Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home

Etchingham Road, Burwash, Etchingham TN19 7BE
Review Us
9.7 122 Reviews
  • Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home, Etchingham
With its own extensive grounds, Dudwell St Mary is conveniently situated on the outskirts of Burwash Village, East Sussex, a very short distance from both Etchingham and Heathfield, 15 miles from Tunbridge Wells, 16 miles from Hastings and 19 miles from Eastbourne.

Dudwell St Mary is a stunning home based on the site of a former convent, with historic character and beautiful features and is tastefully decorated.

They provide first-class care for dementia in the Memory Lane community along with nursing and residential care in appropriate communities in the beautiful home. Respite breaks are also available in the home with both the needs of residents and their loved ones being well catered for.

This team of highly qualified and attentive staff really focus on the individual needs of residents with a tailored care plan for each person, which includes a personalised lifestyle plan offered through meaningful activity and one-to-one time.

Nothing is too much to ask here at Dudwell St Mary and welcome visitors in at any time to come and meet the general manager and have a look around the home, as well a piece of homemade cake and a drink too!

Show Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home on the Map

Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • 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 65 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Stroke

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1840
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1840

This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment. For nursing care, Weekly Fee rate will be dependent on personal needs.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Dudwell St Mary 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

Person in charge

  • Emma Rich-Spice (Senior General Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Assessment will always be completed prior to any move in
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2022
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (61)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (43)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)

Visiting

  • Dudwell St Mary is situated in the heart of 'Kipling' country with large extensive grounds that overlook the Dudwell river valley. Why not arrange a visit to see for yourself, guests are always welcome to visit and to join residents for lunch. The home is situated just one mile from Etchingham station

Parking

  • Dudwell St Mary Care Home have own on site parking facilities.

Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home Reviews (122)

Total of 122, showing 61-80
9.7

Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.683) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home has 122 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 92
  • 29
  • 0
  • 1
  • 0

Date Published

122
8
12
27
95

Review from M E (Son of Resident) published on 14 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All members of staff are helpful, welcoming, caring and professional.
They have all helped to make a difficult situation much easier and taken a huge weight of concern off of our minds.
Thank you to you all!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J W (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Communication between staff and relatives is excellent.
Everyone tries hard to evaluate situations and adapt accordingly to give the resident the best care possible. The food is thoughtfully prepared and offered generously to relatives who simply want to have a cup of tea with their loved ones. Nothing
is too much trouble.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lynda M (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum is relatively new and was very distressed at first. The staff were very patient and made her feel safe, helping her to eat and ensuring she has enough liquid and nourishment. As a family, we feel that Mum is being well looked after and don't feel guilty if we are unable to visit every day.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Sue B (Wife of Resident) published on 19 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was taken here two weeks ago. Amazing care has been provided to him as well as me and his family. I can't thank them enough and know that he is in the very best place.

Reply from Patrick McCrossan, General Manager at Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home

Many thanks for your encouraging feedback. I am pleased that you are happy with our care for your husband and I am delighted that he is settling in well.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from E C (Resident) published on 5 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a very pleasant care home in beautiful wooded surroundings. The buildings are spacious and comfortable. The staff are very efficient and also very caring and helpful.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Caroline C (Wife of Resident) published on 25 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to send a huge thank you to the amazing staff at Dudwell St Mary for the most amazing, surprise lunch that they organised for our 44th wedding anniversary last Friday. It was such a surprise I was speechless. The table was set as if in a top-notch restaurant, flowers, wine, a banner and
a card signed by all the staff, I was so overwhelmed that I had tears in my eyes driving home.
My husband has been a resident at this home for nearly six months and has multiple health issues, but the care that he receives is outstanding. Each and every member of staff are kind, caring, compassionate, tactile (a hug, stroke of the head, holding a hand goes a long way). Every resident is subject to the utmost care and devotion, dignity, respect, kindness and compassion, almost as if it was a member of their own family. Thank you one and all for taking such fantastic care of my husband.
I love you all.
Dudwell Saint Mary ROCKS.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from L N (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my parents have been residents of Dudwell St Mary Care Home, Burwash. Sadly my father passed away in February, however he only had a short stay here, where he was treated with kindness and dignity. My mother is still a resident and all the staff treat her with great kindness. My mother has dementia
and can be muddled but I feel that she is safe here and I like all the people who look after her and this is very important to me.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Ann D (Son of Resident) published on 12 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely surroundings and a beautiful area. Excellent communal lounge and spa bath. Happy and no complaints.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jill W (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Following a nasty fall, my father needed extra care to help him recover. I arranged a ten-night stay at Dudwell St Mary. From my first phone call, the staff were very accommodating and everyone looked after dad so well. I would highly recommend their respite service to anyone in a similar situation.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Ann D (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 22 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Good food, good home cooking, plenty of variety.
Lovely staff.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Stella D (Wife of Resident) published on 7 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy that I chose Dudwell St Mary, Burwash for my husbands 24 hour residential care. I have been more than pleased with the care and support they have given my husband through his very complex behaviour and health problems. He became a resident because of his deteriorating condition with
mixed dementia and Alzheimers in November 2017 and I am very impressed with the prompt way I have been updated and informed of everything during his time there.
Sometimes a calming voice and a friendly hug can work wonders!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S V (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

