Watford House

Watford Road, High Peak SK22 4EJ
Review Us
9.7 64 Reviews
  • Watford House, High Peak
Watford House provides residential and respite care and support for the elderly. Specialising in the care of people living with any type of Dementia, challenging behaviour and those with sensory or physical impairments they really can meet the needs of everyone.

There are 36 single rooms of which 24 have en-suite facilities. There are vast outdoor areas to enjoy and communal spaces to spend time with likeminded people.

All of the staff are highly trained in every aspect of person-centred care and all care provided is planned with the individual and their families to create a tailor-made package of care to suit every need.

Watford House is an extraordinary home with exceptional standards, a visit is highly recommended to anyone who is considering a stay in a care home.
Show Watford House on the Map

Care Provided

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 40 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1050
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1050
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1050
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1051

Fees include 24/7 care and support, food and beverages, laundry services, and access to clinical support.

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

Funding Types Accepted

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

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Joyce Strachan (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2019

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (36)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (24)

Parking

  • Car Park available within grounds.

Watford House Reviews (64)

9.7

Watford House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.714) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Watford House has 64 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 44
  • 18
  • 0
  • 0
  • 2
Date Published
  • 64
  • 2
  • 5
  • 14
  • 50
Reviewer Connection to Watford House
  • 21
  • 16
  • 7
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 64, showing 1-20
Review from B W (Friend of Resident) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've always fond of visiting my friends at Watford when I visit which is usually 3 times a week ,the staff are usually very busy with doing their job but are there to help with any questions you may have, it can be very hectic at times with the residents but everyone is calm and composed to most situations.
The home does smell a bit bot that is what you get in most homes, it's nice to to see male carers as well there for the added security especially at night when most things could go wrong or intruders getting in ,I'm very happy with the care they provide and the security for my friends.
Reply from joyce strachan, home manager at Watford House

thank you so much for your review we appreciate your nice words and will also take on board the negatives and strive to improve on these

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Patricia L (Niece of Resident) published on 19 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Your staff are amazing. They all greet us visitors with such good vibes. Christmas was magical. The decorations, the food, the entertainment, and a fabulous Father Christmas :) Even though I don't get to visit often enough (I live in NZ) I always feel very welcome xxx
Reply from Kelly Walker, Regional Director at Watford House

Thank you so much for you kind review. We really value feedback from visitors and delighted to hear of your experience. We will ensure the staff receive the feedback so kindly given. We look forward to hosting your next visit.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from David W (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 11 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Overall experience was very good and enjoyable.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Suzanne K (Regular Volunteer) published on 21 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had a lovely evening with residents and their family members and staff at a fundraising event. A lot of hard work had clearly gone on behind the scenes in preparation of the event. Staff really engaging with all present, staff in the kitchen worked incredibly hard and provided a high standard of
food and service. Residents clearly enjoyed the evening, there was a lovely atmosphere, I was so glad I could attend.
Reply from Kim Blissett, Manager at Watford House

Thank you for your feedback, staff are always happy to make an effort to make these events a fun and happy event and the atmosphere is always good, we appreciate your input and taking the time to attend the event and will be glad to see you again at our up and coming events in the future.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Eve G (Regular Volunteer) published on 10 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We just enjoyed a very special evening at Watford themed 'Beauty and the Beast'. A lot of effort was put into the food and the entertainment and it was all brilliant! The cheese souffle and macaroni were amazing. Thank you to all the staff for all your hard work. So happy to be included in the evening,
look forward to the next one.
Reply from Kim Blissett, Manager at Watford House

Thank you so much for your review. Here at Watford staff try hard to ensure all family and friends are included within the homes activities and ensuring there is variety for the residents.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from K C (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mexican night. Absolutely fabulous night, food was great and the decor was brilliant. The line dancers were good and encouraged everyone to have a go.
Hats off to the entertainment manager who went above and beyond to make this a night to be enjoyed by all. Thank you.
Reply from Kim Blissett, Manager at Watford House

