Two London-based families have jointly purchased a historic Georgian manor in East Anglia, creating a unique shared living arrangement designed to balance urban work life with rural family values. The property, known as Rochfords, is located near Colchester in Essex and features extensive gardens, a natural swimming pond, and a distinctive architectural design that accommodates separate living spaces under one roof.
The partnership began when two couples, Jonathan and Sophie from Leytonstone and Maggie and Francisco from Soho, sought to escape the constraints of city living. Confronted with the rising costs of the property market and the challenge of securing large country homes individually, the families opted to pool their resources to acquire the manor together. Their shared goal was to achieve more space, a closer connection to nature, and a communal support system for raising children.
After an extensive property search across Kent, Sussex, Essex, and Suffolk, the couples found Rochfords, a Georgian country house with two symmetrical wings, offering ample space and relative independence within a single residence. The layout allowed each family to maintain private bedrooms and workspaces upstairs, while sharing common areas such as utility rooms and outdoor grounds.
The property’s rural setting near the medieval village of Bures, with its Ofsted-rated primary school, local amenities, and access to train stations, facilitated a manageable commute to London for both families. Additionally, access to a local forest preschool was a determining factor in their decision.
Transitioning from inner-city flats to this rural estate introduced several challenges, particularly in adapting to country living and managing the upkeep of the large historic home. The first winter was notably difficult, prompting the families to undertake eco-renovations such as installing a ground source heat pump and upgrading heating systems to ensure affordable energy costs and comfort.
Daily life at Rochfords has included shared meals and communal childcare arrangements, which have helped reduce isolation commonly experienced by young parents far from family support. The families organized school runs, lift-shares, and social activities together, creating a supportive environment for their children and themselves. Since moving in, they have welcomed four children and one puppy, embracing the outdoors and rural community life.
The couples report that despite the inevitable adjustments, the arrangement has enhanced their quality of life, providing access to natural beauty, historic surroundings, and ample space for their families to grow. They emphasize the importance of ongoing communication, citing regular meetings to address concerns and ensure a harmonious shared living experience.
After six years, the families have decided to sell Rochfords for £1.4 million to relocate closer to elderly relatives. Though they plan to establish separate households, they regard their time at the manor as a successful experiment in modern shared living and an alternative approach to overcoming property market barriers.
The property remains on the market and is seen as well-suited to other families, multigenerational households, or groups seeking a blend of communal and private living in the countryside. The families leave the estate with lasting memories and a blueprint for collaborative rural living.