During my association with Dudwell St Mary (over 4 years), the standards of care have been excellent on the whole. When problems have arisen they have been dealt with promptly and efficiently. Because I have visited on a daily basis I have been impressed by the care, dedication, respect and consideration
shown to residents.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from K S (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone is kind and caring and very professional. I can't fault the nursing staff at all. Brilliant.
My parents would like more to do and to go out on visits.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Brenda B (Sister of Resident) published on 23 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Extremely nice location in the countryside. Very welcoming facility with both friendly and efficient staff which is well managed.
Their main focus is on the welfare and wellbeing of all the residents.
The food is excellent which provides the residents with a very good selection of extremely well
prepared dishes.
The care home is very well furnished, clean and secure. I can certainly recommend Dudwell St Mary.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Mark H (Son of Resident) published on 4 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My parents were medically evacuated from their home as they were no longer coping and were very ill. Initial respite stabilised them and the excellent and thoughtful care from Dudwell staff has improved their lives considerably, despite being away from their home. We have converted to a permanent contract
since returning home is now not viable.

Reply from Michelle Kirwan, General Manager at Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home

Dear Mark, Thank you for your comments on the level of care for your loved ones. It is a pleasure to support them and see them become well in themselves.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Robert B (Son of Resident) published on 3 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been at Dudwell for some six years now and I have never had cause to complain. Mother is very happy and well looked after. Unfortunately, she is not inclined to mix with other residents, but that is her fault - not yours. Overall - VERY happy, and the new manager is the best she's had.

Reply from Sam Kirwan, Senior General Manager at Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home

Dear Robert, Thank you so much for the compliment, I am flattered. It is a delight to take of your Mum and provide a safe place for her to live. See you soon in the home.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Henrietta M (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother spent a week here while my family and I went on holiday. I spoke to her daily and she said the staff were fantastic, really lovely. She was very well looked after and her room was lovely, she enjoyed her stay and looks forward to the next one in August! It has a very nice atmosphere.

Reply from Sam Kirwan, Manager at Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home

Thank you so much, it was a pleasure to look after your Mum and know that you had an enjoyable break for yourself and your family. I look forward to seeing you in August.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Keith R (Son of Resident) published on 23 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

In some ways, difficult to compare with the competition as this is the only care home we have known in recent years.
I can say though, that the nursing staff have always been very helpful, especially since my mother's health has deteriorated.
They have kept us fully informed with any developments
and have shown a caring attitude.
It is good to see a new general manager is now in place.

Reply from Sam Kirwan, Senior General Manager at Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home

Hi Keith, it is a pleasure to support you and your family with the care that Mum needs. Thank you.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Graham F (Son of Resident) published on 10 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After a lengthy stay in hospital following a fall, my 91-year-old father found himself in need of permanent care. Social services recommended this home amongst a few others. When I visited I was pleasantly surprised at the high standards exhibited. The place is spotless and the staff appear cheerful
and professional. If you needed somewhere at the twilight of your days, then you could do a lot worse than here.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from James M (Son of Resident) published on 7 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having visited other care homes in the area (East Sussex), I was impressed by the staff, facilities, friendliness and layout of the Dudwell St Mary care home. Clean rooms with windows she could look out onto nice views, comfortable, small, intimate dining areas (not one big institutional canteen as
in other homes), wide corridors. Here the staff had time for the residents to get to know the likes and dislikes of the residents and treat them with dignity.

Reply from Sam Kirwan, Senior General Manager. at Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home

Dear James
Thank you for your kind and positive words, I am pleased that you find our home layout comfortable, as we would always aim to make it as homely as possible.
kind regards,
Sam.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.683)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.683) out of 10 for Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 26 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.683 for Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (233 Excellents x 5) + (57 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (2 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 306 Ratings = 4.683

  • b) 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 Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home is based on 26 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 65 registered maximum number of service users is 13, which has been reached with 26 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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: 28 Sep 2018

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

2 Bed Vacancies

posted 07 Aug 2025

Two Dementia nursing

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Awards / Recognitions (36)

Meet the Team (8)

Emma

Emma Rich-Spice

Job Title: Senior General Manager

Joined: 2023

Hi. My name is Emma Rich-Spice and I am the General Manager at Dudwell St Mary.