Thank you so much for the review. The activities team work hard to ensure we give a variety of evenings and days for staff.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Kate M (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum was a resident at Watford House for about 2 years, until she died in September 2023. She had motor neurone disease and required a great deal of physical care, but had full mental capacity. Mum never wanted to go into care, but in the end, there was little choice, and after a period of settling
in, Mum was happy at Watford House, she loved many of the staff, and I know they were all incredibly fond of her. The staff always had time for us, and looked out for my dad too (he visited every day so they got to know him well). They are a warm, welcoming team who works very hard to care for the residents, and I enjoyed the time I spent visiting Mum and also getting to know the staff.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from S K (Regular Volunteer) published on 19 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had contact with the staff at Watford House for approximately 7+ years. I have always found staff to be friendly, caring and attentive to the needs of the residents. Always a lovely atmosphere whenever we visit.
Reply from Kim Blissett, Manager at Watford House

What a great review for our staff to hear. I will ensure that they are informed and love the feedback you have given. Thank you.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from M L (Son of Resident) published on 19 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Visited Mum on 'Tapas Night', the atmosphere throughout the home was welcoming and pleasant. As everyone was eating an enthusiastic, work force maintained the pleasantries and worked tirelessly to make a very comfortable and good evening.
Reply from Kim Blissett, Manager at Watford House

Thank you so much for your review, The staff are continually working hard to ensure your loved one has the best experience.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from R W (Son of Resident) published on 4 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mum is very content and happy and the family are happy in the knowledge that Mum is looked after, well-fed, warm and safe with the help of the excellent staff.
Reply from Kim Blissett, Manager at Watford House

Thank you for your review. This will be passed to the team for them to see your positive feedback. Thank you.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Alison B (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum doesn't often go to the dining room for meals but we attended the Tapas Evening and it was lovely. It was good to see Mum in the dining room and enjoying good food and a bit of company!
Reply from Kim Blissett, Manager at Watford House

Thank you Alison for your response. We look forward to doing future events and hope to see you there.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Angela F (Sister of Resident) published on 15 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister-in-law spent the last weeks of her life in Watford House surrounded by care, kindness and comfort. She was admitted after a difficult stay in hospital following a fall and with advanced dementia. Before this, she had insisted on staying in her own home, with visiting carers but had become
increasingly confused, unable to cope and unhappy. Once she was in Watford House she said 'It is nice here.' She was much more relaxed and content.
All the staff were so professional, caring and, most importantly, kind to both her and her family. Our only regret is that she could not have been persuaded to move in a year or two earlier.
We are grateful to all the staff who made her final weeks so comfortable.
Reply from Carinna Mycock, Manager at Watford House

Thank you so much for this wonderful 5-star review. We are very proud of our high standards of palliative care and were privileged to have met your lovely family.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Sandra M (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent care throughout the home. The residents were taken on a very well-organised trip to the Sealife Center and the activities team organises days out which are stimulating and enjoyable for both residents and family members to join them.
Excellence throughout - 10/10.
Reply from Carinna Mycock, Manager at Watford House

Thank you so much for this five-star review! We are very proud of our activities provision, and we love keeping the residents engaged and active.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Lynda M (Friend of Resident) published on 12 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care for dementia residents is excellent. The staff have an excellent understanding of how to deal with those who are confused. There are plenty of activities to help occupy the residents including taking a group of residents to Blackpool. The experience was amazing for these elderly people and
brought them so much joy. The home is clean and personal needs are well catered for. The rooms are spacious and residents are encouraged to make the room their own meaning it can become home from home. I cannot praise the staff enough. They are friendly and helpful and give good advice to friends and relatives, especially to those dealing with dementia. There is a lovely garden for residents to sit in during good weather with tables to enjoy outdoor meals. I highly recommend this home which tries to create a family atmosphere.
Reply from Carinna Mycock, Manager at Watford House

