St Ives House

Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2EE
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9.8 110 Reviews
  • St Ives House, Ringwood
St Ives House is a beautiful residential and dementia care home at Ashley Heath near Ringwood.

The home provides a warm and relaxed environment in an attractive sylvan setting, and has been carefully designed to provide comfort and convenience for residents, relatives and staff.

With 60 en-suite bedrooms and an abundance of light and space, St Ives House provides everything to make it feel homely, safe and comfortable.

St Ives House home sits on the edge of the New Forest National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Caring, expertly trained staff are on hand to provide high quality care for all levels of need – from short-term respite, to high dependency and palliative care, as well as dementia care.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

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

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 60 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1495

These prices are only a guideline, please contact St Ives House 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

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Emma Cotton (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 53+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (60)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (60)

Visiting

  • St Ives operates an 'Open House' policy and encourages family and friends to visit. No limited visiting hours.

Parking

  • Ample parking at the onsite car park.

St Ives House Reviews (110)

9.8

St Ives House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.788) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time St Ives House has 110 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 99
  • 11
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Date Published
  • 110
  • 10
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  • 28
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Reviewer Connection to St Ives House
  • 43
  • 12
  • 8
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  • 6
  • 5
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  • 1
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Total of 110, showing 1-20
Review from A L (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 24 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When I first arrived at St Ives I had just left hospital and was very weak. After 3 weeks of care at St Ives I was back on my feet and felt well enough to live independently again. Everyone was very kind, helpful and friendly and always on hand. Any concerns I had were dealt with promptly. My family
were reassured I was safe and cared for whilst in the home. I would definitely go back again if required.
Reply from Rachel Wood, Head of Customer Relations at St Ives House

Thank you so much for your review. I am so pleased that you feel that everyone was very kind, helpful and friendly and that family were reassured. I will pass your feedback on, I know it will be really appreciated. Thank you again, it means a lot.

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Review from Rosemary G (Sister of Resident) published on 12 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A really good experience. My brother benefitted from his stay with you. He was looked after well and afforded the dignity and respect he needed. Thank you.
Reply from Rachel Wood, Head of Customer Relations at St Ives House

Thank you so much for your lovely review. The feedback will be passed on to the team and I know it will be greatly appreciated. We are so pleased the stay was beneficial and a really good experience for him. Thank you again, it means a lot when someone takes the time to let us know their thoughts.

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Review from Richard M (Son of Resident) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My late mother was a resident for nearly 4 years. She was always safe, cared for and looked after as best as possible. Care and compassion when she passed.
Reply from Esther Sheppard, Head of Customer Relations at St Ives House

Thank you for your review - it was an honour to care for your mum we will share this feedback with the team

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Review from J F (Wife of Resident) published on 26 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband was in the care of St. Ives House for 8 months until he died. During this time he received excellent care. The house and gardens are lovely. There were always activities taking place and a weekly trip from the home if wanted. All were well run. I was welcome to visit anytime and always warmly
received.
Reply from Esther Sheppard, Head of Customer Relations at St Ives House

Thank you for your lovely message. We're so pleased to hear your husband felt well cared for-it means the world to the team.

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Review from Gloria J (Wife of Resident) published on 13 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My experience with the St Ives House management and staff has been over a period of nearly five years and the space that I consider them friends is testament to the great care my husband received during his time with them. He was always treated with the upmost dignity and great kindness.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Thank you so much for your kind words and for allowing us to be part of your husband's journey over the past five years. It means a great deal to the team to know that the care we gave brought comfort to you both. To be thought of as friends is something we truly value - and your words are a touching reflection of the dignity and kindness we always aim to provide.

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Review from Jenny H (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care given to my mother during the two years she was a resident was exceptional. She was treated with kindness and affection always. From day one, the carers did their best to reassure her as she was extremely anxious and confused. Towards the end of her life, we witnessed how much she meant to
all the staff, and the dignity they showed her was so wonderful. She couldn't have been in better hands.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Thank you for your heartfelt words. We're so pleased to hear that your mother felt safe and cared for during her time at St Ives. It means so much to the team to know their kindness and compassion made a difference, especially in her final moments. Your feedback is truly appreciated and will be shared with everyone who supported her.

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Review from G W (Respite Resident) published on 8 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experince was exceptional.
Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at St Ives House

Thank you for this 5* review the team will be so pleased.

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Review from J C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 30 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law stayed for 4 weeks respite care. I can not thank all the staff enough for the wonderful care that she received whilst there.
The team were also a great help to me whilst trying to navigate a very difficult time. A huge thank you to everyone.
Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at St Ives House

Thank you so much for your kind words. We're so glad we could support both your mother-in-law and your family during a challenging time. It means a lot to the whole team.

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Review from J P (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum entered St Ives house in April 2021 as a resident, having previously had 2 stays on respite. There was never any question as to where she would live, she simply loved the home. Mum loved having company, she enjoyed and attended the activities in the home and the visits out to various places. As
her needs got more and she became less independent she had the best of care. Mum recently passed away at 107, in her last days the care and attention she received from the home was excellent. A wonderful place, I would highly recommend.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your mum's journey with us. It was a privilege to care for her, and we're honoured that St Ives House was her chosen home. Your recommendation means a great deal to us.

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Review from C S (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thank you to the whole team at St Ives House Care for the love, respect, professionalism, dignity and tenderness shown to my mother and her family during her years at the home. I felt that she was loved and wanted during the last period of her life and despite having to cope with the difficulties of
living with Alzheimer's she was able to fill her days with fun and laughter.
Reply from Esther Sheppard, Senior Customer Relationship Manager at St Ives House

Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. It means the world to the team at St Ives House to know that your mother felt loved, valued, and able to enjoy her days with joy and laughter. We're honoured to have been part of her journey and to have supported your family.

