The Lakes

Duncote, Towcester NN12 8AQ
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8.8 21 Reviews
  • The Lakes, Towcester
The Lakes has been built in the same grounds as Duncote Hall, and has been purpose built to provide residential care for people living with dementia.

The home offers facilities to enable residents to be cared for but at the same time maintain their independence.

The home is divided into two floors, both of which have their own facilities and are staffed separately. All bedrooms have en-suite shower facilities and enjoy peace and tranquillity whilst enjoying the views of the gardens.

The communal rooms are light and spacious and overlook well-kept gardens which residents are able to enjoy in the good weather.

The Lakes offers a wide choice of menus to cater for all tastes. Residents are able to take their meals where they wish and are assisted by a hostess with choice if needed.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Younger Adults

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 47 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Near Public Transport
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1500
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1550
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1550
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1600

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Lakes 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

  • Rebecca Williams (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 55+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (47)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (47)

The Lakes Reviews (21)

8.8

The Lakes has a Review Score of 8.8 (8.773) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Lakes has 21 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to The Lakes
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Total of 21, showing 1-20
Review from Jan B (Wife of Resident) published on 12 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has been a resident at The Lakes since May and we find all staff very, very caring towards him and right from the start helped him to settle in as easily as possible not an easy task due to his blindness..
The Management and Admin staff need a lot of praise for the smooth running of 'the
ship' with Carers, Housekeeping, Food & Drink plus Social Host all playing their part in making a very professionally run environment for the residents. Thank You
Reply from The Manager, Manager at The Lakes

Thank you for your lovely review, i will ensure this is shared with the team.

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Review from L S (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are all very caring, attentive and friendly and strive to do the best for my mum each and every day, whatever that brings. Her being looked after here has given our family all great comfort and peace of mind. She is now end-of-life and is being looked after with dignity and respect and everything
has been explained and as a whole family we have been looked after sympathetically. I would like to thank each and everyone involved in her care. Keep doing what you are doing, you are all fantastic.
Reply from Rebecca Williams, Home Manager at The Lakes

Thank you so much L for a lovely review, I will ensure this is shared with the team. Thank you for your support over the last 6 years. Take care

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Review from Susan C (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been at The Lakes for a year now.
The staff are all amazing. Everyone is so kind and so friendly. We feel very welcome when we visit and it feels like mum's new home.
We feel that she is safe and cared for but can retain what independence she has.
She enjoys the food and the activities,
especially the singing and loves being able to get out into the garden.
Reply from Rebecca Williams, Home Manager at The Lakes

Thank you very much for the lovely review, I will ensure this is shared with the staff.

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Review from Roy S (Son of Resident) published on 22 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been at the lakes for 17 months and I can’t express how grateful I am to all the staff members for the care and support they have given me and my mum she is happy and safe in the home I have no complaints thank you all.
Reply from The Manager, Manager at The Lakes

Thank you for all the support you give us.

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Review from Jenny L (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I can't thank the staff enough for the kindness and hands-on care given to our precious mum/gran/great-gran during her time at The Lakes. Her 'end-of-life care' was amazing. She was kept clean, fresh linen on the bed and gently reassured if she seemed stressed. She was well cared for and as a family,
we so appreciate the kindness and comfort given to my mum and ourselves. An empathic and caring team. You are all so appreciated for helping us all through a sad difficult time. We won't ever forget you all. Thank you.
Reply from The Manager, Manager at The Lakes

Thank you I will ensure this is shared with the staff team.

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Review from Stephen B (Son of Resident) published on 25 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy with the care that my mother receives from everyone at The Lakes. They always keep me informed of any issues or problems with her. The staff are very friendly and have to deal with difficult situations often.
Reply from Manager at The Lakes

Thank you, Stephen, for your kind review, I will ensure this is passed on to the staff.
Thank you, Becky.

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Review from Sue W (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We made the difficult decision of placing mum in a care home due to her being unable to manage living on her own after being diagnosed with dementia. We looked at several care homes but The Lakes at Duncote had a nice feel to it so mum has been there since January. It has taken a couple of months but
she now seems settled and has accepted that The Lakes is her home. She is well cared for and the staff always make visitors welcome. I feel we made a good decision in choosing The Lakes for mum.
Reply from Manager at The Lakes

Thank you, Sue, for your kind review, I will ensure I pass this on to the staff.
Thanks.

