A pair of Cheshire key workers have put their stamp on their new Barratt home, creating the perfect selfie spot for their popular Instagram account.

Police Officer Claire McCann (39) and husband Graham (38), a member of the Fire Service, have over 5,000 followers on their Instagram account, which was created to document the building process and their move to the J One Seven development in Sandbach.

Born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent, Claire said: “We were renting before and this is the first home that either of us have owned. Graham and I were really keen to get on the property ladder and find a home that was big enough for our growing family.”

The couple share their home with their son Ethan (4), French Bulldogs, Tommy and Ghost, and Graham's son Connor (8), who stays with them part time. The whole family are featured on their Instagram account that is regularly updated with photos of family time and decorating ideas.

Claire has been a police officer with Staffordshire Police for 14 years, whilst Graham is a veteran Watch Commander for the Fire Service. Claire continued, “We previously lived in Lichfield and we moved to Sandbach to be closer to work and family.

“We visited the show home and instantly fell in love with it. It was the perfect size for us, and we loved that it was a blank canvas for us to put our own stamp on. The environmental benefits of a new home was an added bonus as we've definitely noticed savings on our energy bills.”  

The couple have been eager to make the four bedroom Harborough style home their own and have added a large play area in the garden for the children as well as a custom-built outdoor bar for the adults. The family have also been visited by local wildlife, including rabbits, frogs, and squirrels, encouraged by the wildlife friendly measures implemented at Barratt's developments.  

She added: “We reserved the home off plan during the late building stages so multiple extras had already been added and were lucky enough to move in within seven weeks. The Sales Advisers kept us informed at every step of the way, so we never felt unsure of what was happening. 

“We utilised a savings ISA and Help to Buy really made a difference to what we could afford. Graham and I stuck to a budget whilst saving, but we never had to miss out on nice things for our family.”

J One Seven is located on Old Mill Road in Sandbach, less than a mile away from the town centre. Situated close to junction 17 of the M6, the development offers convenient links to London and Manchester.  

The development is partly enclosed by Offley Wood and Sandbach Park is less than half a mile away, ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors or with little ones that have plenty of energy to burn.

Claire said: “Having the town centre within walking distance is great because we don't have to rely on the car to get there. And while some may be put off by living this close to the M6, we don't mind because you can't hear any noise and it's easy to just hop right on. 

“The development is full of young families, which is great for us and the boys. Ethan is best friends with the little girl next door and they're starting at the local school together in September.

“I love our Harborough home and I think I'd struggle to pick my favourite part of it. I really enjoy being able to return to a lovely house at the end of the day and relaxing with Graham, the boys, and the dogs. It feels like a proper family home.”

To follow the McCann's journey, visit @harborough_j1seven on Instagram.

J One Seven is now open on an appointment only basis, to find out more visit  www.barratthomes.co.uk/joneseven or call 0333 355 8474 to book an appointment with a Sales Adviser.

For more information on the measures Barratt Homes have taken with social distancing along with an informational video, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/the-buying-process/safety-and-social-distancing/ 

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. For further information about Barratt Homes please contact Lily Whiting on 0116 247 1777 / 0737 794 0805 or emaillily@unsworthsugden.co.uk

2. Barratt Homes is part of Barratt Developments PLC, a FTSE100 company

3. Barratt was awarded a maximum five-star rating for the 11th consecutive year in the 2020 Home Builders Federation Customer Satisfaction Survey

4. Site managers working for Barratt Group won 92 awards for quality workmanship in the 2020 NHBC Pride in the Job Awards. Barratt has won more Pride in the Job awards than any other housebuilder for the last 16 years.