I trained in mental health and care management and forensics as a degree and have been managing adult nursing and complex care home services now for over 20 years. I bring a deep and caring knowledge of how to ensure the care given to you and your loved ones is at a standard you would expect and more so. My door is always open for a coffee and a chat for all. Care is a huge passion of mine, one of which has led me to the House of Lords to positively champion adult social care and those who live and work within.


For me, kind, caring, personalised and holistic care should be at the heart of everything my team and I will provide for you and we will take the time to get you know you and deliver the best service we can to your wishes to live as independent life as possible.


To be able to make a difference and share a part of your journey with you is something we find humbling and rewarding and cannot wait to meet you when you come to visit us or come into our care.

Oana

Oana Vieru

Job Title: Clinical Deputy Manager

Joined: 2022

My name is Oana and I believe that helping people is part of who I am.


I was originally trained as a nurse in Bucharest, Romania. I arrived in Kent, UK in January 2015 and since then, I have worked as a Registered Nurse in various care settings. As part of my professional journey, I have managed a Residential Home and worked on other projects, all focusing on elderly health and social care.


I have an NVQ L5 in Leadership and Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Social Care. Since 2015, I have worked towards building my career around helping people and I hope to continue doing so for many years to come.


My role at Dudwell St Mary allows me to be part of an amazing team of professionals who make all the efforts to provide the best care services and improve our residents’s life quality.


I am enthusiastic about the role I have, I consider myself kind, approachable, hardworking team orientated and always willing to help others.

Caroline

Caroline Morley

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2011

Hi, my name is Caroline, and I joined the team here at Dudwell in February 2011. My role as Administrator involves managing payroll, accounts and HR, in addition to the financial and business systems in the home, working closely with the General Manager.


I enjoy meeting residents old and new, along with their loved ones, and building these relationships.


I am supported by two members of the admin team to ensure that we deliver a high standard of work.

Soraia

Soraia Cunha

Job Title: Unit Manager St Mary's

Joined: 2011

Soraia is our wonderful Unit Manager Nurse for our St Mary's nursing unit. Soraia has been with Dudwell for approx. 10 years now and is a well-respected member of our team. She does a fantastic job with the staff rota, and care planning and is a great support role/mentor to our RGNs. Soraia is passionate about all aspects of elderly nursing care and we are grateful to have her working with our team as she brings compassionate care to the forefront.

Linda

Linda Lawes

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Joined: 2008

My Name is Linda and I am one of the Activities Co-ordinators at Dudwell St. Mary care home.


I joined Dudwell St Mary in April 2008 as a Housekeeping Assistant and later became the Head of Housekeeping. In 2018 I then became an activities coordinator where I brought lots of new and exciting ideas to the role.


I am passionate about my role within the home and aim to bring a smile to all our residents’ faces through different types of activities. My personality is bright and bubbly so aim to share this each day at work.


As I gather the resident's likes and dislikes if you would like to come and chat with me about your family member please contact the home to arrange.

Glenda

Glenda Mills

Job Title: Care Practitioner

Joined: 1995

I have been working at Dudwell St Mary for 23 years and have gained both NVQ level 2 and level 3 in care during this time. I became a team leader two and a half years ago and am now a Care Practitioner. I have two daughters, the youngest of whom works here as well as a Care assistant!

Augustine

Augustine Irabor

Job Title: Senior Carer & Speak Up Champion

Joined: 2020

My name is Augustine and I am a Senior Care Assistant and Speak Up Champion at Dudwell St Mary.


I have been working in the care industry for 3 years. I absolutely love my role and I find fulfilment in caring and assisting the residents.


Since working at Dudwell St Mary, I have received a great amount of training and support. As a Speak Up Champion, I am able to support residents and colleagues to speak up on areas of concern and need for improvement within Dudwell St Mary.

David

David Bexhell

Job Title: Head Of Maintenance and H&S Champion

Joined: 2020

Hello my name is David, I am the Head of Maintenance at Dudwell St Mary. This role is varied and challenging to keep the home environment to the highest standard possible and to ensure that both residents and staff can enjoy their surroundings safely. I started this role in July 2020 after working as the maintenance manager of a holiday park for six years. When I was made redundant I decided to pursue a more rewarding career in the care home sector and I am very happy I did! Previously to this, I have been self-employed as a handyman and I am a fully qualified electrician.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Barchester Dudwell St Mary Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.