Dovecote Residential Care Home

Hugar Road, High Spen, Rowlands Gill NE39 2BQ
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9.8 80 Reviews
  • Dovecote Residential Care Home, Rowlands Gill
Rated Good in every single area of their Care Quality Commission report (February 2025), Dovecote has a wonderful team of staff who are devoted to enriching the lives of their residents. They provide residential, dementia and respite care, which can be pre-booked.

A warm and welcoming home, it is surrounded by stunning large gardens with wheelchair friendly pathways.

The bedrooms and communal spaces, including light and airy lounges and dining rooms, are beautifully decorated, with many of bedrooms overlooking the gardens.

The staff, some of whom have been there for over 10 years, are passionate about the home being part of the local community. Every Wednesday, from 2pm to 4pm, they welcome local people along to play bingo and enjoy tea and cake with the residents, who love these regular events.

The residents also attend the High Spen Community Group, which is a big part of the local community.

The team are devoted to giving their residents a sense of belonging and purpose, ensuring they are actively involved in the running of the home.

The home is a hive of activity, with the residents enjoying everything from animal therapy and games afternoons, to a gardening club and trips out in the minibus.

Dovecote also has a ‘Magic Table’, a revolutionary piece of technology designed for people living with dementia, which encourages them to socialise through interactive light games, which encourage gentle movement and cognitive stimulation.

The home also has a hairdressing salon, for regular appointments with a mobile hairdresser.

Residents enjoy home-cooked food in the dining rooms, with everything from roast dinners with all the trimmings, to fish and chip Fridays, with home-baking each day for afternoon tea.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 61 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1096
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1096

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 2025 weekly care fees for residential care start from £1096, 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.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Dovecote Residential 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)

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Lesley Dawson (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (61)

Dovecote Residential Care Home Reviews (80)

9.8

Dovecote Residential Care Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.800) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Dovecote Residential Care Home has 80 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 80
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Reviewer Connection to Dovecote Residential Care Home
  • 23
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Total of 80, showing 41-60
Review from Hazel W (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Pleased with how my dad is cared for, he always seems happy and I know that the girls care for him.
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Review from E S (Niece of Resident) published on 8 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly, professional and caring company who have the care and welfare of residents in mind.
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Review from P D (Resident) published on 7 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It has been very hard and tough, but very pleased it is nicely going in the right direction.
Everyone has been great.
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Review from S C (Son of Resident) published on 7 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
Dad always seems happy and care free.
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Review from Dawn C (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 4 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am very happy with the care that's being provided to my grandma.
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Review from Lilian R (Wife of Resident) published on 4 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I find this home excellent, staff are always available to talk to, food is great, it's good to know my husband is being well provided for and looked after by caring people.
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Review from Carolyn D (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been in the home for a number of years and has always been very content here. He chose the home himself before his dementia developed. The staff and management have always kept us informed of his wellbeing and what was going on with his care. When we have visited, we have been welcomed
in and treated in a kind and caring manner. My father has been dealt with compassionately and during the last year has been tended to and looked after amazingly through developing Covid and his recovery. Thank you so much for your help and support through this time.
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Review from Paulene W (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Find all staff very friendly and informed whenever necessary about Mom. Happy with Mom's care.
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Review from Frank H (Son of Resident) published on 2 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very happy with care home and care my mother receives.
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Review from Vera W (Resident) published on 30 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I like living in this home. I feel safe and I am well looked after and cared for. There is always someone here to look after you if you are not well.
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Review from M H (Grandson of Resident) published on 20 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant staff!
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Review from Linda K (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are beyond grateful for the love and care Mum receives in Dovecote. Importantly not only is Mum well taken care of, the support for us as a family is unwavering. The activities are well thought out, keeping the residents engaged and stimulated. Mum is happy there. The carers are truly 'carers'. The
whole team are great, just 'nice' people.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you for such kind words about our home - it is really appreciated by the whole team. Best wishes, Fae

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Review from N R (Husband of Resident) published on 17 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My wife has been very happy with the care she has received on her week-long visit for respite care. The food is good and the staff helpful. The only negative has been that both times she has been in for respite care, head office has got the bill wrong. Overall I have been happy with her care and have
booked for next time.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you for your kind words about our team and our home. I am sorry to hear of the error and am more than happy to feed this back to them. I am sure the staff are looking forward to seeing your wife again. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from Vivian E (Wife of Resident) published on 31 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has been in Dovecote since Oct 2018 and has received the best care and attention I could wish for.
He has been treated with dignity and kindness and as for myself I have been very well looked after and given a lot of support. I am very glad I chose the home for him. I would recommend it
to anyone who is looking for nursing care/residential care for themselves or relatives.
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Review from Jane B (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care my mam receives is excellent. It makes me very happy when my mam tells me she is happy at Dovecote.
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Review from Paul B (Brother-in-law of Resident) published on 23 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In reception with chicken and rabbits. Lots of fun. Staff friendly and committed.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Dear Paul, thank you for your kind words, our residents and staff love the animals we keep. I will be sure to pass your kind words on. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from Pam G (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 10 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Father in law has been in Dovecote for a number of years now, in this time our family have never worried about any aspect of his care. Due to his illness, he is not the easiest of patients but he is treated with the utmost respect as are all of the residents. A lovely nurse showed me the new tea
room they are creating along with other areas filled with memorabilia to make the residents feel more happy and relaxed. Most of the work is completed by the staff in their own time and the cost is being met by donations and fundraising.


