The Gardens Care Home

Pond Field Close, Salutation Road, Darlington DL3 8LH
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8.4 29 Reviews
  • The Gardens Care Home, Darlington
The Gardens Care Home is a single storey, well-appointed and very popular Care Home within the Coniscliffe Road area of Darlington. Set in the very peaceful Pondfield Close, they offer unparalleled Dementia, Nursing, and Residential care amidst a relaxing, leafy setting.

Residents at The Gardens Care Home enjoy first-class quality care within a homely and stimulating environment that places a real emphasis on their happiness and well-being. Staff at The Gardens are carefully recruited and highly trained, and are always on hand to ensure that everything asked of them is delivered with care, passion, empathy and dignity, placing Residents at the heart of everything they do.

The Blackwell Suite, their self-contained nurse-led unit, also forms part of The Gardens Care Home, and specialises in supporting adults with complex mental health needs, including challenging behaviours and brain injury.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Eating Disorders
  • Alcohol / Drug Misuse

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 56 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Facilities

  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Near Public Transport
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £780 – £1080
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £780 – £1080
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: £780 – £2026
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: £780 – £2026
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £780 – £1080
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £780 – £1080
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: £780 – £2026
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: £780 – £2026

The Gardens Care Home is also home to The Blackwell Suite, a separate nurse-led unit specialised in caring after people with complex mental health needs, including challenging behaviours. Fees for The Blackwell Suite start at £1,650 per week.
Fees at The Gardens and The Blackwell Suite include:
-   Care coverage 24 hour 7 days per week, tailored to the needs of the Resident.
-   All meals and drinks, including specialised diets.
-   In-house laundry service.
-   Bedding and towels.
-   All activities organised to promote physical and mental wellbeing amongst Residents.
Additionally, Residents can request the following external services for an extra charge:
-   Chiropody
-   Vision and/or hearing visits
-   Dedicated dentist
-   Hairdressing
-   Newspaper delivery
Please note that fees published are indicative only. Prices vary based on room sizes, views and ensuite facilities. Final fees to be charged are based on an assessment of the needs and preferences of every Prospective Resident at The Gardens and/or The Balckwell Suite.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Gardens Care Home 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)

Support you may be entitled to

If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Hannah McCurley (Care Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 55+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 1974
  • Last Refurbishment: 2019
  • Number of floors: 1

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (56)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (2)

Visiting

  • Relatives are welcome at anytime, altough kindly ask that you aim to visit outside of protected meal times, which are 12:00-14:00 and 16:30-17:45 pm. Pet friendly home and welcome well-trained pet visitors with a little advanced notice. Prospective Residents can book a tour to be shown around, meet the team and have questions answered.

Parking

  • Visitor parking is available to the side and rear of the home.

The Gardens Care Home Reviews (29)

8.4

The Gardens Care Home has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.357) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Gardens Care Home has 29 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to The Gardens Care Home
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Total of 29, showing 1-20
Review from A W (Respite Resident) published on 10 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was a resident at The Gardens for 2 weeks for respite after having a hip replacement. All the staff were very friendly and did their jobs to a high standard. I felt relaxed and could not of got better looked after.
Reply from Gretel Dixon, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at The Gardens Care Home

Thank you for sharing your positive feedback about your respite stay at The Gardens. We're very pleased to hear you felt relaxed, and that our staff were friendly and looked after you to a high standard throughout your stay. We are committed to continuous improvement and providing the best possible care for our residents, so if you have any further feedback or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for choosing The Gardens.

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Review from C J (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very happy with the care given to my mother.
Friendly, respectful, professional staff.
Reply from Gretel Dixon, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at The Gardens Care Home

Thank you for your kind words about The Gardens. We're pleased to hear that you're happy with the care your mother is receiving and that you've found our staff to be friendly, respectful, and professional. It means a lot to the whole team and we'll let them know of your kind feedback. We are committed to continuous improvement and providing the best possible care for our residents, so if you have any further feedback or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for choosing The Gardens.

