A couple craving space turned their scuppered wedding plans into a silver lining after escaping the Manchester rental trap for a three storey townhouse in Sandbach.

Andrew and Kamil's wedding was cancelled due to COVID, so they purchased their dream home in Sandbach instead.

Andrew Moulton (32) and Kamil Oster (28) were due to get married when the country was plunged into lockdown thanks to COVID-19.

While a future wedding date was uncertain, one thing they were both sure of was their need for space, ultimately reserving a home at Barratt Homes' J One Seven development.

Andrew, a Data Consultant, said: "We were previously living in central Manchester, and when we went into lockdown, we found ourselves wanting our own outdoor space.

"We had been saving for our wedding, so when it was cancelled and we couldn't rearrange for a year, we considered the possibility of buying a house.

"We discussed a lot of things, and we both knew that we were looking for that had the potential to be our forever home. A new build home allowed us to start from scratch, and we didn't have to fix or change things that weren't to our taste."

With the need for space at the top of their list, the pair decided on a four bedroom Fawley-style home, meaning they had three floors to play with.

Kamil, a Data Scientist, said: "We love the layout of the Fawley. We have different parts of the house for different times of day, and we both have space for an office.

"We enjoy entertaining friends and family, so the extra rooms and bathroom for guests are ideal.

"The ground floor is fantastic, especially as it opens onto a garden that we've been landscaping already.

"Even though we do have the extra room, having our bedroom and the lounge on the first floor made for an easy transition from living in a single level apartment."

Buyers trying to visualise their potential three storey homes now have the opportunity to see their vision on the screen with Barratt Homes' interactive three storey living tool.

The tool was created for buyers to use when envisioning their future. With the ability to change the house type, and the choice of different rooms on each floor, buyers can explore the numerous opportunities that three-storey living has to offer. The virtual tool can be found at www.barratthomes.co.uk/create-your-perfect-house.

After moving in at the end of 2020, Andrew and Kamil have since celebrated their wedding, and have had chance to reflect on what they enjoy about living in Sandbach.

Andrew said: "It's a lovely market town that can be easily accessed by public footpaths. There's a great variety of bars and independent shops, and a selection of market stalls twice a week.

"Beyond Sandbach is a selection of larger towns, and we're less than an hour away from Liverpool, Chester, and Manchester by car.

"We also love how close we are to outdoor space, and being National Trust members, we're taking advantage of being close to different National Trust sites."

J One Seven is located on Old Mill Road, and offers residents the best of both worlds, with great commuting links and the element of nature from the Offley Wood surroundings.

The development is in its final phase and currently has four bedroom homes available, starting at £265,995.