FROM ACRES TO EASE: BUYER DISCOVERS HER SANCTUARY AT SCHOLARS, BROXBOURNE

At 60, Jackie has found the perfect home for herself and her son at Scholars in Broxbourne by Chase New Homes. Her new home offers the ideal balance of tranquillity, a vibrant community, and modern comforts, making it the perfect fit for their lifestyle. An exam invigilator at a Hertford school and part-time worker at their health centre, Jackie had been searching for a fresh start after being widowed and raising five children. For the past seven years, she lived in a rural property in Little Berkhamsted. While it offered plenty of space and solitude, the upkeep became overwhelming as her children grew older and moved out. Now, with only her youngest son still living with her, Jackie realised it was time for a change. Scholars presented the opportunity to downsize to a more manageable home, without sacrificing the things that matter most to her.

Jackie explains: “My previous home was a large, old house with a converted barn and five acres of land. It was incredible when all seven of us lived there, but once it was just the two of us, the size of the house and the upkeep of the grounds became overwhelming.”

Jackie began to see the advantages of moving to a more manageable home with a connected community: “I geared the move around the development,” she recalls. “My parents live just behind Scholars, so I watched the first homes being built. The initial properties were the perfect size for my parents. When I went to view the development for them, I was really impressed by the quality. I discovered Chase were also building larger detached homes, which sparked my interest, and I knew I had to explore the options for myself.”

After putting her rural home up for sale in April 2024, Jackie moved into her new house in September. “At first, I was worried about adjusting to having neighbours within close proximity because my old house was so secluded,” Jackie shares, “but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The development is so quiet and peaceful, with enough privacy for me to feel very comfortable.”

Jackie is enjoying the modern interior design of her new home. “I love the durable floor—perfect for my needy dog,” she says. “The kitchen area is so well-finished, and I can open the big doors onto the garden during the summer, which is wonderful.” Her son’s car fits conveniently in the garage, and one of Jackie’s favourite features is her ensuite bathroom, which includes a bath. She adds: “The upstairs of the house feels really spacious. I absolutely love that the ensuite has a bath. I think that’s so hard to find. I love relaxing in there.”

The garden is nice and sunny, providing Jackie with a manageable outdoor space to enjoy her passion for gardening, something she had found difficult in her previous home. “I’m so excited to transform this garden into a paradise,” she says. “I think I’ll become a pot lady! Because the grounds at my previous home were so big, I felt as though gardening became a chore. I am really looking forward to falling in love with it again.”

Jackie’s love for Broxbourne stems from the fond memories of her teenage years living in the area, and the surrounding countryside is perfect for her active lifestyle. “The countryside is stunning,” Jackie says. “I can walk out the back and just walk for hours without seeing any people or roads. My dog Teddie loves it, and my grandchildren adore the nearby river and the ducks.”

Jackie continues: “The location of the development is ideal for me. I enjoy the convenience of being closer to my parents. The train station is only a 10-minute walk away, making travel to London very easy. It’s great for my son, who will hopefully be going to university or doing an apprenticeship in London next year.”

“I have everything I need here,” Jackie says. “There are shops nearby, and there’s even a petrol station at the end of the road, which is super handy.” With buses running from the end of the road, access to further amenities is easy, and the nearby golf course and Broxbourne Community Club provide plenty of recreational options. “The community club is fantastic,” Jackie says enthusiastically. “It’s perfect for young people, and my son is especially excited about it. They offer a wide range of activities, so with his love of sport, he’ll be spoiled for choice. What’s even better is that while he’s enjoying his favourite hobbies, he’ll have the chance to socialise and really become part of this wonderful community.”

The sense of community in Jackie’s new neighbourhood has exceeded her expectations. “The houses are nicely spread out, but everyone communicates really well,” she says. Upon moving in, she was quickly added to a neighbourhood WhatsApp group. “The WhatsApp group is very active, and people are quick to solve any issues. The other day, I saw a message about the little ones in the development doing a Halloween walk, which I thought was very sweet.”

Jackie’s moving process went smoothly, and she credits the Chase New Homes team for ensuring a stress-free experience. “The team was great. They were very on top of things and worked quickly to fix any hiccups. The sales staff were amazing and made my move such an exciting experience. The staff, including the site manager, were so patient when i was choosing my plot,” she says.

Now settled into her new home, Jackie is eager to embrace everything the area has to offer. Alongside her love of dog walking and gardening, she hopes to get back into swimming, another passion of hers. She comments: “I’m really looking forward to utilizing the area for all the things I love. It feels like the perfect place to enjoy life at this stage.”

For Jackie, the move from her rural home to her new Broxbourne house marks a fresh chapter, one that blends tranquillity, community, and convenience. With no mortgage, Jackie has found her dream home—a modern sanctuary nestled in the countryside she loves, and surrounded by a supportive, vibrant community.

 

For further press information contact Ellie Gadsby or Gemma Cole at The Oracle Group on:

ellieg@oraclepr.co.uk and gemmac@oraclepr.co.uk