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Review from Peter C (Son of Resident) published on 2 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am genuinely impressed with the care and consideration demonstrated by staff at The Gardens Care Home towards all residents. The staff are always easily approachable and their willing to provide any information requested. The care home is always clean and bright and a nice place for residents. I appreciate
it is a very demanding and challenging environment for staff and they meet the challenges daily. My only concern is the lack of activities which would stimulate the residents and add value to their days.
Reply from Gretel Dixon, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at The Gardens Care Home

Thank you for your thoughtful review. We're so pleased to hear that you find the staff approachable and caring, and that the home is clean, bright, and welcoming. We also appreciate your recognition of the challenges staff face and your kind words about how they rise to them. Your feedback about activities has been noted and actioned on. We are committed to continuous improvement and providing the best possible care for our residents, so if you have any further feedback or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for choosing The Gardens.

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Review from D B (Partner of Resident) published on 12 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Been a resident since July/August 2024. Lack of staff, especially at night. Many residents require two members of staff for personal care and there are only three staff during the night which often leads to long delays before they are able to attend to my partner's needs and others. The above colours
my partner's overall opinion of the home which is generally good, with the staff doing their best.
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Review from Anthea R (Wife of Resident) published on 16 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband is in the Blackwell suite of The Gardens Care Home, I can't praise them enough. He is well looked after and loved by all staff and I mean all staff, including cleaners. The care he receives is 100%, the food is first class and also the cleanliness of the home and my husband as well. I come
away from visiting him knowing that he is well cared for and settled and happy.
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Review from Dianne B (Wife of Resident) published on 30 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have visited many nursing homes in recent years and for an overall assessment, this EMI section is simply the best. The accommodation and the staff are superb. The friendly, dignified and helpful way all the residents are looked after is heartwarming. All visitors are welcomed and made to feel at
home.
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Review from Joan S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My parents have both been in The Gardens - my mum for three years and my dad for two. My dad died in the home in July 2022. The carers were brilliant looking after him in his final week before he died. My mum is really happy and has a lovely relationship with all the staff. This makes me relaxed, that
she is in the home.
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Review from S L (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at The Gardens are extremely caring towards the residents. They are patient and kind. In recent times, as Dad's mobility has worsened, they have been proactive in organising a larger room, more appropriate for his wheelchair. We are very grateful to the staff and are reassured that Dad is
being looked after in a safe and caring environment.
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Review from S T (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are amazing, nothing is a problem. I have asked them asking service users what they want to eat, giving them a choice of three things. "Nothing" service user says, then they say "How about a salad with X Y Z on?" "Oh yes please" service user said. A big well done. I have never heard a complaint
from the staff at all. They work long hours and very hard, all the time.
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Review from Julie S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good care overall. My resident has special care needs and the permanent carers are fully informed of these needs but sometimes bank carers are not fully aware. Food is fantastic always freshly cooked and a brilliant variety. The
entertainment and activities are regular and varied. Any issues highlighted,
if reported, are addressed immediately and resolved by the seniors. My resident is happy and I am happy that she is getting the care that she needs. The only negative would be that there seems to be a shortage of permanent carers and they work very long weeks at work.
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Review from Mavis B (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Had hoped like everyone else we were coming to the end of lockdowns. I appreciate the need to keep residents safe but how The Gardens go about this is becoming a joke. Informed on 29th July closed to all except essential carers. Contacted by phone on 2nd Aug reopened. My sister attempted to visit today
to be told they are closed! My family all travel to see mam. It's time The Gardens got some systems in place with regard to updates. I really feel for staff that have to answer the door. They are given no information. Sadly big turnover of staff. I fully appreciate the work done by staff on the floor in particular the kitchen staff who seem to be a constant. I don't believe there have been management changes, however, they don't have any regular contact with relatives.
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Review from Christine L (Wife of Resident) published on 18 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My husband is in The Blackwell Suite at the Gardens for Dementia. He has been there since the beginning of May 2022 on 1-1 care. The Ascot care staff and carers in Blackwell are amazing. However, the one to one carers are not always so good, as some of them do not understand all English and I don't
understand them, also which is a concern. But on the whole, they are very attentive but seems they are learning.
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Review from B D (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 11 May 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
I don't ever see management. I would like staff to be trained in infection risks arising from putting items on the floor. I'm not able to take part in activities. I find the room a little small, particularly during the long periods of "lockdown" recently. Cannot fit two chairs for choice when confined
to room or for a visitor. A happy atmosphere abounds. The staff seem to get on, and it's a welcoming place.