Keep up the good work Dovecote from a very grateful daughter in law.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Dear Pam, thank you for your kind words - your feedback truly is invaluable to our team and the care they provide. Best wishes.

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Review from Alan B (Son of Resident) published on 18 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has been in Dovecote for nearly 9 years now. She has had nothing but the best attention and care from all of the staff.
The appearance and cleanliness of the rooms is excellent.
We have the security of knowing she is being well looked after.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Dear Alan, thank you for feedback. It is wonderful to hear how well you feel your mother is cared for and how the family has peace of mind her being in our care. I will be sure to pass this onto the team, it'll be much appreciated. Best wishes,

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Review from J C (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 11 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Enjoy every day, not hard to please, no concerns with anything in this care provider.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Dear Joan, thank you so much for your lovely feedback - we are so pleased how content you are with us here. Best wishes, Fae.

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Review from Louise F (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 8 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Nanna initially went into Dovecote in September 2018 for end of life care. She was always slightly feisty with the staff but the staff were brilliant with her. When it came to her end, the staff were amazing with me and all of my family, very caring, and gave us the support we needed at that very
difficult time. I would highly recommend Dovecote to anyone, as the staff are brilliant, management great, facilities and cleanliness is outstanding.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Dear Louise, thank you so much for your kind feedback. Whilst I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your Nanna, I am pleased to hear how satisfied you are with the care she received, and in turn, the support given to your family at such a difficult time. I will be sure to pass this onto the team. Best wishes, Fae.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.800)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.800) out of 10 for Dovecote Residential Care Home 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 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.800 for Dovecote Residential Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (165 Excellents x 5) + (30 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 200 Ratings = 4.8
  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 Dovecote Residential Care Home is based on 17 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 61 registered maximum number of service users is 12.2, which has been reached with 17 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: 22 Oct 2024

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 (8)

Meet the Team (11)

Gillian

Gillian Armstrong

Job Title: Team Leader Joined: 2017

Gillian has worked for Sanctuary for over 6 years and she loves working with our residents.


"I am so passionate about care, so really believe this reflects in the standard of the work I do and care I give to our residents."

Amanda

Amanda Thacker

Job Title: Head Chef Joined: 1998

I have worked at Dovecote for 25 years and make sure all the residents have such a good balanced and nutritious diet with food they love to eat. I love to do home baking.

Julie

Julie Ackerley

Job Title: Care Assistant Joined: 2016

I have worked at Dovecote for 7 years and I love the residents. We are a really good team that work so well together.

Francesca

Francesca Atkinson

Job Title: Team Leader Joined: 2019

Working here gives me so much back - it’s very rewarding. I have a good rapport with the residents and it’s great to be part of the team here. I am a very approachable person, and I always have a smile on my face!

Lynne

Lynne Younger

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2021

Lynne has worked for us at Dovecote since 2021 and 'loves being a part of a big team and being around and spending time with our residents'.

Harry

Harry Hopper

Job Title: Maintenance Operative Joined: 2023

I love interacting with the residents and the staff here are brilliant - it’s such a good place to work.
I am always told I do a good job I am really appreciated at Dovecote which is really good.

Gill

Gill Ord

Job Title: Care Assistant Joined: 2022

It’s so lovely to laugh with the residents and make them happy. Everyone at Dovecote is so friendly - and the staff are just brilliant to work with.

Tracy

Tracy Cummings

Job Title: Housekeeper Joined: 2013

My name is Tracy and I have worked here for 10 years.
I absolutely love the home and the residents. It is a lovely place to work and such a happy environment.

Alan

Alan Nairn

Job Title: Housekeeper Joined: 1998

My name is Alan and I have worked at Dovecote for 25 years.
I love working for our residents, it’s like an extended family.

Louise

Louise Foster

Job Title: Activities co-ordinator Joined: 2022

I like working with the residents and staff, they are wonderful it’s a lovely place to work.

Claire

Claire Wade

Job Title: Housekeeper Joined: 2022

I love working here. Dovecote is a fabulous place to work - the residents, the job and the staff, it’s all amazing!

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