happy. She is receiving so much stimulation, care and enrichment. She is well loved by the staff and she loves them in return. Nothing is ever too much trouble and we love that staff encourage her sense of humour, which is so important to her. As a family we feel settled and content knowing mum is in the very best place and being cared for by the very best people. When visiting we are always made to feel so welcome and it's
always delightful to see mum joining in with the wonderful programme of activities.
Communication is always excellent, with regular updates on mum's progress or raising any matters that the family needs to be aware of. We are always made to feel that we can approach staff any time to discuss any concerns or worries and they will listen and take action accordingly.

We really cannot imagine mum living anywhere else.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much for your warm and heartfelt review. It is so reassuring for us to read these lovely comments and we all really appreciate the feedback which affirms how wonderful the teams are here at Heron House.

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Review from Peter W (Cousin of Resident) published on 26 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Pro-active, caring and forward thinking management.
Comprehensive, sensitive, family friendly approach at all times for my cousin during her respite care trial and continuing with her becoming a permanent resident in the Quantock dementia care unit.
Thoroughly professional, expert and pro-active personal care for my cousin; knowledge and maintenance of health records; excellent communication with local GP and health authorities.
Full and communicative support to me as a family member and attorney.

In my experience, Heron House Residential Care Home is way ahead of others.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much for your lovely review, and we so appreciate hearing how reassured you are by your cousins care.

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Review from Pauline H (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our mum moved to Heron House at the very end of last year after a very tricky time in respite at another Home, when her dementia spiralled living at home. She settled fairly quickly and one thing we would comment on was that the care, environment, social interaction and getting to know her was streets ahead of her previous home. A trustee led not for profit care home is as rare as hens teeth. The core and ethos is compassion and care, not making money. There is also strong support for those relatives who want to engage in the form of the monthly relatives meeting so we can have 2 way dialogue with the manager on updates. Plus the relatives informal messaging app Group allows us to feel connected with people who truly understand for mutual support. Mum now sees HH as her home, is always very happy and active and has a better quality of life and enrichment than ever before. Staff have taken the time to really get to know her and know her needs and how to respond extremely well.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Mum and keeping her active and busy, she keeps us on our toes in such a lovely way. I am so glad the relatives group is meeting your needs too - its all about us being a family!

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Review from Emma E (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

When the decision had to be made to find a care home for Mum we wanted a place where she would be safe, happy and well looked after, and this is exactly how she feels having been at Heron House for the last six months. She regularly tells me how glad she is to be here. She enjoys the meals, feels safe with the staff and she has everything she wants and needs. As her daughter, I couldn't be happier to have found Heron House. All the staff are wonderful and I truly believe she's in the best place she could be. What a special place Heron House is.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We feel so reassured that your loved one is happy at Heron House and that you are happy with the care Mum receives.

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Review from Martin S (Brother-in-law of Resident) published on 23 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My sister-in-Law has been a resident of Heron House for over four months, has settled in well and considers it to be her home. From the day she arrived the care given by the staff has been excellent, with nothing too much trouble. The regular communications that I have received, keeps me updated with anything concerning her. It is also interesting to have details of the week's activities, which are arranged with a great deal of thought. Whilst visiting my sister-in-law, I have observed the individual care tailored to other residents.

The whole ambience of Heron House is very good and the grounds are a delight to walk around with my sister-in-law, which she does daily. She feels secure, well fed and says how fortunate she is to be there.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you for your lovely review. This is so reassuring that your loved one feels secure and happy at Heron House.

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Review from Val P (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

If Heron House did even half of what they actually did do for the final days and weeks of my Mum's life there would be no reason to complain. They were just excellent. After 4 years at Heron House full of lots of activities and love (not just care) Mum had a pretty rough final month and they stepped up to the mark looking after her (and me) superbly. I was unable to be with Mum on her final day but a member of the care team sat with her, reading and chatting to her, during this time. Calming classical music was played in her room as planned from previous care reviews. Honestly, at such an emotional time the care given by every single member of staff, was phenomenal. I don't know how I would have coped without them all. Thank you with all my heart.

Oh, I would recommend this care home. ;-)

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have been chosen by Mum and your family to care for her. We are also so very grateful to you and your brother for all the support you have given the home, we will miss seeing you. With our warmest wishes to you.

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Review from Nigel M (Son of Resident) published on 15 May 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I feel very lucky that my sister found such an excellent place who cared for Mum throughout the last few years of her life in a way that leaves me with nothing but the highest praise and admiration for the facility and its staff. Mum was included in everything she could be included in, though this got less as time progressed, and I really felt that there was genuine care from the staff. It was far more than "just a job". Living on the other side of the world (New Zealand) I just knew that whatever could be done would be because Heron House is staffed with an amazing team. Whenever I got over to visit, I felt a genuine warmth from the staff that I know my sister (who lives locally) also felt, and, more importantly, so did Mum.

