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Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Hill Road, Watlington, Oxfordshire OX49 5AE
Sanctuary Care Ltd Logo
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Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home logo
It's like being part of a familyPamela B(Resident / Service User)
Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home, Watlington
Excellent food with a good choice on the menuDiana B(Resident / Service User)
Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home, Watlington
Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home, Watlington

Watlington is a stunning home in a rural village, with spectacular gardens overlooking the Chiltern Hills. But it’s the outstanding CQC rated team (April 2019) and the care they provide which makes it special.

So many of the team, who provide residential, dementia, nursing, palliative and pre-bookable respite care, have been at Watlington for over 10 years.

They are passionate about getting to know who their residents are as unique...  

Care Provided by Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • 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 60 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Facilities

  • Lift
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential CareFrom £1,554From £1,554
Nursing CareFrom £2,156N/A

Our weekly fees are individual to each of our residents and are subject to a pre-admission assessment, which is required to understand the level of care and support needed. Our 2026 weekly care fees for residential care start from £1554 and for nursing care £2156, but may be in the region of 30% more*. This depends on your care needs and the type of bedroom that is right for you, from our standard rooms through to our premium bedroom options.

*If you require more specialist care such as 1-2-1 support, your weekly fee could be higher.

Contact Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home 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)

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 £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Group / Owner

Person in charge

  • Julie Cooper(Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (60)

Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home Reviews (159)

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9.9

Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.925) out of 10, based on 47 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has 159 reviews.

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Showing 159 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Chrisoula C (Wife of Resident) published on 19 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My husband has been here since November 2024. He has been treated with care and dignity. All the staff are respectful and make real effort to have a personal connection with the residents. All concerns have been dealt with promptly, and I have been up dated on any falls or other problems.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind feedback. We're so pleased to hear that your husband feels cared for and respected at Watlington - it is so appreciated.

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Review from Michelle B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 11 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My mother-in-law has been very well looked after and is very happy and settled.

Reply from Jacob Hardie, Design and Marketing Assistant at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words. We're so pleased to hear your mother-in-law is happy and well settled. It means a lot to us!

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Review from Paul O (Son of Resident) published on 26 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

All members of the Watlington Nursing Home clearly care passionately about what they do.There is a genuine interest in the welfare of all residents. Great efforts are made to provide a variety of activities to care for all, whether its a trip out, quiz night, singalong, arts and crafts or gardening. The kindness of staff in their interaction with residents is clear. Residents are treated as individuals and I feel 110% that my mother is in a safe and protected environment. She is happy which is what matters most.

Reply from Jacob Hardie, Design and Marketing Assistant at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind words. We're truly grateful for your trust and are so pleased to hear your mother feels happy and safe with us. Our team is passionate about providing personalised care and meaningful activities, and your feedback means a great deal to us all.

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Review from I S (Son of Resident) published on 16 June 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My mother has been a resident for several months and the standard of care is outstanding. From the beginning all of the staff irrespective of their role have been very supportive, kind and helpful. The nursing staff are very diligent in ensuring that all the nursing needs are addressed either themselves or by working closely with external agencies. Care staff are kind and empathetic despite having to meet challenging needs. All of the support staff are very friendly and helpful. A real effort is made by the management and all of the staff to create a welcoming culture and friendly environment while ensuring an excellent standard of care is provided. The lovely setting and quality of the facilities contribute to the very high standard, but it is all the staff that play the most important role in enabling the standard of care to be of such high quality.

Reply from Jacob Hardie, Design and Marketing Assistant at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your thoughtful and generous feedback. We're so pleased to hear that your mother is receiving the high standard of care we strive to provide. It means a great deal to know that our entire team-from nursing and care staff to support and management-has made a positive impact. Your kind words truly reflect the values we work hard to uphold every day.

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Review from Richard H (Friend of Resident) published on 23 May 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The staff were very kind and caring. The food was good (we had lunch with a resident. The place has a bright and calm atmosphere. We are and were very impressed and left convinced our relative is in very good hands.