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Review from Alison T (Relative of Resident) published on 14 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Very disappointing - never made to feel welcome and staff were cautious when we visited as they knew we asked too many questions about the level of care. No soft food option was offered, never any clothes in the wardrobe and left to go to bed in daytime clothing. Constant turnover of agency staff, most
of which had limited communication skills. A general lack of care and not somewhere I would ever recommend.
Reply from The Manager, Manager at The Lakes

This is a very disappointing review and I am concerned these were not raised with me during our meetings. Special diets (soft foods) are available to any of our residents who require them following risk assessments and external health professionals' advice.
I met with a relative and we discussed every aspect of care and care plan in full around the level of risks and what action we had taken to minimise the risk. There were no further concerns raised during this meeting.
As the content of your review is very personal to the resident and family, I am happy to meet with you to discuss further to give an in-depth response and offer reassurances.

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Review from Brigid B (Wife of Resident) published on 13 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband was a resident at The Lakes from July 2021 until November 2022. He suffered from Dementia and the time had come when I could no longer manage his care at home. During his time at The Lakes Care Home the care he received was of the highest possible standard. He was always looked after with
understanding, compassion, and love, by the many kind and dedicated carers. I found all members of staff, from management downwards, to be friendly and helpful, always approachable to answer any questions. The rooms at The Lakes are all bright and modern with good views and there is a lovely peaceful garden for residents and visitors to enjoy. There was always a really friendly welcome for our family when we came to visit, from both management and carers. In all, I could not recommend The Lakes more highly to anyone who has to find a home for their loved one.
Reply from The Manager at The Lakes

Thank you so much for your kind review, it was a total pleasure and we look forward to your visits.
Thank you,
Becky

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Review from G A (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Dad has been in dementia care at The Lakes since August 2021. The office staff have been very supportive and reassuring towards the family. We are always made to feel welcome. The care staff are friendly, kind and patient in what must be a very difficult work environment. They are dedicated, hard-working
and very helpful. The Lakes is clean and airy. Dad's room is spacious, has ensuite facilities, and looks out over the countryside. The staff are attentive and ensure the residents feel that they are listened to. The meals are varied and are adapted to those with medical requirements.
Dad is safe and well looked after, which in turn, gives the family peace of mind.
Reply from The Manager at The Lakes

Thank you for your lovely review. I will ensure this is shared with the staff team.
Thanks again.

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Review from Liam H (Son of Resident) published on 9 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been in The Lakes care home Since June 2022. We have found it to be a very friendly and caring place. I know my mum is very happy there. Unfortunately, Mum had a fall and has not been well at times, but the communication from the staff is first class, always putting Mum first. The care
manager attended the hospital with me to represent my mum, who was too unwell to go, and in my opinion, that is going beyond the call of duty - thank you. One member of staff has been so supportive and helpful in Mum's settling in and will communicate any issues that may arise, and will call to see how Mum is doing when in the hospital, again showing the care they have for the people in there. It has helped me immensely knowing Mum is cared for and she is happy. Thank you all for what you do.
Reply from Rebecca Williams, Home Manager at The Lakes

Thank you Liam for this amazing review! I can agree that I am a very lucky manager to have such amazing caring staff that really do go above and beyond.

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Review from Phillip D (Son of Resident) published on 9 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent staff - nothing too much trouble. Clean and tidy - all ways worm. Mum says the food is excellent. It took her a few weeks to settle in, but the staff helped greatly. Would recommend it to anyone - don't think you could do better.
Reply from Rebecca Williams, Home Manager at The Lakes

Thank you Phillip for your lovely review, Mum has settled in amazingly now it's like she has always been with us. Thank you again.

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Review from Gary F (Son of Resident) published on 20 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Looking after my parents must be the most difficult task. They do it exceptionally. Mum ringing dozens of times a day and they answer with patience and understanding, always helpful and caring.
Reply from Rebecca Williams, Home Manager at The Lakes

Thank you for your comments, it was a pleasure and your parents are missed by all. The Lakes.

