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A guide to living in Essex
Average location score
Excellent
68%
Very Good
26%
Average
4%
Disappointing
1%
Very poor
1%
Best places to live in Essex
How is ranking calculated?HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and the amount of verified reviews over the past 12 months.
Viewing 1-5 out of 49
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Leaf Living at Chesterwell, CO4
By Leaf Living
4.16
(18 reviews)
Ranked 1st out of 49 in Essex
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Ewing House, CM14
By Heimstaden
3.97
(16 reviews)
Ranked 2nd out of 49 in Essex
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St Luke's Park, SS11
By Countryside
4.43
(10 reviews)
Ranked 3rd out of 49 in Essex
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Arboretum, CM16
By Higgins Homes PLC
4.27
(10 reviews)
Ranked 4th out of 49 in Essex
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One Canalside, CM2
By Legal & General, VervLife
4.24
(125 reviews)
Ranked 5th out of 49 in Essex
Page 1 of 10
Featured developments in Essex
Latest Reviews in Essex
368 total reviews
Viewing 1-5 out of 368
Judith (Tenant)
Verified Resident
Spinning Fields, CM7
Feb 2025
Most of the people you see when out walking the dog seem friendly
Judith (Tenant)
Verified Resident
Spinning Fields, CM7
Feb 2025
Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:
Good location, transport doesn’t affect us as we have a vehicle, however there is a bus stop not too far away which is handy. Only real problem was the lack of bins for litter and dog bins however there has been some placed but could do with a few more.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
Initially had dealings with a different property manager that was very unhelpful and wouldn’t get back to you. We now have a new property manager Mustafa Dar who couldn’t be more helpful and gets issues resolved quickly.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
More information on heating and air conditioning unit would be helpful when moving in.
Facilities
Design
Location
Value
Management
KM (Tenant)
Verified Resident
Leaf Living at Chesterwell, CO4
Jan 2025
Lovely, but only if you go detached
KM (Tenant)
Verified Resident
Leaf Living at Chesterwell, CO4
Jan 2025
Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:
The local area is lovely- it's a nice part of Colchester and very close to countryside and the town. Road closures and blocks remain an issue, but the team are quick to allow access without complaint which I appreciate. Roads are still very dark and lighting could be improved.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
We have had most issues when related to leaf living, but anything to do with developers has just been ignored.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
Be mindful that the new turf in the garden is water logged- we have a few boggy areas and the grass has died completely.
Facilities
Design
Location
Value
Management
Matt (Tenant)
Verified Resident
Leaf Living at Chesterwell, CO4
Dec 2024
Would recommend!
Matt (Tenant)
Verified Resident
Leaf Living at Chesterwell, CO4
Dec 2024
Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:
Excellent area - good transport links and local amenities. Would recommmed to anyone - many families will be happy here.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
The management team have responded quickly and with ease always seeking to resolve any issues without delay.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
There is nothing more to add only that I wished I had found the development and leaf living sooner !
Facilities
Design
Location
Value
Management
Lucy W (Tenant)
Leaf Living at Chesterwell, CO4
Dec 2024
Chesterwell exceeds expectations!
Lucy W (Tenant)
Leaf Living at Chesterwell, CO4
Dec 2024
Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:
Very convenient for a whole range of facilities. Everything is a short drive or even more than that, a cleverly designed village /community with coffee shop, gym, supermarket and schools/nursery a short stroll away. Everything has been thought of, plenty of space and nicely leaned areas. I can't see any doggy waste bins. Perhaps these are coming.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
I can't fault them so far. I raised the issue of the airing cupboard being unfinished (it can't be used without the usual slatted shelves) they have no issue us doing this ourselves. Not ideal but again very quick to respond.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
Road closures are erratic and unexpected. Leafliving tried their best to keep us informed. Development is still ongoing so expect your car to be covered in mud and roads are dark and uneven.
Facilities
Design
Location
Value
Management
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Dave S (Tenant)
Leaf Living at Chesterwell, CO4
Nov 2024
Great development
Dave S (Tenant)
Leaf Living at Chesterwell, CO4
Nov 2024
Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:
Easy access to the mainline train station and A12 where you can easily reach Stanway for a good varity.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
Yes they have been very helpful, and respond in good time.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
Allocated parking could be more clearly identified, and getting bins from the council has been a bit if bind, this is more down to the fact my property hadnt been registered
Facilities
Design
Location
Value
Management
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These reviews are the subjective opinion of a HomeViews user and not of HomeViews