Reply from Jacob Hardie, Design and Marketing Assistant at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words. We're so glad you had a positive visit and felt reassured about your relative's care. Your feedback means a lot to our team.

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Review from Jill S (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 20 May 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

On my latest visit it was so lovely to see Gran talking animatedly about a concert given by some children who volunteered a performance. Music has always been so important to her and it is fantastic that the care home organises so many musicians to visit. It really brightens her day and she keeps talking about it for weeks afterwards. The staff are also really good at taking photos of the events so we get to see her actually enjoying them.

Reply from Jacob Hardie, Design and Marketing Assistant at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind review. We're so pleased your Gran is enjoying the events organised by the home, It's lovely to hear how much joy these bring her.

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Review from S W (Wife of Resident) published on 16 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Our sons & myself are very pleased & reassured by the care he received at Watlington.

Reply from Jacob Hardie, Design and Marketing Assistant at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your review regarding the care at Watlington. We're very glad to hear you and your sons are happy with the care your loved one received.

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Review from Tracy B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 16 May 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My lovely mother in law has been a dementia resident at Watlington Care Home since August 2022. My father in law has also been a respite resident there for the past few weeks.
My family & I are all so grateful for the superb care that both have been given in their time there.
The staff are simply quite outstanding, always happy to help. Always smiling & laughing with the residents, making it such a happy place. Nothing is too much trouble.
The facilities, grounds, food & equipment are all of an excellent standard & quality but ultimately it is the staff that makes Watlington such a special place.

Thank you all for all that you do.

Reply from Jacob Hardie, Design and Marketing Assistant at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful review. We are pleased to hear that both your mother-in-law and father-in-law have received the care and support they deserve. Your recognition of our team's dedication and the quality of our environment is sincerely appreciated.

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Review from W F (Son of Resident) published on 8 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
My father has been cared for by Sanctuary Care for the last 4 years. I can honestly not fault the care home from the moment you walk in, the sense of "sanctuary" is felt. Clean, welcoming, all staff I have encountered have been fantastic. The caring levels are brilliant. I could say much, much more.

Big thank you to the Sanctuary Care Team. Would highly recommend.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind words about Sanctuary Care. We are delighted to hear that your father has received such excellent care during his time with us.

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Review from N H (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 5 May 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
We joined my Dad for lunch with his wife who is a resident in the dementia unit of the care home. First impressions were positive. The staff were welcoming and friendly. Lunch was tasty (roast chicken with Yorkshire pudding and vegetables , followed by dessert). We were able to eat as a family in a separate dining room overlooking the garden.
My step Mum's room was small but comfortable with an en-suite toilet and basin. What struck me was the gentle manner with which the staff addressed the residents. Each of the residents had their own photo mounted in a frame by their door outside their room. This helps them to identify their own room but perhaps it also helps care givers to see them as real people who have lived real lives.

There were recent photos displayed of my step mum engaging in activities with the other residents. I have the impression that there is a positive working atmosphere between the staff.

Reply from Jacob Hardie, Design and Marketing Assistant at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful review. We're so pleased you had a positive experience visiting your step mum and enjoyed lunch together in our garden-view dining room. It's heartening to hear that you felt welcomed by our team and noticed the respectful, caring atmosphere we strive to maintain.

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Review from S H (Friend of Resident) published on 22 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Lovely atmosphere, staff always chatty & helpful. Plenty of activities, my friend's hair and nails always well kept. Care is always taken so that clothing is well presented and colour co-ordinated. In fact, everywhere is very colourful, this is important. Love to see all the photographs of activities, everyone looks happy & cheerful. As a lady approaching 90, the sort of place I would like if needed! The food (from the menu) always looks intresing.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're delighted that the vibrant atmosphere and attentive care have made such a positive impression. It's wonderful to hear that your friend feels so happy and well looked after. Your kind words truly mean a lot to us, thank you.

