The striking, red-brick Victorian facades will be joined by complementary new-build apartments and houses, maintaining the site's historic legacy whilst creating an environment for 21stcentury living. Launching 11th and 12th January 2025, The Waldens will create an exciting new opportunity for those looking for a new home in the picturesque Essex town.

Seamlessly blending old with new, The Waldens will provide a stunning collection of 96 homes ranging from one to four-bedrooms. At the centre of the development, the Old School House is being transformed into 52 contemporary apartments, many of which will benefit from retained high ceilings and impressive windows. The vaulted ceiling and exposed beams of the school's oak-panelled dining hall will be maintained in an exclusive residents' lounge, providing additional space to relax and socialise. The Croydon Building is also being sympathetically restored, hosting a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments.

The remaining homes are being carefully designed to capture a sense of the school's rich history. The mix of new-build apartments and houses will demonstrate the same level of exceptional finishes and luxurious specification as those in the converted buildings. All homes will blend sustainability with modern classic shaker-style kitchens, designed by Leicht, the first carbon neutral kitchen manufacturer.  Kitchens will also feature sleek Caesarstone quartz worktops and an assortment of high-quality Bosch appliances.

Completing the development, the beautiful grounds are being enhanced for the benefit of the new community. Dating back to 1825, the ornate wrought iron gates will be retained, along with an avenue of lime trees. New tennis courts and a multi-use games area are being incorporated, while a range of wildlife has been catered for with the inclusion of a nature-enhancing pond, diverse planting, and bat boxes.

Paul Bennett, Sales and Marketing Director at Chase New Homes, comments: “For over one hundred years, the Friends' School played an important role in the Saffron Walden community. Following the school's closure in 2017, we hope our sympathetic conversion will allow the site to continue to be a cornerstone of the community for many years to come. Offering a range of apartment and house types to suit a variety of homeowners, we are excited to be launching The Waldens as a development brimming with heritage, charm, and sophistication.”

Just 15 miles south of Cambridge, the historic town of Saffron Walden hosts a bustling community. On Saturdays the Market Square comes to life with a busy bunch of traders offering everything from fresh foods to artisan gifts. Nearby, a stroll down ancient lanes reveals a treasure trove of independent boutiques and popular high-street stores. Saffron Walden hosts a range of eateries, cafes, and pubs to tantalise the tastebuds, from brunch at The Goat & Grass to sweet treats at Molly's Coffee and Cake Shop.

For families looking for a home near exceptional schools, The Waldens is ideally placed to offer a choice of state and independent options nearby. For younger children, Bell Day Nursery and St Thomas More Catholic Primary School can both be reached in around 5 minutes on foot. Committed to being 'a local school of exceptional quality', older children can attend Saffron Walden County High School, just a fourteen-minute walk away.

With Saffron Walden taking its name from the saffron crocus that flowers in north-west Essex, it comes as no surprise that The Waldens are surrounded by abundant greenery. With the town encircled by open countryside, buyers at The Waldens can easily embark on tranquil walks immersed in nature. Just an eight-minute cycle away, The Common offers plenty of green space to unwind in, and is also home to one of Saffron Walden's four mazes. For those with fitness goals to achieve, Saffron Walden's wide range of activities, clubs and societies - from football and cricket clubs to fishing lakes and gyms – residents are spoilt for choice.

Whether commuting to London, looking to explore Cambridge or heading to the airport for adventures further afield, The Waldens is well positioned for access to a variety of travel options. Audley End Station is just a six-minute drive away, offering direct services to London Liverpool Street in just 56 minutes, and to Stanstead Airport in as little as 17 minutes.  For those preferring to travel by car, the M11 easily connects destinations towards London, while Cambridge is reachable in less than 30 minutes.

Prices at The Waldens start from £549,995 for the Ash 3 bed house typeFor further information, please visit https://chasenewhomes.co.uk/development/saffron-walden/.

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For further press information contact Ellie Gadsby (ellieg@oraclepr.co.uk) or Gemma Cole (gemmac@oraclepr.co.uk) at The Oracle Group

Editors Notes

About Chase New Homes

Chase New Homes is an independent housebuilder that has successfully been delivering new homes since 2005.

The company has grown exponentially in the last decade with an extensive portfolio of developments, from multi-million-pound properties to large-scale apartment schemes. Strong design and quality finishes can be seen in all Chase properties.

As an independent company the reputation of Chase New Homes is key. Whether acquiring land or building homes, they strive for exceptional service. This philosophy has created a strong brand among Chase customers and partners over the years.

In addition to the re-development of the former Friends' School in Saffron Walden, Claremont Quarter in Cricklewood is the re-development of a brownfield site within the Brent Cross Town regeneration area, one of the largest regeneration areas in London.

Chase is also excited to announce planning for their forthcoming sites in Islington and Cheshunt.

The staff at Chase New Homes are passionate and constantly seek to embody this passion within all elements of the business.