Balgowan House

46 Bartholomew Lane, Hythe CT21 4BX
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9.8 75 Reviews
  • Balgowan House, Hythe
Balgowan House is a well-established nursing home located close to the centre of Saltwood village near Hythe in Kent. The building has recently been extended and refurbished (completed 2016) to provide warm, welcoming and comfortable accommodation for up to forty residents.

Balgowan House is able to offer single or shared occupancy with the option of en-suite facilities in accommodation provided over two floors with two lifts giving access to all areas.

Residents are able to personalise their own rooms and enjoy the spacious and comfortable social areas, well-kept gardens, a sheltered patio and a conservatory.

Nursing and care assistants are available throughout the day and night, with call systems in bedrooms that add to residents' sense of security, and home-cooked meals supporting the pursuit of good health and nutrition.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

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

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing 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
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

All fees are dependent on care needs assessment.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Ann-Marie Miles (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2016

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (34)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)

Visiting

  • Balgowan House welcomes visitors at any time.

Parking

  • Parking is available in the car park as well as unrestricted parking in Bartholomew Lane.

Balgowan House Reviews (75)

9.8

Balgowan House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.758) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Balgowan House has 75 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 66
  • 8
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 75
  • 6
  • 11
  • 23
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Reviewer Connection to Balgowan House
  • 25
  • 11
  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
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  • 1
  • 1
Total of 75, showing 1-20
Review from Keith Alan W (Son of Resident) published on 22 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can tell you that the overall welfare of my mother over the last year has greatly improved and it is all down to the care that she is receiving at Balgowan House. The staff cannot do enough for her. She is fed and entertained and well looked after. Thank you.
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for taking the time to complete this. We take all comments onboard and continually strive to give the best care possible.

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Review from M E (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been here a year now and I have nothing but praise. The staff are lovely and they must be happy working there as they mostly seem to have been there a long time. The home is spotless and has lots of light and an airy feel. It's a great location, there's parking right outside so I can easily
take my mum out for a trip to Hythe.
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for taking the time to do this review. We value all feedback and strive to provide the care that people deserve.

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Review from Carol H (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The end of life care my mum is receiving is exemplary in all aspects. All members of staff are professional caring and welcoming. Standards of cleanliness are high and my mums room is always spotless. It truly is a lovely home and we are grateful and thankful she has been placed there.
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for such lovely comments. Our staff always strive to provide the best possible care.

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Review from Julie O (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Balgowan really do know how to care for the residents. A beautiful clean home with plenty of natural light and a very warm welcome always. Mum is comfortable and content in her surroundings which is the absolute bonus.
It's is a very busy home, but there is always a way to speak to someone if you
have questions.
The staff are supremely compassionate and take great care of residents and families.
This is my second time to place a loved family member into Balgowan's care, which hopefully speaks volumes. I don't know anywhere else I would trust to obtain the care at the levels we get here.
They welcome feedback no matter what, which is a measure of the constant striving to be the best there is, and I know they are.
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for such lovely comments. Our staff always strive to provide the best possible care.

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Review from R T (Cousin of Resident) published on 28 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
As always standard of care for my cousin remains outstanding
Her appearance and general demeanor remain high
The list of mental And physical activities available is wideranging
All staff are always very accommodating
Thank
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your valued comments. We are always looking for ways to improve our service.

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Review from Chris S (Next of Kin) published on 28 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Well run, caring, and resident focussed.
My relative has benefitted from the care she is receiving.
this line is to make up the limit of 200 characters required by the website even though they are not needed
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much for your valued comments. Your feed back is very important to us.

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Review from B O (Son of Resident) published on 20 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very satisfied with the care, attention and management. Very good atmosphere. I visit every day.
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

We really do appreciate your feedback. Thank you.

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Review from M C (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 17 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
A nice nursing home but very busy. Staff very friendly but it's a waiting game especially at weekends if you need attention. I could do with more exercise with walking.
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

We always appreciate feedback and will endeavour to work with residents and family members to address any issues raised.

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Review from G S (Wife of Resident) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I feel the care manager operates an excellent, hands-on approach and is supported very well by all carers and support staff.
Residents are looked after well with their various, often complex needs being met.
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Review from Lance S (Husband of Resident) published on 18 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When I arrive the staff are always helpful and pleasant. My wife appears comfortable and not anxious. The staff are always very pleasant and my wife is always clean. Thank you.
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Review from Clive E (Resident) published on 18 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been here for about three weeks and found the whole experience to be first-class. I am very happy and comfortable.
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Review from J S (Resident) published on 4 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
On an overall experience, I would give Balgowan House 11/10. Excellent home.
Lovely staff, very helpful in every way.
Good home.
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your kind words. We are so pleased that you are happy at Balgowan.

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Review from B L (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 11 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Normally the food is excellent. The vegetables are soft to eat and things are chopped small but when the cover cook is on, we notice the difference. I've noticed that lots of food goes in the bin then whereas usually, everything gets eaten. The staff are really helpful and kind, especially the activities
coordinator.
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your review. We always strive to provide an excellent, varied diet for all our residents. Your views are very important to us.

