First buyers move into sought-after Oldham development

An Oldham couple have admitted to taking a ‘leap of faith’ when purchasing one of Redrow’s newer style Chester homes.

But it was a decision that Lauren Teasdale, 27, and partner Craig Schumann, 30, say “definitely paid off”.

The couple bought their new four-bedroom property during the launch weekend at Bishop Meadows, located between Royton and Shaw, without even viewing the property.

“We didn’t know exactly what the Chester would look like, but we knew we loved Redrow homes, with their modern interiors and traditional exteriors – so much more aesthetically pleasing than other new homes in the area,” said Lauren, a design engineer.

“It’s a lovely property, and we are already really settled… and it’s good to know that if children come along in the future we won’t need – or want – to move.”

Bishop Meadows will eventually be home to more than 200 properties, five acres of green space and its own orchard; with a range of three to five-bedroom designs from 1,081 sq ft to 1,855 sq ft.

The new property is the second home for Lauren and Craig, an electrician. 

And while they weren’t originally planning a move this year, the launch of the Redrow development not far from where they were was too tempting to turn their backs on.

“We were living half a mile away, still in Royton, in a three-bedroom semi that we’d been in for just under four years,” said Lauren.

“We had done on lot of work on that, stripping it back to the brick and re-wiring it, totally renovating it, and so we’d have been happy to have stayed there for another few years.

“But the timing of it just fell really well for us. We love Redrow’s homes, they have a reputation for great quality.

“We went to look around Woodford Garden Village and when you walk into the show homes, you fall in love with them. 

"You just go ‘wow’.

"So, we agreed to sell up and move into a bigger property.

“It was nice to move into a home where the majority of it was done and we really like the way Redrow developments are designed, with lots of greenery and open spaces; when you go onto them you always see children playing and they feel safe.”

Lauren and Craig reserved their home on the launch weekend of Bishop Meadows and chose The Chester which has a separate lounge, utility and cloakroom, and a spacious kitchen, dining and family room at the rear downstairs.

Upstairs there are four double bedrooms, the main with ensuite, and a luxurious bathroom.

“We wanted this plot because it has a south facing garden and we loved the idea of that big social space at the back,” said Lauren.

“When you have kids it’s where everyone can congregate and, even now, you can cook and entertain at the same time. 

"We’ve got friends coming over tonight and I know I can start cooking and chat to them, I don’t have to go into a separate room and be isolated from everyone.

“Being able to choose the kitchen and tiling etc., was good too, and we upgraded the kitchen with quartz work tops and added bi-fold doors to make the most of that room and the garden area in the summer. It really opens it out.”

Upstairs, Lauren and Craig have the main bedroom, and bedroom two at the front has been turned into Lauren’s office-cum-bedroom for their English bulldog, Bodhi. 

The third is a spare room for friends and family to stay, and they’ve yet to decide about the fourth.

Homes at Bishop Meadows, off Cocker Mill Lane in Cowlishaw, will all hail from Redrow’s Arts and Crafts inspired Heritage Collection, with a range of three to five-bedroom designs currently starting at £420,000.

To find out more about Bishop Meadows, call the sales team on 0161 5167622 or click here

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