BALANCE IN BROXBOURNE: LORENZO AND CAROLINES JOURNEY TO DOWNSIZING

With their five children having flown the nest, Lorenzo Minichiello, 52, and his wife Caroline, 52, began the search for the perfect home to downsize to. When Lorenzo, a seasoned project surveyor and former property developer with over 20 years of expertise, discovered the allure of Scholars in Broxbourne, he was drawn to the exciting prospect of making it his new home. The charm and innovation of this Chase New Homes community led the couple to trade their larger, nearby property for a beautifully crafted, more energy efficient and manageable space.

Lorenzo explains: “We loved our previous home, but it had just become too much to keep up with. When the kids had all moved out, we realized we needed something smaller but still with a great layout for hosting family when they visit. This property is designed in an efficient way that not only accommodates our evolving lifestyle but elevates it.”

The initial appeal of Scholars largely stemmed from the chance to remain in a beloved location they were already familiar with. With Lorenzo and Caroline’s active lifestyles and their shared appreciation for city access, Broxbourne offered an ideal balance between proximity to London and the tranquillity of suburban living.

“Broxbourne is such a lovely area,” Lorenzo shares. “Our previous home was only two miles down the road, so we knew we loved it here. It’s just 23 minutes to Liverpool Street, with trains every 20 minutes, so getting into London is easy. We love going to the theatre or out for a night in the city. And we’re only an hour from Cambridge, which is great too. There’s also a fantastic school nearby, which is great for the area’s long-term value.”

However, what truly won them over was the exceptional build quality, thoughtful design, and the overall value that Scholars offered. As someone with a background in property development, Lorenzo brings a trained eye to any property. Lorenzo explains: “With 20 years’ experience as a property developer, I notice all the finer details. I was really impressed by the attention to detail in this property. They’d really considered every aspect- even down to the skirting boards.”

For Lorenzo and Caroline, the layout and specification of the home were a standout. The couple found that their new four-bedroom property had ample space for their needs without the unnecessary maintenance of their previous residence. One of their favourite features is the flexible space in the kitchen-living area, ideal for hosting their kids when they visit. “The layout is brilliant,” Lorenzo remarks. “They’ve considered breakout areas and zones. The kitchen-living area is perfect for hosting, but we also have a separate living room, which gives us a dedicated space to relax on our own.”

In addition, the couple was thrilled with the versatility the new home offered for their lifestyle. With a focus on holidays and outings, Lorenzo highlights how this home allows them to be spontaneous with travel plans. He comments: “This home was the perfect one to downsize to. We’re slowing down, but we still love going into London and really value trips abroad. With our love of holidays, this is the perfect ‘lock-up-and-leave’ place.”

Beyond the home’s interior, Lorenzo and Caroline were captivated by the site’s serene setting. Lorenzo says: “There’s a beautiful nature reserve at the back of the development, and we love going for peaceful walks with our dog Monty there. Having such a lovely green space so close by is a significant bonus. It gives us an easy retreat into nature whenever we want and provides an escape from the day-to-day. I’m sure the dog is very grateful for it too.”

Lorenzo’s experience with the buying process was exceptionally positive. Moving in at the end of August, he praises Chase New Homes for ensuring every step was handled seamlessly, from the offer stage to finalising the sale and moving in. Lorenzo recalls: “We submitted an offer, and they responded with a very reasonable counteroffer. The solicitors’ pack provided by Chase New Homes was exceptional—10 out of 10. The customer care and handover process were seamless; they were highly responsive and quick to reply, which made everything much easier. Overall, the buying journey was outstanding, and we received a remarkable level of care and attention from start to finish.”

Their new home at Scholars came with a full market value of £825,000, and the couple provided a substantial deposit of £600,000. With monthly outgoings of approximately £2,500, Lorenzo feels that the investment is a decision that will enhance their quality of life as they embark on this new chapter.

Reflecting on his experience, Lorenzo says, “This home is everything we were looking for— the quality, location, and manageable yet spacious layout aligns perfectly with our needs. We can continue enjoying city access, traveling with ease, and embracing the quieter moments close to nature. I am thrilled with the quality of design and attention to detail within the home and am very happy to part of the Broxbourne community.”