Layston Grove

Keen Avenue, Buntingford SG9 9SU
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9.7 70 Reviews
  • Layston Grove, Buntingford
Layston Grove continues to welcome new residents for residential and residential dementia care both on a permanent basis and for shorter stays.

Located in the market town of Buntingford, Layston Grove care home provides friendly and comfortable residential and dementia care for up to 66 residents. The home is located in a quiet residential area, with good access to transport links and local amenities.

Layston Grove is purpose-built and benefits from facilities such as a bar area, hair and beauty salon and is situated in private and secure gardens. Each bedroom benefits from fitted furniture and an en suite wet room.

The Lifestyle Team get to know each resident, working with them and their loved ones to create activity programmes so day-to-day life is as each resident wishes. The catering team ensure that mealtimes are sociable and pleasurable times of each day.

Care colleagues provide individual and compassionate care, by getting to know each individual and building strong relationships with them and their loved ones.

Layston Grove is operated by Anchor. Anchor has more than 60 years of experience as a not-for-profit provider of services to older people. Anchor reinvests the money made into their retirement properties and care homes, to continually raise standards to provide a high-quality service to surpass the customer’s expectations.
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Care Provided by Layston Grove

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 66 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Convalescent Care

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
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1450
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1550
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1550

Please contact Layston Grove directly to discuss our fees.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Layston Grove to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Contact Layston Grove to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Contact Layston Grove to confirm what exactly is included and get an estimate tailored to your care needs:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Vilawan Hawkes (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 2018
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (66)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (66)

Visiting

  • Visitors are welcome at Layston Grove.

Parking

  • Onsite parking is available, including disabled spaces.

Layston Grove Reviews (70)

