Finding Harmony Together: The Inspiring Story of New Ground Housing
Ten years ago, a remarkable group of twenty-six women, ranging from their early fifties to their mid-eighties, set out to change the way they experienced their later years. They shared a common dream of living in a supportive, harmonious environment designed entirely by women, for women. This dream eventually blossomed into Britain’s first all-female co-housing community, known today as New Ground. Nestled in a beautiful three-story brick building that was once a historic convent school, the community stands as a beacon of modern communal living. Of the original group who spearheaded this ambitious project, twenty-one still call this place their home today.
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The concept of New Ground was born from the realization that many women feel a deep-seated desire to live in a close-knit group. Resident Hedi Argent reflects on this sentiment, noting that women often share a vision of living together in a big house with a shared kitchen and plenty of wine. While such a thought is common among friends, turning it into a tangible reality is an entirely different challenge. The vision of New Ground was to create a space that fostered connection rather than isolation. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of these women that they successfully bridged the gap between a dream and a functional reality.
Turning a Vision into Reality
Smile, breathe, and go slowly. – Thich Nhat Hanh
The roots of this project can be traced back to 1998, when Maria Brenton was teaching women’s studies at Cardiff University. Her academic work led her to travel across North America, Denmark, and Holland, where she studied how various cultures support their aging populations. Through her travels, she discovered the powerful benefits of co-housing, which focuses on shared resources and active community participation. She brought these innovative ideas back to her network of feminist and housing-focused friends in the United Kingdom. This spark of inspiration ignited a twelve-year journey to locate the perfect site for their future oasis.
After a long and arduous search, they finally identified St. Martha’s, a former convent school located in High Barnet, North London. The transformation of this historic site required incredible vision and coordination to meet the specific needs of the women involved. London architecture firm Pollard Thomas Edwards took on the design challenge, reimagining the school into a sanctuary of twenty-five private apartments. Each unit was carefully crafted to include a personal kitchen and a modern wet room bathroom. These private spaces are thoughtfully balanced by a common house that features a larger kitchen, recreational areas, and a lush, shared garden.
The journey to completion was not without its fair share of hurdles, especially when it came to securing funding and navigating legal frameworks. The group was deeply committed to inclusivity, insisting that eight of the apartments be reserved for social housing tenants to keep the community diverse and accessible. This decision created additional complexity, yet it remained a non-negotiable pillar of their values. With the assistance of Housing for Women and the Hanover Housing Association, the logistics were finally resolved. Today, the community serves as a stunning example of how social equity can be integrated into the design of housing developments.
A Vibrant Community Life
New Ground is a living, breathing testament to the power of diverse backgrounds coming together under one roof. The residents represent nine different nationalities and a vast spectrum of life experiences, including retirees, former professionals, and various family structures. While they cherish their independence, they also value the deep bonds formed through their shared decision-making processes. It is important to note that the community is not a rejection of the men in their lives. The women emphasize that they have brothers, fathers, sons, and partners who are welcome visitors, even though they cannot sign a lease to live there.
Living with twenty-five other women is not always a simple path, and the residents are the first to admit that they are not a utopia. They encounter the same challenges as any other group, including health issues, individual personality differences, and daily conflicts. To manage these realities, the women have undergone formal training in conflict resolution and mediation. Decisions are reached by consensus whenever possible, or through a voting system that requires an eighty percent majority to move forward. This structured approach ensures that every voice is heard, respected, and balanced against the needs of the collective group.
The administrative side of their community is managed with efficiency and care. A single contracted manager handles building maintenance, while the residents themselves take full responsibility for other operational aspects. They collectively manage their finances, keep the garden thriving, and oversee the housekeeping standards of the common areas. This division of labor allows each resident to maintain a sense of ownership over their environment. It is a system built on mutual trust, shared accountability, and a firm commitment to the long-term sustainability of their living arrangement.
Aging with Dignity and Autonomy
A driving force behind the creation of New Ground was a powerful rejection of the ageism and infantilization often found in traditional social care. The founders were determined to avoid a future spent in a day-room atmosphere where they were treated as though they could no longer make their own choices. They wanted to maintain their agency, autonomy, and intellectual vitality throughout their later years. By choosing this model, they have proven that aging is not a problem to be solved, but a life stage to be experienced with dignity. Their project serves as a sharp critique of the paternalistic systems that often strip the elderly of their personal independence.
The impact of this community extends far beyond the walls of their North London building. Several of the founding members have documented their experiences in a new book titled "Our Later Years," which aims to educate others on the feasibility of the co-housing model. The residents express a great sense of pride in making history, yet they hope they are not the only ones to do so. They emphasize that they do not wish to be unique; rather, they hope their success encourages others to explore similar paths. They envision a world where more aging individuals have access to supportive, self-directed community living arrangements.
As we look at the legacy of New Ground, it is clear that these women have successfully charted a new course for communal living. Their story is one of unwavering courage, visionary leadership, and the profound beauty of friendship. By prioritizing connection, they have built a safety net that protects them against loneliness and social isolation. Their collaborative spirit and dedication to one another provide a blueprint for a brighter future. As the community continues to evolve, it remains a radiant beacon of hope for those seeking to redefine how they navigate the aging process.
The journey of these women is a heartwarming reminder that it is never too late to take control of your own destiny. By daring to dream big and working tirelessly to see those dreams manifest, they have enriched not only their own lives but the lives of many others who follow in their footsteps. As they continue to share their meals, tend to their gardens, and support one another through the seasons of life, they remind us that the strongest foundation for the future is the community we build today. Their story is a beautiful testament to the strength found in solidarity and the enduring joy of friendship. May their success inspire many more to find their own version of a supportive, loving, and intentional home for their later years.
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