Great Baddow  is an excellent place to retire. The village is large enough to have all the amenities that you require while being close to town also. There are many social groups aim towards seniors too. Great Baddow has a few excellent retirement houses and flats and one care home.

Some retirement homes are for people who are still independent but wish to have the security and comfort of a managed home with staff on call and a social scene. Others provide more care and assistance, and some others are full care homes for people who have become much less mobile or unwell.

Newholme House

Newholme House on Baddow Road (shown above in the first photo) is a residential care home for the elderly. The house is owned by Tony Appleton and also offers care for those with dementia. Care periods are longer stay, short stay and respite.

The home accommodates 18 residents in six single and six shared rooms. Five of the rooms have en suite facilities. The house has a private garden. Residents may bring their own furniture. Meals are very flexible and regular activities are arranged by staff. Prices start from £500 per week (check for latest price information). Newholme House is very close to the Great Baddow Community Centre where social clubs such as Bridge and Tai Chi meet.

• Address: 440 Baddow Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 9RB
• Tel: (01245) 476691
• Web: www.newholmehouse.co.uk

Palmerston Lodge

Palmerston Lodge offered retirement and sheltered housing which is bought on leasehold. There are 30 one and two bedroom flats with 24 hour residential management staff and a community alarm service. The housing is managed by Peverel Retirement.

Weekly social activities include weekly coffee morning, monthly birthday tea, organised by manager. Both cats & dogs generally accepted (subject to terms of lease and landlord permission).

It is in a quiet setting but has easy access to amenities, such as the Vineyards shops and local pubs. The closest pub is the Blue Lion, which has a quiet and friendly saloon bar.

Guide price: in 2014 a property was on sale for  £168,000 for a two bedroom ground floor apartment. Fees include a ground rent (£160 / yr) and service charge (£2770 / yr)

• Address: Palmerston Lodge, High Street, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 7HF.
• Tel: 01425 632214

Kingfisher Lodge / The Dell

Kingfisher Lodge is a retirement community which consists of several homes bought on leasehold with in a secure and friendly environment. It is managed by Orbit Housing Association. There are 44 one and two bedroom flats with residential staff and a safety alarm service. This is retirement / sheltered housing.

There is a communal lounge, laundry, garden and guess facilities.Regular social activities include cards, Bingo, outings, lunches, teas etc. New residents accepted from 60 years of age. New residents accepted from 60 years and up.

• Address: The Dell, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 7JZ
• Tel: 0345 600 2535

Roberts Court

Roberts Court on Baddow Road has a selection of one and two bedroom properties. It was constructed by Roberts Homes and is now managed by Peverel Retirement. It comprises 39 properties arranged over 2 floors.

Weekly social activities include coffee mornings, bingo, quiz & music evenings, supper & theater trips, organised by residents association. Both cats & dogs generally accepted. Cats and dogs are generally welcome.

Guide price: One bedroom ground floor apartment for £125,000. Two bedroom ground floor apartment at £170,000 (2014 prices)

• Address: Roberts Court, Baddow Road, Chelmsford, CM2 9RQ
• Tel: 0845 605 7042
• Email: enquiries@retirementhomesearch.co.uk

Hatleys

Hatleys is on Barclays Close, just off New Road and is close to the Vineyards. is managed by CHP and consists of 25 rented retirement / sheltered housing flats and bungalows. It was built in 1970 and renovated in 2000. There are one and two bedroom properties.

There are resident management staff and a community alarm service. The scheme manager is on site Monday to Friday, outside of their working hours the emergency call is routed to a telecare provider.

Communal areas include kitchen, lounge, laundry, guest facilities and garden. There are regular social events held in the communal lounge. A guest room is available so family and friends can stay a night.

New residents accepted from 60 years of age. Both cats & dogs generally accepted, but not to be replaced (By prior agreement only).

• Address: Barclays Close, Vineyards, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 7QU.
• Scheme manager is Jeanette Bull. Tel: 01245 472115
• Email: housingoptions@chp.org.uk

Purbeck Court

Purbeck Court has 43 rented flats with a combination of one and two bedrooms. It was built in 1974 and is managed by CHP. There are non-resident management staff and community alarm service. Communal facilities include lounge, laundry, garden.

Pricing (2014 figures): Rent: £95.21 per week, Service charge £6.97 pw, Support charge £9.48 pw. Total £111.66 per week.

• Address: Readers Corner, Dorset Avenue, Great Baddow, CM2 8YX
• Tel:  01245 613 000 or 0300 555 0500
• email: housingoptions@chp.org.uk