At 33, Hayleigh, a central London based Building Surveyor, has purchased of her perfect property in the vibrant community of Beaulieu Heath in Chelmsford, Essex by Countryside Homes and L&Q. Nestled within the expansive new neighbourhood at Beaulieu, her new one-bedroom house offers everything she was looking for: safety, convenience and a welcoming atmosphere. With stylish properties, green spaces, and an extensive range of amenities, it’s a perfectly connected environment, where she can feel at ease and thrive both personally and professionally.
Although this wasn’t her first property, the experience felt entirely new. During her first home purchase, Hayleigh left much of the process to her previous partner. After they parted ways, she took on the home-buying process and with the support of Countryside, found not just a house, but a safe and happy community where she feels at home.
Hayleigh shares: “I previously bought a home with a partner in Hertfordshire, but I didn’t really get involved with the decision-making. This time, I feel like I’m really starting fresh and, as a single woman, it feels so different.”
Over 15 years ago, Hayleigh embarked on a work experience placement with Countryside, where she had the opportunity to contribute to the first phase of their Beaulieu development. She explains: “I have fond memories of attending meetings and visiting the site - it was an experience that really left a lasting impression on me. I was captivated by what I saw back then, and even though my first home was elsewhere, I always kept an eye on Beaulieu. The design and quality of the homes really stood out to me, and I knew I wanted to return one day.”
That dream became a reality when Hayleigh purchased her stylish one-bedroom house. While the property doesn’t include a garden, it features a front-facing balcony, offering an ideal low maintenance lifestyle. She comments: “With my busy professional life and the demands of commuting, the property, with its minimal upkeep, is perfect for me. The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area creates a spacious, functional living space and beneath the stairs, there’s an additional cupboard for storage. The oversized landing upstairs is another standout feature. I transformed the landing into an office area by fitting a worktop. It’s a bright and airy space that’s ideal for working from home.”
Hayleigh continues: “Upstairs features a generously sized bedroom with large doors that open onto the balcony, filling the room with natural light. There is also a spacious bathroom that adds to the sense of comfort and luxury. Additionally, having an allocated parking space right on the doorstep is hugely convenient— an essential for someone with a busy lifestyle.”
Hayleigh adds: “I wasn’t originally looking for a new build, but now that I’ve experienced living in one, I wouldn’t choose anything else. The quality, the modern features, and ease of maintenance have made it an excellent choice, and the overall experience has been fantastic.”
“The location is also absolutely perfect,” Hayleigh shares. “Living near my parents means I can count on their help with Ted, my Border Terrier. Beaulieu is also a fantastic area for dog owners, with plenty of open spaces, well-maintained walking paths with lighting, and convenient dog bins. As a single woman, I really appreciate how safe and welcoming it feels here.” I love the parks. It’s wonderful to have somewhere to walk Ted and spend time outside.”
Another major highlight of the development is the significant investment in infrastructure, including the forthcoming opening of a new train station at the end of 2025. Hayleigh explains: “My current commute to London takes less than an hour from Chelmsford Train Station which is accessible by the bus service that operates through the development. This will be even better when Beaulieu Park Station opens, as it will considerably streamline and reduce my journey.”
Beaulieu Heath boasts a variety of amenities that have enhanced Hayleigh’s day-to-day life. On-site facilities include Essex’s first all-through primary and secondary school, a day nursery, an education centre and new community, health, sport and retail amenities. A second new primary school is due to open in September 2024, with a hotel and business park due to follow. There are also a wide range of amenities at Beaulieu Square, including Sainsburys and Costa Coffee.
There are also a range of fitness facilities nearby, including Hayleigh’s gym, Virgin Active, while Chelmsford town centre provides an abundance of dining and entertainment options. It’s an ideal location for her lifestyle, as she enjoys catching up with friends over dinner and taking full advantage of the local amenities. She says: “Chelmsford has everything you could need, and I love meeting up with friends there. It’s a fantastic spot for socializing, and it’s so close to where I live.”
Looking ahead, Hayleigh plans to stay on the estate but hopes to upgrade to a larger property in the future. She has already found a sense of stability and comfort in her new home and is excited about
the long-term prospects of living in Beaulieu Heath. She shares: “I love it here and plan to stay. The community is great, and it’s exactly what I needed as a single woman wanting a fresh start.”
Hayleigh was incredibly impressed by the service and support provided by Countryside throughout her home-buying journey. From placing her initial deposit to the final move-in, the process was smooth and efficient, complemented by the exceptional aftercare. Hayleigh explains: “The entire experience was amazing. From the moment I put down my deposit, everything was ready in just four weeks. Countryside made everything easy. The aftercare has been fantastic - I haven’t had to worry about anything. It was a dream experience.”
One of the biggest advantages for Hayleigh was the assistance Countryside provided with her deposit, making the property more affordable. The support she received had a ripple effect, helping her manage mortgage payments and secure a favourable interest rate. Hayleigh explains: “The deposit help was a game-changer. It made such a difference with my mortgage and interest rates. I feel like I can breathe a little easier financially, and it’s a huge relief.”
Hayleigh’s journey to purchasing her second home was shaped by her desire for a safe, comfortable environment with easy access to amenities, community support, and long-term value. Her positive experience with Countryside was a major factor in the smoothness of the process, and the decision to settle in Beaulieu Heath has proven to be an excellent one. For Hayleigh, the future looks bright in her new home, and she’s confident that it’s just the beginning of her next chapter.
Prices at Beaulieu Heath start from £345,500. For more information, please visit Beaulieu Heath>
