Dunsland House
CQC Good
Dunsland House is a 20-bed care home in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.
Care homes in Berkhamsted
Berkhamsted offers a settled, accessible small-town setting with good local amenities and a slightly below-average share of over-65s, meaning fewer established retirement services than some areas. It suits people who value walkable high-street living, green space, and a quieter pace without feeling isolated — though care-home choice may be more limited than in larger retirement hubs.
Average residential fee in Berkhamsted: £1,249/week — in line with the UK average of £1,279
Living in Berkhamsted
SafetyB
Good — safer than 56% of similar areas
Green SpacesB
Good — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Daily ConveniencesB
Good — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
How care costs compare
The estimated average residential care fee in Berkhamsted is about £1,249/week, below the UK average of £1,279.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
Council funding & top-up in Berkhamsted
The average residential care home in Berkhamsted costs about £1,249/week, while Hertfordshire’s published usual rate is around £906/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £343/week (≈ £17,836/year) to bridge the gap.
Average fee in Berkhamsted
£1,249/wk
Hertfordshire usual rate
£906/wk
Likely top-up gap
£343/wk
Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Hertfordshire’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).
Care homes in Berkhamsted on the map
- Good
Care homes (3)
2 in Berkhamsted, 1 more within 10 miles · updated September 2026
Kilfillan House Care Home
CQC Good
Nestled in the charming, historic town of Berkhamsted, Kilfillan House is a warm and inviting care home that offers top-notch residential, nursing, and respite…
ResidentialRespiteNursing
Ashlyns Care Home
CQC Good
Ashlyns Care Home is a 62-bed residential care home located in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.
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What care costs in Berkhamsted
Residential (avg)
£1,249/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,249/week
Wondering if that’s cheaper than staying put? Compare a care home with care at home, or see who pays.
House prices in Dacorum
The average house price in Dacorum is £459,438, based on HM Land Registry data. The graph shows sold-price trends by property type over the last 30 years.
Average price by property type
- All property types
- £459,438
- Detached
- £931,786
- Semi-detached
- £554,384
- Terraced
- £425,299
- Flats & maisonettes
- £264,943
Source: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, to Jun 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are area averages for the wider local authority, not retirement properties specifically.
Types of care in Berkhamsted
Residential care homes
1 in BerkhamstedResidential care homes provide help with everyday living in a safe, sociable setting — the right choice when someone needs support day to day but not round-the-clock nursing.
Nursing homes
1 in BerkhamstedNursing homes provide everything a residential home does, plus registered nurses on site 24 hours a day — for people with ongoing or complex health needs.
Respite care
1 in BerkhamstedRespite care is a short stay in a care home — to give a family carer a break, or to help someone recover after a hospital stay.
Safety
86 crimes reported in April 2026, sourced from Police.uk.
- Violent crime33
- Anti-social behaviour15
- Shoplifting12
- Criminal damage & arson9
Is Berkhamsted a good retirement location?
Berkhamsted is a compact, sociable town with reasonable everyday services and plenty of pubs, cafes and green space. The over-65 population at 17.5% is slightly below the national average (18.6%), suggesting it's not yet a specialist retirement destination; care provision exists but choice may be narrower than in more established retirement areas. It suits active, independent-minded retirees and those with nearby family support who want small-town comfort without resort-like services.
Health & support
- Medical access: You'll need to check the specific distance to your GP surgery and the nearest hospital — Berkhamsted itself is small, so outreach or travel to nearby centres is likely necessary for specialist care.
- Safety: Recorded crime stood at 86 offences in the most recent period (April 2026), with violent crime, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting among the most common types — broadly mid-range for an English town of this size.
- Family & connection: Consider whether family or a support network is within visiting distance; a smaller town can feel isolated if you're reliant on occasional contact.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Local care-home fees are not included in the data provided; compare quotes from homes in Berkhamsted against the national average and factor in your own means.
- Transport: Berkhamsted is well-positioned on the rail network with links to London and nearby towns; day-to-day walking is feasible for the town centre, though a car or regular transport may help for medical appointments and visits beyond the immediate area.
- Housing options: Provision is modest rather than extensive; expect a smaller choice of care homes compared to larger retirement hubs, so early enquiry and flexibility are wise.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: Six parks and six allotments offer outdoor recreation and community gardening; 45 restaurants and cafes plus 14 pubs provide social gathering spots and eating out.
- Community: A range of pubs and cafes support casual socialising; you'll want to check locally for memory cafés, hobby clubs or formal support groups beyond the general high-street offer.
- Climate: The East of England experiences typical UK temperate weather — mild summers, cold winters, and frequent cloud and rain; dress warmly and plan indoor activities year-round.
Things to weigh up
- Below-average retirement share: At 17.5% over-65s versus 18.6% nationally, Berkhamsted has not yet attracted the cluster of retirement-focused services and peer community you may find elsewhere; this can be positive (less "care-home town" feel) or a drawback if you value abundant peer networks and specialist facilities.
- Limited care-home choice: The modest size and recent provision data suggest fewer homes to choose from; book visits and apply early, and consider whether nearness to family or a specific home outweighs the lack of alternatives.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Berkhamsted?
There are 3 care homes listed in and around Berkhamsted on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
How much does a care home in Berkhamsted cost?
Care homes in Berkhamsted range from around £1,249 per week, with averages of £1,249 for residential, £1,249 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Berkhamsted compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Berkhamsted is about £1,249 per week — broadly in line with the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Berkhamsted are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
3 of the 3 care homes in and around Berkhamsted are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Berkhamsted?
Homes in and around Berkhamsted offer nursing (1), residential (1), respite (1). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
Do any care homes in Berkhamsted offer respite care?
Yes — 1 care home in and around Berkhamsted offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.
How safe is the Berkhamsted area?
Berkhamsted is graded B for safety on AskBart — safer than 56% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.
Can I get council funding for care in Berkhamsted?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Dacorum Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Berkhamsted?
A care home's weekly fee in Berkhamsted usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Berkhamsted may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Berkhamsted?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Berkhamsted?
Start by shortlisting homes in Berkhamsted by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Berkhamsted?
Care homes in Berkhamsted are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
What other nearby areas have care homes in Dacorum?
If you're widening your search beyond Berkhamsted, nearby areas with care homes include Hemel Hempstead. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
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