Countryside Commuting: Second Steppers Won Over by Hybrid Living in Elsenham

Property hotspots are defined by how convenient they are to reach London, making commuter links a deciding factor for many when looking to relocate. For Gracie Jones (25) and Josh Smith (29), part exchanging their two bedroom flat in Braintree for a four bedroom home at Dandara’s Millers View development in Elsenham, Essex, meant they could fulfil their desire for countryside living without having to sacrifice accessibility into the city. 

Having previously lived together in a two bedroom flat in Braintree, Gracie, a Company Director for a family business and Josh, a banker in central London, utilised Dandara’s Part Exchange scheme to secure their new home. “A few days before exchanging our previous flat, the sale fell through which left us a little unsure of the next steps. Looking into a range of options, Dandara suggested we Part Exchange with them – it was honestly the best decision we ever could have made!”, says Gracie.

Gracie and Josh reserved the four bedroom property in March 2024 and moved in shortly after in June. “Dandara took care of everything – from valuing our previous flat to selling it in a matter of days, the process was so quick! Moving house is stressful enough, so the flat sale being handled for us was really beneficial” she continued. 

With both Gracie and Josh required to be in London due to work commitments, the move from Braintree to Elsenham meant their local train station was a 10 minute walk from their doorstep. “Gracie works five days a week in an office in North London, and I work hybrid – a few days a week in Liverpool Street for a banking firm, so accessibility into London was important. It takes just under an hour to get into London door to door which is so convenient”, Josh adds. 

After years of saving, the couple were able to put down enough money to secure their four bedroom home. “We pushed ourselves to save as much as possible knowing Millers View is where we would be for a long time.” Having fixed their mortgage for two years with an interest rate of 4.8%, Gracie and Josh found their future proof home. 
 
“We were both familiar with the area prior to moving, I am originally from Chelmsford and Gracie lived with her family in Hatfield Broadoak before moving into the flat with me; but Elsenham has such a hybrid living feel to it, with both the countryside and commuter links nearby. Being avid walkers too, we spend lots of time in the forest right next to our house and Gracie is persuading me to get a dog – so dog walks would be well catered for!”

Millers View was a perfect fit for the pair offering extensive open space on the development. “Dandara could have easily built double the number of homes here, but they’ve allowed for so much green space which really makes the difference. I had the preconceived perception that new build homes were cramped and built so close to one another, but Millers View has proven me wrong – we have so much room.”

Gemma Bannister, Sales Director at Dandara Eastern commented: “Across our developments, we offer homes suitable for a range of buyers – including those who travel into London. Millers View allows residents to be well connected to train links into the city with neighbouring towns such as Bishop’s Stortford and Cambridge close by too.

“Considering the wildlife in the area as we create new homes is a crucial part in the home building journey, which is why we pride ourselves on the thriving green space on the development. The space provides residents with a peaceful place to walk and enjoy the nature of Elsenham – utilised by Gracie and Josh, it is rewarding to see its value to our customers.”