About Us
“Holdenhurst provides affordable housing in a thriving community”
Abbeyfield South Downs
The development of Holdenhurst marks a new chapter for Abbeyfield South Downs, providing exceptional Care Enabled housing for the local community. We are incredibly proud to have obtained funding and support to build a development that is somewhat unique in our region.
“Holdenhurst provides affordable housing in a thriving community. With support from Homes England, we are proud to offer a full rental development. This makes it special as it enables people to enjoy the beautiful homes we are offering, at a price that is within reach for everyone.”
Nolan Taylor, Chief Executive
We are a registered charity and operate on a not-for-profit basis. We share fundamental principles with the national Abbeyfield Society, revolving around the support, care, lifestyle and wellbeing of older people.

The Abbeyfield ethos
The Abbeyfield Society was founded by Richard Carr-Gomm in 1956 to alleviate loneliness among older people who were living unsupported and with little contact with others. Today, there are hundreds of Abbeyfield properties nationwide, some managed centrally by the National Society, but most are managed by individual independent Abbeyfield members.
Abbeyfield houses maintain a fundamental purpose which reflects Richard Carr-Gomm’s original approach. Our services are designed to alleviate loneliness, by providing contact with others in a partly-shared environment.
Our History
To find out more about our houses, please visit south-downs.abbeyfield.com
Latest news & events
- 28th April 2021Abbeyfield South Downs is launching a time capsule initiative to celebrate the opening of its affordable rental development Holdenhurst - and is inviting the local community to get involved.
- 26th March 2021Last month heralded an important day in the history of Abbeyfield South Downs. The first 22 apartments Holdenhurst have been handed over, a real milestone in the development. Bringing Holdenhurst...
- 22nd January 2020A move to Holdenhurst will see you living in the small market town of Heathfield as the development is just a short walk from the centre of town. A...