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Review from Cecil H (Resident) published on 7 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have only been here a few months but I could not overrate my experience here, I have received all the attention that I have needed.
I am here because I had a fall, my son decided I needed 24/7 care which he could not give me.
A special note on the food, excellent. I am 97 years old but still very
alert.
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you, Cecil, for your comments and we are so happy that you are finding life at Balgowan enjoyable.

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Review from Sharon S (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It seems to be an excellent home. The lounge is very bright and clean and my dad's bedroom is clean and pleasant. The staff members I have met have been friendly and nice to my dad, which is important. I wish there were more members of staff though. I am hoping that my dad will be able to come down
to the lounge soon and that we will be able to take him our in the warmer weather. He just needs to be able to walk again.
Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

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

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Review from Sheila D (Wife of Resident) published on 7 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very happy home. Very caring and clean. I wouldn't want my hubby to be anywhere else.
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Review from Vivienne M (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother first came to Balgowan House in January, initially for respite but after going into hospital she returned as a permanent resident. The staff here are all brilliant, very kind and caring, making sure all my mother's needs are met with professionalism and prompt administration. Communication
between the home and the families is great, nothing is too much trouble. I would highly recommend this home to anyone looking to place a loved one.
Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much for such a lovely review of the wonderful care at Balgowan.

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Review from S D (Son of Resident) published on 21 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
On all visits to the nursing home, we have found it clean and tidy in both communal areas and resident's room. All staff are very caring and attentive to their residents and make us feel welcome. Staff always keep us informed of relative's health and well-being. Nice to see there are plenty of activities
planned to keep residents healthy, both mentally and physically.
Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your fantastic review. It is always so rewarding to hear such positive feedback.

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Review from Julie N (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been at Balgowen House for about six months now. She is very well looked after, everybody knows who she is and when we visit we are made very welcome.
Balgowen House is very well run, the staff are always happy, popping their heads into Mum's room checking in on her and asking if we are
ok. Her room is very clean and tidy as are the lounge and dining area and there is always somebody around if we need them.
Finally, we are always kept informed on everything concerning Mum which is much appreciated.
Thank you to the manager and all her team for everything you do.
Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you very much for your lovely review of the home and the team.

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Review from Toni H (Father of Resident) published on 13 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father was not in a good place of mind or health when admitted to Balgowan House from the hospital. Although his health will not improve and is gradually deteriorating, the nursing care staff are lovely and very good with him, and he is so much happier in himself for being there and being well looked
after.
Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to the whole team when their input has made a difference.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.758)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.758) out of 10 for Balgowan House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 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 4.758 for Balgowan House is calculated as follows: ( (209 Excellents x 5) + (55 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 269 Ratings = 4.758
  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 Balgowan House is based on 23 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 23 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: 16 Jan 2020

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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (5)

Ann-Marie

Ann-Marie Miles

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2016

I qualified as a State Enrolled Nurse in 1983 and later as a Registered General Nurse in 2002, gaining both clinical and management experience within the NHS in both hospital and district nursing environments.


I was appointed to the position of Registered Home Manager of Balgowan House in May 2018 having previously been Registered Manager at another Kent care home.


My time at Balgowan has been incredible and have an amazing team and wonderful residents.

Barbara

Barbara Kelly

Job Title: Deputy Manager

I qualified as a registered Mental Nurse in 1981 gaining experience in a large psychiatric hospital, I then completed my general nurse training in 1985 qualifying in 1986. I worked in a large general hospital in Paisley in both Orthopaedics and General surgery and then moved to Kent in 1989. After moving to Kent I managed a small nursing home for 12 years and then worked for Social services for 15 years as a Care manager and Senior Practitioner.
I joined the Balgowan Team in 2016 as deputy Manager and enjoy working with my colleagues to help run the home.

Cassandra

Cassandra Williams

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2000

Cassie Williamson started a BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies in 1997, she worked in various roles before joining Balgowan House in March 2000 as a Health Care Assistant (NVQ 3). Cassie very much enjoyed the role and remained in the post for 15 years. In 2015 the Home Manager introduced a new administration role and she was quickly identified as the perfect candidate.


Cassie is a major support to the Home Manager and everything she does is integral to the day-to-day running of the home. The role is extremely busy, but Cassie enjoys the challenges and variety each day brings. Cassie may now be doing the admin work, but she still spends time interacting with the residents and getting involved in the home’s activities and events. She is a very valued member of the Balgowan team.

Maureen

Maureen Cullen

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Mo is the activities Coordinator for Balgowan House.


She ensures that every resident has interaction and activities each day.


All residents are considered when activities are planned - from arts and crafts to music to events.


Outside entertainers are a regular feature here at Balgowan and family and friends are always welcome.

Cathy and Bev

Cathy and Bev

Job Title: Chef Cook

Cathy has worked for Integrum since 2012, first at Saltwood full time, then here at Balgowan full time. She also is bank Chef between all 3 homes as and when required.


Bev has worked for Balgowan since 2016, first as a carer sometimes helping with the cooking, now just cooking part time!


They pride themselves on cooking, fresh home cooked food for the residents.

Frequently Asked Questions about Balgowan House

What types of Care is Balgowan 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 Balgowan House have?

There are 34 Single Rooms and 3 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Balgowan House?

Own Furniture if required, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Balgowan House to the centre of Hythe?

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