With Mum's passing away, there is of course much sadness, though also a certain amount of relief . It was time. Thankyou for making her last years as good as they could possibly have been.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. It has been nothing short of an absolute pleasure and privilege to have been chosen by you and your family to look after your most precious person, Mum - she was a delight. It was equally lovely getting to know Mum's lovely family and we all deeply...  

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Review from Alan F (Son of Resident) published on 11 March 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
A difficult/emotional time moving Mum from another, nearby, care home, who were not meeting her/our needs, was made so much easier by the professionalism of the Management & staff of Heron House. From the initial assessment of mum, to the moving day and subsequently, we have been delighted with the care, compassion & communication shown & received. The home is all on one floor with sizeable and well-kept outside space/gardens. Mum is very active and kept engaged with regular activities, which she loves.
As visitors we always feel welcome by all the staff.
Management keeps us well informed via regular emails, relatives monthly meetings (where feedback is listened to & actions taken where necessary, to address positive ideas & any areas of concern) & posts on social media.

There is also a close-knit relatives social messaging group, with good levels of engagement from many of the relatives. This results in everyone taking an interest in residents other than their own relatives, which is lovely.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much for your lovely comments; we feel privileged that you chose our home to care for your lovely mum.

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Review from C S (Niece of Resident) published on 28 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

A wonderful haven for the elderly with dedicated staff and non stop activities. Real feeling of home and superb empathetic environment for some of the tougher years in life. A new family atmosphere for each client.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you for your lovely review. We are so happy about your experience of Heron House.

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Review from Charlotte M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 August 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother in law has recently moved into Quantock unit at Heron House- we have been so very happy at the wonderful support and care she receives. She has found leaving her own home very hard but with the loving care and attention that the staff bring we have seen her begin to adjust, form good relationships with some members of staff and our last visit she appeared more settled and happy, we even had some laughter from her which was lovely to see and hear. We are very grateful to all the staff there-Thank you.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

We are so happy that your loved one has settled so well, and is making new friends! Thank you for your feedback.

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Review from Caroline N (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I cannot speak highly enough of the care given to my mother from October 2020 to her death in January 2025. She started off in the residential unit but the manager felt she would be happier and better cared for in the dementia unit. Although I realised that she did have dementia, I wasn't sure how she'd feel about the increased level of care, as she was quite unsociable. I was quite wrong though and she was much happier with the greater structure and joined in with quite a few activities, though was always given the dignity of choice. Indeed I would say that the last few years of her life were among the most peaceful that she had. The staff were unfailingly kind, thoughtful and polite. Communication with them was always easy. The management was professional, careful and individualised. The home is spotlessly clean and my mother, who was doubly incontinent, was always kept clean too and yet always with dignity. I would wholeheartedly recommend Heron House to anyone.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much. It has indeed been a pleasure and privilege to have been entrusted by you and your family to care for you mother, and indeed a privilege to have shared with you the moments of her farewell. Wishing you all the very best for our futures.

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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Mum had been at Heron House for six years and I previously put a comment on this site to say how well cared for and happy she was.
Mum passed away on New Years Eve, having spent many months in decline and suddenly spiraling. I feel fortunate that I have so many good memories of seeing how the staff cherished, loved and protected her throughout some very difficult times.

They also went above and beyond in helping me get to Mum when I needed to be there and making me feel safe as well.

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Review from Shaun M (Son of Resident) published on 26 November 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother had been a resident at Heron House for over 3 years and it was clear at the outset that we had found her, in our opinion, the best care home in the area. The management, staff and governors are entirely focused on the care, wellbeing and support of both the residents and their families. The building, its upkeep and cleaning/hygiene standards are first class as are the facilities and support provided to residents, to enable independence to be maintained safely for as long as possible. The care home staff team are exceptionally well lead by the Registered Manager and this is evidenced on a daily basis. As my mothers health declined and she was on an end-of-life plan, the level of care and compassion provided to her and us was above and beyond our expectations and we were so grateful for the support during that period and after her passing. The whole team made a very difficult period easier to cope with and we will always be grateful for that.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

We will miss your mum and your family. It has been an honour and privilege to have cared for such a proud and respected woman. She provided us with lots to think about and debate in her views on life! A strong character, that will leave a lasting memory. Thank you for your lovely feedback, this means a lot to myself and the team.

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Review from Caroline F (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 November 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My mother moved into Heron House in October. We were both anxious about the transition as she had been living independently (with some support) up to this point. However, the staff could not have been more helpful in making this a positive move for us both. My mother enjoys not having to get her own meals and says the food is excellent. She has made some friends and (much to my surprise) joins in with the activities, which are varied and imaginative. The gardens are lovely and she likes to walk around them or sit by the pond and watch the turtles!