Thank you for your wonderful 5 star review, The team really appreciate your comments.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from M B (Son of Resident) published on 15 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When my mother's health deteriorated early this year, the staff at Watford House were incredibly professional, thoughtful and caring.
She was always treated as an individual, and many times, I was struck by the kindness to her from the carers.
More pragmatically, her medical care was managed well,
and there was good coordination with community health/GP.
I don't think I could have been more reassured at such a stressful time.
Reply from Carinna Mycock, Manager at Watford House

Thank you for this positive review; it means a lot to the team to hear your feedback.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mum has been resident in Watford House for 5 months and has quite advanced dementia. Her health and general state of mind have improved so much, she is calmer and more settled than she was at home. The staff are always approachable and helpful, and encourage Mum to join in with the wide range of
activities. Her room is comfortable and clean, she enjoys the food and the company of other people around her. I feel very satisfied with the care she is receiving at Watford House.
Reply from Carinna Mycock, Manager at Watford House

Thank you for your wonderful comments, we are truly proud of our care standards and your kind words have been shared with the teams.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Alison T (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot praise the management and staff enough. They were there and have been there throughout when we needed respite and eventually residential care for our mum who has dementia. I am always kept informed of anything that concerns her and the home. I am always greeted with smiles and always welcomed.
The level of care is excellent. I am very happy and so is Mum.
Reply from Kelly Walker, Regional Director at Watford House

Thank you so much for your review. I am very pleased to here that Mum is settled into her new home. We will ensure the staff at the home receive this feedback.
It is always nice to hear of relatives feeling happy when the care of a loved one is right for the person. I know the staff will continue to work hard at providing the care needed for Mum. Once again thank you for your review.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from brendan G (Son of Resident) published on 26 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum stayed at Watford house for three weeks in temporary respite care. We appreciated very much the love and support my mum was shown by all the staff from the very first day of being there, it made such a difference to the progress she made. We were always updated with how she was doing, which was
invaluable, and on every visit, we made we could see how much she and all the residents were loved and cared for, that made all the difference to us as a family and we are very grateful to all at Watford for that.
Reply from Carinna Mycock, Manager at Watford House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a wonderful review. We do miss your lovely mum and the fun she brought to Watford House, she is welcome back anytime.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from J K (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 26 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law was a resident at Watford House for the last four years. During that time the care she received was excellent, the staff were always welcoming when we visited, she was always clean and well-dressed and we always felt happy that she was comfortable. The home itself is clean and welcoming
and nothing is too much trouble for the staff. Watford House is an excellent care home.
Reply from Carinna Mycock, Manager at Watford House

Thank you so much for this lovely review. We appreciate you taking the time to tell us your thoughts.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Marie T (Friend of Resident) published on 26 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been very happy with the care my friend has received. Although he was reluctant at first, the staff were caring and friendly, and he soon felt at home. On many of my visits, there were activities going on, and he joined in happily. The staff always made me and my family welcome.
Reply from Carinna Mycock, Manager at Watford House

Thank you so much for this wonderful review; your friend soon became ours and is very much missed.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.714)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.714) out of 10 for Watford House 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 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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 4.714 for Watford House is calculated as follows: ( (113 Excellents x 5) + (38 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 154 Ratings = 4.714
  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 Watford House is based on 14 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 40 registered maximum number of service users is 8, which has been reached with 14 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 Feb 2024

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Requires improvement
  • 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

5 Bed Vacancies

Posted: 15 Sep 2025

Offering residential, nursing and dementia care we welcome enquiries to our beautiful, purpose built luxury care home.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (2)

Meet the Team (1)

Valerie

Valerie Mills

Job Title: Team Leader Joined: 1990

Hi, I'm Val. I have worked at Watford House for almost 30 years! I have been in every department at one time or another and consider Watford House my second home.
I have been a Senior Care Assistant for a very long time and became Team Leader in 2018. I support all staff to fulfil their duties to the best of their abilities and have a wealth of knowledge of the home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Watford House

What types of Care is Watford House registered for?

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

How many Rooms does Watford House have?

There are 36 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Watford House?

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

How far is Watford House to the centre of High Peak?

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