9.7

Layston Grove has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.723) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Layston Grove has 70 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to Layston Grove
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Total of 70, showing 21-40
Review from D H (Son of Resident) published on 12 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 103-year-old mother became exhausted living alone in her wardened apartment.
Layston Grove has twice proven an ideal respite opportunity to relax and recover.
I am pleased that all housekeeping (security, safety, care and consideration, food, environment, etc) aspects were well managed. Visiting
was 24/7 when staff were always welcoming and helpful.
My mother chose to spend a good deal of time recovering in bed with meals, pills and water brought to her room as and when appropriate.
She left after two weeks, recharged and ready to take on the world again.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We are glad to hear that Mum is feeling so much better and that she has benefited so much from her stay here with us.
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Review from Paul G (Partner of Resident) published on 12 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a very caring, friendly and thoroughly professional care home. I felt confident that I was leaving my lady in safe hands. I was impressed by the simple, efficiency of tagging items of clothing for laundry purposes.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, we are delighted to hear that you feel confident in our service.
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Review from Rosemarie H (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad went to Layston Grove for 2 weeks of respite care in the summer. He was treated so well that he decided he wanted to stay, having looked after himself for 98 years. This is a wonderful care home for the residents. The whole family are so happy for Dad and very grateful to all the staff a Layston
Grove.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
We are delighted that Dad wanted to stay here with us, and we appreciate your feedback. I am very proud of my team here at Layston Grove and I know they will be touched by your kind words.
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Review from Sheila P (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 15 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I came to see my sister-in-law and I joined in with the exercise dog and had a lovely time. The residents had a great time and most joined in. What a fantastic time we all had! Layston Grove is such a lovely place for my sister-in-law to be in. Thank you.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience of our home, your feedback is really appreciated.
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Review from Sophie A (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum went to Layston only for a week for respite.
She was well cared for and, the most important thing, safe.
The home is clean and well-maintained.
Staff were excellent and very friendly.
On the whole, very pleased with her stay, and would recommend it.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you so much for your lovely comments; your feedback is appreciated.
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Review from J J (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was a resident at the home for five and a half months. She was quite unwell when she arrived, but she was very well cared for and consulted by the staff on every decision. For the last four or so weeks she was very ill but they continued to look after her both mentally and physically.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for your review, we are so glad your mother has taken to our care home.
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Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My ninety-six year old mother has been a full-time resident of Layston Grove since July 2021. She has dementia and is unable to walk or stand without support; her condition has deteriorated, as one would expect with the natural progression of the dementia. I visit frequently and know how challenging
it can be for staff when Mum is going through a particularly difficult phase emotionally. I have been consistently impressed with the professionalism and kindness demonstrated by all members of staff in meeting Mum’s personal care needs. Mum is clean and dressed well; she loves her weekly visit to the hair salon, which is undoubtedly a highlight of her week. Layston Grove has a friendly and calm atmosphere where residents are encouraged to participate in imaginative activities. Although Mum is unable to join in with many of these, she is nevertheless included as much as is possible for her. I have the highest respect for the staff and regard them very much as friends of the family.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate your kind words. We are so glad you are satisfied with our services at Layston Grove.
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Review from C V (Son of Resident) published on 4 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would just like to say a really big thank you for taking such good care of my mum and making her feel so welcome on her first time of staying in care. The entire team from start to finish were superb not just looking after mum but also the kindness and help given to myself and all her visitors during
her stay! Again thank you
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for your review. We are so glad you are happy with our services!
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Review from Richard B (Son of Resident) published on 4 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Whenever I visit, I find the staff are always very helpful and polite. The care home works hard to entertain the residents with different activities happening. Our family are kept up to date with what is going on at Layston Grove with regular emails.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate your feedback. We are so glad you are satisfied with our services.
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Review from W D (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 4 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely, friendly atmosphere with lots of activities to join in with.
The staff are very professional and friendly, and nothing is too much trouble.
My mother-in-law appears very happy and settled at Layston Grove and recently turned 100 years old. The home helped to make her birthday celebration
very special. Very reassuring to see my mother-in-law so well cared for.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for your review, we were so pleased we were able to celebrate her turning 100 in Layston Grove. I will pass on your kind comments to our team.
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Review from A V (Respite Resident) published on 4 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This was a new experience for me which I had not done before. I quite enjoyed my time of respite. There has been people to help me, which has been very helpful. My room has been lovely and all the people very kind.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for your review! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay with us and we hope to see you again.
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Review from Michelle T (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 3 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandmother turned one hundred a few days a go and Layston Grove hosted twenty of us for a party. They were very accommodating and set up a table with fine china and drinks for us. They had also given my gran balloons and had a separate celebration for her. They were very friendly and my gran had
a great time.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for your review, we are so glad we were able to do this for your grandmother. We hope you and your family had an amazing time.
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Review from Tina R (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
On behalf of my extended family and personally from my mother and I, her daughter, we wish to thank you all so much for your ongoing support, kindness and professionalism in caring for my father.
All the staff we have been in contact with have genuine compassion, are approachable and friendly which
is extremely rare to find. Also despite caring for my father they also have empathy for my mother when visiting which is so important and reassuring.
The communication between us is always up-to-date and extremely detailed. I would not hesitate to recommend to other people.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate your feedback. We are so glad your father has settled so well with us and you are happy with our service.
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Review from A A (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum went in initially for restpite care following a fall, which resulted in a broken wrist and unable to care for herself at home. She stayed for a few months at Layston Grove.
Points to note:
Very clean and fresh smelling.
Excellent staff who care for each resident's well-being and attention to
their personal care.
Very comfortable accommodation.
Excellent activities are provided regularly, including entertainment, pet visits and plenty of accessible games and exercise.
Food is generally very good, a few complaints from Mum about very spicy food.
Hairdresser very enjoyable experience for the residents.
Mum will very much miss having friends to chat with on a regular basis.
On the whole, a very good care home.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for this lovely review. We will certainly take on board your comments regarding the food and the spice levels. I am very happy to hear that Mum has enjoyed her time here with us. I shall…read more
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Review from A W (Resident) published on 5 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Well cared for very pleased. Lovely staff.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you so much for your kind words, I shall pass your comments on to my team.
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Review from Susan s (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
With mum's declining health and dementia - I couldn't wish for her to be in more caring and professional hands than the team at Layston Grove. The team are compassionate and patient and accommodates her needs as best they can. Overall I think mum is as happy there now as she was in her own home - which
at the end of the day is all you can ask for - that she is content, cared for and well looked after. Thanks Layston Team.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for your lovely feedback, we are delighted to hear that you are happy with the service provided here at Layston Grove. I shall pass your kind words on to the team.
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Review from Teresa I (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very pleasant staff. I visited firing the fundraising coffee morning. Alot of effort was put in by the activities coordinator and kitchen. It was a shame the weather didn't allow residents and relatives to enjoy the tea together indoors.
General atmosphere along corridors and in my mum's room was
calm. Resident appeared happy and relaxed.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for taking the time to review Layston Grove. We do appreciate your feedback. We are delighted with your comments, the team do work hard to create a happy and relaxed atmosphere, and it is…read more
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Review from A A (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mum is well cared for and comfortable.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you so much for taking the time to review our service, we are happy to hear that you are pleased with our service.
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Review from Mark W (Son of Resident) published on 5 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
In comparison to a previous home, my mother was in, Layston is generally on par. Rooms smaller, less facilities in the home, but makeup with more activities and a fuller capacity rate and therefore, more human interaction. Would like more out-of-home activities, as residents are quite confined.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for your feedback. We do ensure that there are opportunities to get out into the community often; I will, however, pass your comments to the lifestyle team for an appraisal.
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Review from Amanda O (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum is extremely happy here. Staff are excellent and extremely caring. Was recommended by someone, and I would in turn recommend Layston.
Reply from Samantha Campbell, Home Manager at Layston Grove
Thank you for your glowing feedback. We are delighted to hear that you would recommend our service to others. I am extremely proud of my team, and I know that this review will make them smile.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.723)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.723) out of 10 for Layston Grove is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 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 22 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 4.723 for Layston Grove is calculated as follows: ( (233 Excellents x 5) + (25 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (9 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 274 Ratings = 4.723
  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 Layston Grove is based on 22 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 66 registered maximum number of service users is 13.2, which has been reached with 22 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: 15 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