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Review from A F (Resident) published on 22 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have lived at the Gardens since December where I chose to move to. It was very important to me that I came to the Gardens as my brother lived here for more then 7 years. My family have had many years at the Gardens and have always been fond of the place. Since moving here myself, I have settled in
and become friends with the staff and made some special friendships. I would not have moved to any other home. The staff are always happy, friendly and they are always willing to help without question. The rooms are always clean and tidy thanks to the amazing cleaners, I cannot complain about the food the kitchen staff are very good, and the laundry staff do a good job with all the clothes. The carers are also amazing, they work hard and always have a smile on their face. The seniors work very hard and are very good at what they do, they go above and beyond. Thank you for looking after me so well and making me smile.
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Review from Peter K (Nephew of Resident) published on 7 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A lovely place. They can't do enough for my aunty who really loves it there, never have to worry about her as we know she's being well looked after. Such a clean, bright and homely place. All the staff are very professional. Can't recommend the Gardens enough.
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Review from Yvonne B (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum had the best possible loving care and attention during her time residing at The Gardens Care home. The Staff members always went the extra mile to make sure all of her needs were met. They kept me informed of any issues with her health status and made every effort to keep Mum in touch with me
during the pandemic quarantine time. Mum always expressed how happy she was during her stay there. Several staff members became good friends with us over time and really felt like extended members of our family. We cannot thank them enough for all they did for Mum whilst she was in their care.
The home itself is so welcoming and really feels like a home from home with very modern rooms and lovely conservatory areas and garden areas to sit in. And is very accessible, mostly having rooms on the ground floor. I rate it 5* in every respect.
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Review from Sal B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My relative moved into The Gardens from another care home last year. It has proved to be the best thing that has happened. The staff are wonderful, friendly, keep you informed and above all, take everything in their stride, despite my relative's issues with dementia, they seem to be able to deal with
anything. Highly recommended.
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Review from Martin L (Friend of Resident) published on 15 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having waited 8-months to find a suitable care home, The Gardens was chosen to accommodate my father! Having no previous connections to care homes or knowledge, I am really happy with the choice. The place is really nice, happy and well run! The staff on the Blackwell suite are amazing! I know my father
will be looked after and happy.
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Review from R H (Wife of Resident) published on 3 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My husband resides in the Blackwell suite at The Gardens care home, Darlington. This is the third home/hospital he has been in and he is very well settled, much more than other placements. The staff are excellent, very caring and attentive to the needs of residents and families. The home is very clean,
the food is good, activities are well catered for and clients are encouraged to take part. I would have no concerns in recommending The suite to anyone. The staff have a difficult job but always have a smile and have an extremely helpful attitude to all. I am extremely happy with them.
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Review from E T (Wife of Resident) published on 2 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My husband has been in this care home and I cannot speak too highly of the care he has had. The staff are extremely helpful, understanding and compassionate. It is not an easy job to do but I can only speak from experience, as I can visit anytime, being his main carer (at the moment) and have always
found the staff extremely good, giving really good care. We are lucky that we have found this care home and very grateful.
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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.357)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.357) out of 10 for The Gardens Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.7 out of 5 from 4 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 4.625 for The Gardens Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (33 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 48 Ratings = 4.625
  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 3.732 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Gardens Care Home is based on 4 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 = 3.375
    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 56 registered maximum number of service users is 11.2. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 11.2 = 0.357
  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: 12 Nov 2024

Overall Requires improvement

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

Bed Vacancies

Bed Vacancies

Posted: 04 Sep 2025

For up to date information on bed vacancies, please contact us.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (2)

No image found

Hannah McCurley

Job Title: Care Home Manager Joined: 2025

Hannah joined Ascot care in 2025, as Care Home Manager for The Gardens care home and The Blackwell Suite, our nurse-led unit specialised in complex behaviours.

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Kirsty Artle

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2013

Kirsty joined Ascot Care in 2013 as a Care Assistant at The Gardens. Since then, she has been promoted to Team Leader in 2014, Senior Carer in 2017, and Deputy Manager in early 2025.


She has an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, and a CACHE Diploma Level 3.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Gardens Care Home

What types of Care is The Gardens Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment, Eating Disorders & Alcohol / Drug Misuse are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does The Gardens Care Home have?

There are 56 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Gardens Care Home?

Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Near Public Transport, Wheelchair Access, Ground Floor Accommodation only, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Gardens Care Home to the centre of Darlington?

1.4 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 The Gardens Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Gardens Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.