She is supported to maintain some independence, for example, she makes her bed and is able to self-medicate. All the staff are friendly and kind and treat the residents with respect and dignity. I honestly think we could not have found a better home. Her room and bathroom are always spotless.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

Thank you so much for your review it is a privilege and a pleasure to have been entrusted to care for your precious mum, she is a joy to be around!

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Review from Mary A (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 April 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I feel very privileged to be associated with Heron House. To be honest, I couldn’t wish for a more caring home for my parents; both of whom are in their nineties. Although not always easy, the process of acclimatization has been seamless.
The staff communicates effectively, clearly supports all the residents in their care, and provides excellent activities both inside and outside of the home.

There is a strong family unit which is underpinned by shared team values.

Reply from Paula Howlett, Registered Manager at Heron House

It has and continues to be a privilege to care for your parents, Mary. I have to say, it's also a joy to get to eat Mum's amazing cakes too!

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Review from Wendy H (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 6 November 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The care home is bright and cheery in all aspects - from the gardens, the food, the staff and the decor. Constant thought and effort go into looking after residents and always seeking to make improvements - the care home does all things any good care home should do but also offers so much more - involving residents in gardening and baking, entering and winning at the local show! involving families in decision-making and open discussions; helping residents to fulfil special bucket list wishes. The residents have fun and so do the staff. My husband and I live far away so are delighted to be part of the care home's social media family and see what Mum-in-law is up to on outings and activities. This enabled us to fit in when we visited the UK in May and we were also pleased to be able to contribute to the regular speaker entertainment series while we were around too. The care home is truly a "home" in all senses of the word. Heartfelt thank yous to all the staff and management - You are Awesome!

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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 October 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

When my mother's dementia began to greatly impact her life and she was not safe to remain at home, my brother and I visited virtually every care home in the town (of which there are several). We both immediately agreed that the care home appeared by far the best choice. In the five years that she has been there, our thoughts remain unchanged. We know that she is well cared and provided for and her needs are fully met. Often a person with dementia cannot express how they feel or if they are unwell, but the staff at the care home get to know each resident in such depth that they quickly recognise if there is a problem, or if something doesn't seem quite right. As far as we are concerned, there could not be anywhere better for our mother's care.

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 16 August 2023
Overall
Outstanding
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveOutstanding
  • SafeGood
  • Well-ledOutstanding
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.

News (0) & Events (1)

News

There are no news items for Heron House.

Upcoming Events
  • 07 Aug 2026Organiser: Heron House

Awards / Recognitions (1)

  • 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Heron House

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for Heron House.

Meet the Team (3)

Paula Howlett
Paula HowlettJob Title:Home ManagerJoined: 2019

Paula is a 20 year experienced psychiatric nurse who, since 2013, has been a registered manager, first in residential and later in specialist dementia care.

Paula has a passion for enriching peoples lives through meaningful occupation and promoting independence. She strives to support residents to continue to build relationships-her vision is for life to go on, not stop.

Paula's husband, Rob, is a minister of a busy church, and they have four children who are now young adults.

Kate McClatchie
Kate McClatchieJob Title:Deputy ManagerJoined: 2019

Kate has been working in the care industry for more than 20 years, during which time she has constantly worked to develop her skills, knowledge and understanding of care for the elderly. Kate has worked in a variety of environments, including nursing and now residential care.

Kate loves supporting and caring for residents who live at Heron House, supporting them to enjoy life to the fullest and being part of their journey.

Alongside a passion for care, Kate has also raised a family and has 5 children, so she is certainly kept busy outside of work too!

Nicola Trueman
Nicola TruemanJob Title:Activities and Wellbeing LeadJoined: 2025

As Activities and Wellbeing Lead at Heron House, Nic's role means far more to her than planning daily programmes - it’s about creating joy, connection, and a sense of purpose for the people who live here. Nic is passionate about enriching our residents’ lives, helping them to express themselves, stay active, and feel genuinely seen and valued. Every activity is an opportunity to spark a smile, share a moment, or bring comfort through creativity, community, and care.

Supporting residents’ wellbeing and celebrating their individuality is what drives her. Nic feels deeply fulfilled knowing that she can make a positive impact each day, and takes pride in leading a team that shares the same heart-led dedication. This role isn’t just important to Nic - It’s part of who she is.

Frequently Asked Questions about Heron House

What types of Care is Heron House registered for?

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

How many Rooms does Heron House have?

There are 32 Single Rooms and 6 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Heron House?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Ground Floor Accommodation only, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Heron House to the centre of Taunton?

1.1 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 Heron House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Heron House has an Enhanced Service -more info.