3 Bed Vacancies

Posted: 13 Oct 2025

We currently have three vacancies for care. Please contact Layston Grove for further details.

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Awards / Recognitions (10)

Meet the Team (3)

Vilawan

Vilawan Hawkes

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2025

I would like to proudly introduce myself as the Home Manager at Layston Grove.


I have over 30 years of experience in the care sector. I began my career as a Carer and progressed to become a Registered Manager. I hold a Level 4 NVQ Certificate in Leadership in Care and Management and a Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Dementia Care.

I am originally from Thailand, the land of smiles. We are known for our hospitality and family-focused values.
I am warm, kind and dedicated to leading the team in providing exceptional, compassionate care to our residents. The residents are my family, and I see them as one of my own. To keep them loved, cared for, and happy makes me happy.

I am a proud Grandmother of 3 and in my spare time I enjoy cooking for my families and friends.

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Cheryl Curnow

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2019

I have worked in care for 19 years, it was my first job when leaving school and I started as a laundry assistant as I was not old enough to be a care assistant at the time. I joined the care team as soon as I was able and soon worked my way up to care team manager, then deputy manager.


I have worked for the Royal Mencap Society supporting adults with learning disabilities, and as a care practitioner, managing a rehabilitation unit for the elderly as part of a multi-disciplinary team.


I joined Layston Grove in September 2019 when we relocated to Buntingford.


I enjoy working in care as I am passionate about improving the lives of the elderly, I am presented with different challenges daily which keeps me busy and the job fresh and exciting.

Janet

Janet Chapman

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2018

Janet enjoys her very varied role. Janet loves welcoming all the residents and getting to know them personally.


Janet has worked in an administrative role within the care industry for many years. Working at Layston Grove Janet can combine her administrative skills with her people skills to provide our residents and their families with a warm reception and efficient service. Janet's job keeps her busy but she always finds time to chat with our residents whom Janet considers friends.

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