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Review from J N (Son of Resident) published on 20 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The biggest strength of the Lakes is the staff, who are excellent. I would be happy to stay at The Lakes myself, when the time comes. I am sure my mum is happy there and well taken care of. Mum was made to feel at home from the first day and can't wait to get back there, if ever she goes out. The staff
are so kind and very helpful.
Reply from Rebecca Williams, Home Manager at The Lakes

Thank you for your lovely, kind review. We are glad your mum is happy living at The Lakes.

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Review from George H (Son of Resident) published on 17 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An extremely hard decision when the time came for my mother to move to residential care. She had lived in our care for two and a half years, but her Dementia had reached a stage that we, as a family, had become unable to cope with.


The services advised we looked at The Lakes at Duncote, superb to

say the least, it was a heartbreaking move, but the staff were great, professional and made the whole ordeal the complete opposite.


The accommodation is modern, clean and very tidy, systems in place look very effective, the view from my mother's window is like a scene from Downton.


I had my first visit on 10/03/2021, and I could not be happier. I am aware all individual cases are different, but for me, the staff have already gone some way to giving me and my family a piece of my mother and Nanny back.


Thanks.

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Review from S S (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been at The Lakes for 21 months and has settled in really well. The staff always interact with every resident getting to know and understand their needs very well. Some residents have occasional behavioural issues due to dementia and I have observed how well the staff deal with these situations,
working as a team to calm and reassure all residents. There are regular activities for those who want to join in or simply observe. The food is varied, plentiful and looks appetising and mum enjoys the purée and soft food choices.
Visitors are always welcomed and can join in with the organised activities and entertainment. The management are easy to talk to and listen to your views and encourage feedback. As a family, we feel very fortunate that mum appears happy and content in her surroundings.
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Review from Carolyn T (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mum has been a resident at this care home since August 2017 and settled in very quickly. Her room is light airy and spacious and the care she receives is of a very high standard.
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Review from D J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My family and I have been regular visitors to The Lakes Care Home for two years, where our dear dad is a resident. We are always welcomed warmly by every member of staff working there. We are completely satisfied that our dad has all his needs met and is excellently cared for. Staff are friendly, kind,
patient, experienced and extremely hard working. We are grateful to them for their dedication and thankful that we have found a safe place for our dad to live.
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Review from J.D (Wife of Resident) published on 19 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband is in The Lakes Care home and I am very happy with the care he is receiving. I have found the staff caring, patient and extremely hardworking, who go the extra mile to meet the needs of the residents The home has a warm friendly atmosphere and the quality and choice of the food is excellent.
It is so comforting to know my husband is safe and well cared for in this lovely home.
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Review from Dorothy F (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother moved to The Lakes in July after six years in an excellent care home without Dementia Care. I had looked at many care homes before finding The Lakes. The Manager and Deputy Manager are friendly, calm and reassuring. They engage well with the residents. The managers and care staff show
empathy and ensure that the residents feel cared for, understood and valued. They are attentive to her medical needs and show an understanding and great tolerance towards her anxieties.


My mother frequently tells me "that this is a very good place, that the food is good, and that people are nice". Family and friends are made very welcome. The home has a friendly, caring atmosphere where the residents are encouraged to engage with each other. There is nearly always a bit of a busy buzzing atmosphere in the lounge where the chairs are never arranged around the walls of the room but set out in constantly changing groups. My mother has a sense that the staff like and care about her.

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Current Review Score: 8.8 (8.773)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.8 (8.773) out of 10 for The Lakes 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 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.0 out of 5 from 5 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 4.741 for The Lakes is calculated as follows: ( (43 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 58 Ratings = 4.741
  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 4.032 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Lakes is based on 5 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 = 3.5
    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 47 registered maximum number of service users is 9.4. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 9.4 = 0.532
  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: 9 Mar 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 (0)

Meet the Team (2)

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Becky Williams

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2019

Becky has been the home manager of The Lakes since 2019

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Mandy

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2018

Mandy has worked her way up from a care assistant to a home deputy manager.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Lakes

What types of Care is The Lakes registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition & Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does The Lakes have?

There are 47 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Lakes?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Near Public Transport, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Lakes to the centre of Towcester?

1.8 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 The Lakes to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Lakes has an Enhanced Service - more info.