RETURNING TO ROOTS: BUYER FINDS DREAM APARTMENT IN BELOVED HOMETOWN OF SAFFRON WALDEN

When 37‑year‑old Holly Joyce decided it was time for a livelier setting, nothing appealed more than returning to her beloved hometown of Saffron Walden in Essex. After a few years living in a rural spot that, while peaceful, felt increasingly isolated, Holly was drawn to the idea of a modern apartment in a vibrant location that still felt familiar. Having grown up in and around Saffron Walden, she’s now so excited to be back and happily settled at The Waldens, a new development by independent housebuilder Chase New Homes.     

Holly says: “I’ve been living in and around Saffron Walden all my life, and now I just love living so close to the town. It feels so comfortable and familiar in all the right ways. I first came across The Waldens online, and I instantly wanted to learn more about it.  What really drew me in was the history of the former Friend’s School; it is significant in my life, as I used to attend drama classes here, and I had friends that took part in swimming lessons on the grounds. When I saw that Chase New Homes was working to breathe new life into this beautiful building and its surroundings, I was so impressed, and I thought the project was just incredible.

“I told my family and friends that I was looking to buy a home on the site of the former Friend’s School, and they thought that was amazing. I’m enjoying seeing the school be brought back to life and being a part of an exciting moment in Saffron Walden’s history.”

The Waldens from Chase New Homes is an eagerly anticipated development of 96 new homes in Saffron Walden, Essex. A landmark project for the town, it offers an exclusive collection of three- and four‑bedroom houses and one- to four‑bedroom apartments. At its centre is the transformation of the former Friend’s School, an iconic, much‑loved Quaker day and boarding school, which is now being meticulously restored to its original splendour.

Blending the charm of historic architecture with contemporary design, The Waldens creates a distinctive destination for first‑time buyers, growing families, downsizers, and other discerning purchasers. The development combines sensitive conversions with newly built homes and brand‑new sporting facilities, all set within landscaped grounds featuring pedestrian pathways, a historic lime‑tree avenue, and a beautiful biodiversity‑enhancing pond.

Holly purchased her new home in the Pine building, an elegantly designed collection of 12 modern two‑bedroom apartments. Generous windows fill each home with natural light, creating bright, open interiors. Every apartment also features a private balcony, which is perfect for unwinding on warm evenings and enjoying views of the pretty landscaped gardens below.

Holly comments: “When I first started looking for a new home, I was focused on houses, but the apartment at The Waldens immediately felt right for me. It’s just me living here with my lovely little cat, Florence, and the space suits us perfectly. The apartment is such high-quality, and that was another reason why The Waldens stood out to me.

“I’m a keen chef, so I absolutely love the open‑plan kitchen and first-class appliances. I just can’t wait to have friends over to cook for them and entertain. I’m also excited to turn the second bedroom into a dressing room; I’ve got big plans for gorgeous furniture and for beautifully displaying my clothes collection.”

Named as The Sunday Times’ Best Place to Live for 2025, Holly adores her hometown of Saffron Walden, and her new apartment allows her to live a really connected lifestyle.

Holly adds: “Moving here felt like coming home, and I just feel so relaxed. My sister and I unpacked all my boxes, and I felt completely settled in just a matter of hours. Being so close to town is excellent – I can walk down quickly and be in the centre of town in less than 10 minutes. I can meet my friends for coffee, go to one of the many great pubs, and on the weekends, I love going to the market and buying fresh produce for a lovely, long day of cooking in the kitchen.”

Even though she has only lived at The Waldens for six weeks, Holly is looking forward to seeing her community grow even more outside her front door.

She explains: “I’ve only been living here a short time, but it’s already been lovely meeting my neighbours, and I can’t wait to meet the rest. It’s going to be wonderful watching the community come to life with lots of happy residents. Before this, I lived in a rural village about a 30‑minute drive from Saffron Walden; it was peaceful and secluded, but I missed the buzz of belonging to a vibrant neighbourhood. Now, my family are just five to ten minutes’ drive away, and I’m surrounded by so many friendly people.

“I’m really looking forward to my future here at The Waldens. It feels comfortable, idyllic, and welcoming.”

 

Prices at The Waldens start from £249,995 for a one-bedroom apartment. To find out more, visit www.chasenewhomes.co.uk or please call 01799 610985.