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Review from Sandra C (Friend of Resident) published on 22 April 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I have visited a friend in the Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home regularly over the last 2 years, and it has always been a total joy. All the Reception and Care staff have have greeted us with a beaming smile, offered us news of our friend, including showing recent photographs taken at activities or celebrations, and created the most wonderful atmosphere throughout. How lucky the residents to be surrounded by beautiful countryside and totally committed staff.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We're so pleased that your visits have been so joyful and that our team has helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We're grateful for your kind words.

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Review from M L (Wife of Resident) published on 9 April 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Although my husband has complex needs and has only been a resident for 6 weeks I have found the nurses and care staff to be very compassionate when dealing with him which has helped him to settle in very quickly. I have always received regular updates on my husband's progress which has helped me enormously and has made me feel very included in his care. The home itself is spotlessly clean and very comfortable and the food is exceptionally good. Thank you to the management team and all the other staff for the smooth running of such a lovely home.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We understand how important it is for families to feel included and reassured, especially when a loved one has complex needs. It's wonderful to hear that our staff have helped your husband settle in with such compassion. Your kind words will mean so...  

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Review from N C (Wife of Resident) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Carried out in a friendly, helpful manner. All questions quickly and clearly answered. Excellent.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your positive feedback for our team at Watlington. Your kind words highlight the excellent service provided - thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

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Review from Julian B (Son of Resident) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My father was treated with care and dignity at Watlington care home. He enjoyed the many communal activities, and particularly liked the gardens during the summer. The carers were patient and gentle, and the home itself was clean and smart.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words about our team at Watlington. We're delighted to hear that your father was so well cared for and enjoyed the activities and beautiful gardens. Our team takes great pride in providing outstanding care and your feedback will mean a lot to them, thank you.

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Review from C C (Cousin of Resident) published on 3 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My cousin has been at Watlington Care Home for around two years now and I cannot praise it enough. From the moment I walk through the door, I'm always met with a warm welcome, and it truly feels like a place where we're valued as family. The staff are consistently friendly, approachable, and incredibly helpful. They always make me feel encouraged to help myself to a cup of tea, join in with the activities and even stay for lunch if I wish which only costs £3 for two courses. The home itself is immaculate, always spotless, and fresh smelling. It's clear that cleanliness is a top priority. The level of care my cousin receives is outstanding, and it's reassuring to know they are in such capable and compassionate hands. I am so grateful for everything this home provides, and it gives me peace of mind knowing my cousin is so well looked after and is very happy.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your heartfelt review, the team at Watlington will be so pleased to read your kind words. It's wonderful to hear that you feel so welcomed and valued whenever you visit. We take great pride in creating a warm, family-like atmosphere and ensuring both residents and their loved ones...  

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Review from Rosie C (Regular Volunteer) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I volunteer for a couple of hours once a week at Watlington, and I continue to be amazed at the level of care experienced by the residents. The staff have total understanding of the needs of all the residents, and can tell me instantly who would appreciate my company, whether it be being read to, or listening to music, or simply having a chat! The residents, without exception, always tell me how lovely the staff are and how well they are looked after. I hear about winning quizzes, listening to a visiting pianist, and how they can't wait for the good weather so they can go outside and enjoy the beautiful garden! I think they're busier than I am!

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind words and for dedicating your time to volunteering at Watlington. It's wonderful to hear how much you enjoy your visits and how engaged our residents are in such meaningful experiences. Our team takes great pride in creating a warm and stimulating environment, and it's wonderful to know their efforts are appreciated, thank you.

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Review from C B (Regular Volunteer) published on 28 January 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I have been visiting Sanctuary Care Home since April last year as a regular, weekly volunteer. The residents are looked after really kindly with gentleness and concern whilst maintaining a professional attitude. The residents tell me how lovely the staff are and they clearly love living there. There are plenty of a variety of activities organised for all tastes and everyone is encouraged to join in. This is a real 'home from home' with all the nursing care provided.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience as a volunteer. We truly appreciate your dedication and the positive impact you have on our residents at Watlington. It's wonderful to hear how much they enjoy living here and value our team's care and support....  