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Review from S B (Sister of Resident) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My lovely sister passed away peacefully on 18th January. She had lived at St Ives House for just over 3 and a half years after suffering with dementia for some time, she could no longer be looked after at home. The time had come! After some searching and a recommendation from a friend. St Ives was to
be her new home, we couldn't have found a better place! I can't praise it enough. She eventually needed 24-hour care. The professional care and empathy received from everybody looking after her, I cannot fault. This was not just a care home, but her home. Full of activities, fun and love. We all need that, they also embraced me. I could go on and on, thank you all is not enough.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Thank you for your heartfelt words. We are truly sorry for your loss and feel privileged to have been a part of your sister's journey. It means so much to hear that St Ives House felt like home for her and that you felt embraced as well. Your kind words are a testament to the dedication of our team, and we will make sure to share them with everyone. Wishing you comfort and peace during this time.

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Review from L H (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad, who is suffering with dementia, needed emergency respite care when my mum had a small accident. The staff at Saint Ives House dealt with what was a traumatic time with empathy and efficiency. We felt my dad was looked after in a caring, warm environment and seemed to be kept occupied, which
is what he needed. I can't comment on food and drink as I did not experience it.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Thank you for your review we are pleased to hear how St Ives supported your Dad in a time of need. We will share this feedback with the home.

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Review from Marigold L (Wife of Resident) published on 31 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband found his respite stay to be very welcoming and friendly by all staff and management. The room very comfortable and clean and a good size and everything he required e.g bed hand grips and mats for when he got out of bed in night were all provided.
The activities were also good in fact he
is continuing going for tai chi sessions.
He will be returning there at least twice during this year. Lovely care home. I feel very relaxed when I'm away.
Reply from Phillip Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Many thanks for such a positive review. I will be sharing with the whole team and we look forward to welcoming your husband back again!

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Review from Sally D (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother had been a resident for over 5 years following a stroke and totally bed bound. With the help and support from staff and private physio we managed to get her sitting in a chair and moved around using standing aids. My mum took her last breath in October. All the staff were so supportive to
me when she was so ill and the care they offered her was amazing. Never a wrong word said especially when rang the bell all the time. Some staff really went way beyond duty and care for her. Thank you.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Thank you for your 5-star review. We are deeply sorry to read of your loss and offer our condolences. We will share this lovely review with the team.

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Review from Pat B (Sister of Resident) published on 21 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was so impressed with the staff. Not only were they efficient with their care but they always had smiles for both residents and visitors. My sister could not have been in better hands.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Thank you for your 5* review. We will share your lovely review with the team.

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Review from Bill F (Ex Family Member) published on 17 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Look after her wonderfully.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Thank you for your review, we will share this with the team.

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Review from P G (Respite Resident) published on 16 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My stay in St Ives House was a very happy experience for me. The staff were all very pleasant and helpful and the manager was always attentive to our needs. Carers were quiet and respectful in carrying out their duties. There were many activities and facilities for leisure, guided by a lovely jovial
lady. The only disappointment for me was being a Catholic, I was unable to service the Eucharist.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Thank you for your review. I am pleased you had a happy experience at St Ives. All our care homes envier to support all our residents with access to their churches on request. If you would like to return for respite in the future we will look forward to accommodating your request. We will share your lovely feedback with the team.

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Review from Jon P (Husband of Resident) published on 22 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife had been in another care home for 18 months but she hadn't settled and wasn't happy. After 3 weeks at St Ives House, I describe her as happy. The gentle, caring staff ensure this. I also felt very happy with the management team. They listened and were very kind and considerate to my wife and
to me. The change of care homes was the best thing I have done for my wife since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 6 years ago.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Thank you so much for your 5* review - We are so pleased to hear how you feel about the care and the team at St Ives.

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Review from T M (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The manager and her team looked after my day extremely well at my mother-in-law's party. They showed immense care, thought and guidance, especially when he became overwhelmed by the excitement of the day. Not only do they care for their residents, but the whole family is supported in difficult times.
I see them as part of my extended family.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential at St Ives House

Thank you for your heartfelt review. We're so glad we could support you and your family during such a special day. It means a lot to us to be considered part of your extended family.

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Review from Clair S (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was a resident in St Ives House for three years, and we were extremely happy with the care she received. The care team were professional and supportive and communicated with us very efficiently about Mum's needs. We always felt welcomed and valued when discussing Mum's care. Mum passed away
in the home with dignity and love, following a fall and illness, and we were so grateful that her end-of-life care was so professional.
Reply from Phil Smith, Director of Residential Care at St Ives House

Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review. I am sorry to learn of your mother's passing. Your feedback, however, will mean so much to all of the team at St Ives House. Wishing you and your family all the best for the future.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.788)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.788) out of 10 for St Ives House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 29 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 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 4.788 for St Ives House is calculated as follows: ( (275 Excellents x 5) + (65 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 344 Ratings = 4.788
  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 St Ives House is based on 29 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 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 29 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: 11 Nov 2023

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 (7)

Meet the Team (1)

Emma

Emma Cotton

Job Title: Home Manager

I’m Emma and I’m the very proud manager of St Ives House. I have worked with Care South for over 20 years, managing a number of their care homes in Dorset. My earliest memories of wanting to be a carer come from my childhood; Mum was a carer and it was great meeting her colleagues and being there with the residents.


I believe in a loving, caring environment for our residents; there is nothing better than spending my days with them and hearing about their life experiences, they constantly amaze me. I love my job because no two days are the same at St Ives House.

Frequently Asked Questions about St Ives House

What types of Care is St Ives House registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does St Ives House have?

There are 60 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at St Ives House?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is St Ives House to the centre of Ringwood?

1.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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