‘It really does feel like home’ Herefordshire family celebrates move into new affordable home
A Herefordshire mum who spent months travelling more than two hours a day to keep her daughter in the same school has spoken of her relief after moving into a new affordable home.
Lucy and her family spent several months in temporary accommodation before becoming one of the first customers to move into the picturesque Cragebrook View homes in Clehonger.
The recently completely scheme, delivered by Stonewater, provides 90 much- needed affordable homes that help local people remain in the rural communities they grew up and work in.
Lucy says the home has brought security and relief for her family.
She said: “I was driving my daughter back and forth to school for over two hours each day while we were in temporary accommodation.
“I wanted to keep her in the same school as she was settled but the extra distance and travel costs were really stressful.
“We now feel really settled and it really does feel like home.”
Cragebrook View was built in partnership with Edenstone Homes and includes one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and bungalows available for Affordable Rent and Shared Ownership.
Stonewater are delighted to see the homes now occupied after overcoming significant issues when the initial construction partner went into administration in 2024.
The organisation was able to ensure continuity with the site by partnering with Edenstone, with customers moving into their homes over recent months.
Lucy added: “When I got confirmation that we were able to move in here, I was so happy and excited. I love being able to see the children play outside in the open space and can’t wait to spend our first Christmas here.”
The development has been designed with a focus on outdoor spaces, including a natural play area, a wildflower meadow and green areas. The site has also retained access to an existing ancient orchard for customers to enjoy and will have a piece of public art installed in the coming weeks.
Its completion was celebrated with an opening event in October, attended by representatives of Stonewater, Edenstone, Herefordshire Council and Clehonger Parish Council, including Stonewater’s Chief Executive Jonathan Layzell and Hayley Crane, Head of Housing at Herefordshire Council.
Matthew Crucefix, Group Director of Development at Stonewater, said: “Providing affordable homes is about more than delivering new housing. Lucy’s story is exactly why we build these homes – creating opportunities for people to live in communities where they can build their lives, access local services and feel a sense of belonging.
“We’re delighted to celebrate the completion of Cagebrook View and welcome customers into these new homes. We know it has been challenging for everyone involved to get to this point, but we hope these homes will help create opportunities for local people to stay in the community that they know and love and be able to thrive through access high-quality, affordable housing.”
Christopher Edge, Operations Director at Edenstone, said: “Cagebrook View is one of two rural schemes Stonewater has delivered in Herefordshire alongside
Edenstone following the administration of construction firms. College Road, a scheme set to deliver 120 new homes, will begin welcoming customers to their new homes before Christmas.
The new homes at Cagebrook View and College Road form part of Stonewater’s wider commitment to delivering housing in rural communities, where access to affordable homes can play an important role in enabling people to remain close to their families, workplaces and support networks.