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Review from Charlie B (Friend of Resident) published on 23 January 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My friend has been a resident at Watlington for about 5 years, her husband was also a resident here previously. I have visited her many times and can only speak highly of the care she has received from all the wonderful staff. From the lovely welcome you receive when you come through the door from the team at Reception, the Housekeeping team, Nurses and Care staff are always very friendly and accommodating. I was very pleased that my friend came to this home as it really is a home from home. Great food, always clean and well maintained and a great management team.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review, the team at Watlington will be touched to read your kind words. We're delighted to hear that your friend has received such wonderful care from every single member of the team, from reception and housekeeping, to our nurses and care staff....  

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Review from B W (Relative of Resident) published on 21 January 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My uncle entered the Watlington Residential and Nursing Home last year. He has complex health issues but was extremely independent before a long illness made full-time care necessary. We didn't expect his transition from independent living to be easy but both staff and management have gone beyond the call of duty to make him - and us, as his family - feel at home. The staff on reception are brilliant, professional and a total delight to deal with while the nursing and care staff are every bit as attentive, respectful, kind and knowledgeable as you could hope for. Meanwhile the home itself is immaculately clean, beautiful and well-maintained as well as comfortable. The food is also exceptionally good, varied and nutritionally balanced. All of this plus regular entertainment, therapy dog visits, thoughtful personal touches and organised activities make the Watlington the kind of nursing and residential home, I wish everyone who needs one, had access to. Superb in every way.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for sharing such a detailed and glowing review. We're so pleased to hear how well your uncle has settled in and that both he and your family feel so at home. It's wonderful to know that our staff in every area of the home have provided the attentive and compassionate support he deserves....  

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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 19 April 2019
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 (4) & Events (0)

News
  • 27 Jul 2026

    We're incredibly proud to share that we've been recognised in the Lottie Awards 2026, receiving not one but two outstanding accolades: Top 100 Care Home Top 10 for Outdoor Space...

  • 21 Apr 2026

    93-year-old resident at Sanctuary Care’s Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has joyfully celebrated a milestone in his faith, proving that you can achieve your dreams at any age....

  • 03 Feb 2026

    It was the red-carpet treatment for our team at Watlington in Oxfordshire, recently, when they scooped victory at the prestigious Caring UK Awards 2025. Watlington and District Residential and Nursing...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home.

Awards / Recognitions (9)

Meet the Team (7)

Julie Cooper
Julie CooperJob Title:Home ManagerJoined: 2005

Julie has worked at Watlington and District Nursing Home for nearly two decades, proudly leading her devoted team to their CQC 'Outstanding' rating in 2019.

Julie has a very loyal and long-serving team, who are passionate about enriching the lives of their residents each and every day.

Samantha May
Samantha MayJob Title:Care AssistantJoined: 2020

Samantha has been working as a care assistant since 2020 and loves making her residents smile.

Quenie Pastrana
Quenie PastranaJob Title:NurseJoined: 2022

After working with us at Watlington since 2022, it now feels like home for our registered nurse Quenie.

Leila Verran
Leila VerranJob Title:AdministratorJoined: 2010

Leila loves helping people and has been our administrator for over a decade at Watlington.

Maggie Lloyd
Maggie LloydJob Title:Team LeaderJoined: 2005

Maggie has nearly worked at Watlington for an amazing 20 years and loves the family feel to the home.

Hassa Belarhino
Hassa BelarhinoJob Title:NurseJoined: 2022

Hassa has worked with us since 2022 and really enjoys caring for our residents. She says Watlington is a lovely home to work and live in.

Marion Stevens
Marion StevensJob Title:Team LeaderJoined: 2004

Marion has also worked at Watlington for nearly two decades. She says Watlington is such a happy place to be, and her residents and fellow colleagues are just the best.

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