Greenfinch Avenue, Preston, PR4

Think You Know Barratt Homes? Set on a sought-after development by the canal, this isn’t your typical boxy new-build. It has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms over 3 storeys and superb, sociable outside space including a private garden and a roof terrace.

The difference lies in the design - three light-filled levels that give everyone room to breathe, plus a sun-trap roof terrace that will be brilliant for sociable summer living.

Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the award-winning Cottam Meadow development, this spacious three storey home brings together flexible family living and a layout that genuinely surprises. Built by Barratt in 2016, it’s been loved by the same owners ever since - and it shows.

The welcoming hallway leads to two reception rooms, currently set up as a living room and dining room. The living room has French doors to a gorgeous landscaped garden that gives you so much more privacy than you’d expect to find in the middle of a modern estate.

The stylish, well-fitted kitchen has an adjoining utility room that keeps the laundry out of sight and the cooking zone calm.

The first floor has a double bedroom with its own ensuite, a single bedroom and the stylish family bathroom. But by far the most exciting part is the substantial roof terrace which will transform how you live during the summer months. It’s the perfect alternative to the garden for summer evening drinks, weekend coffees or simply stretching out in the sun without leaving the house.

Head up again and you’ll find the spacious master bedroom (complete with its own ensuite) and another double bedroom.

There’s parking for several cars at the front, a wall mounted EV charger, along with a double garage (currently setup as a home gym).

If you have younger children, school run stress will become a thing of the past as Cottam Primary School (rated “Good” by Ofsted) is less than a 10 minute walk away.

Cottam Village Green is opposite the school, a lovely green space featuring the Kings Maze and sculptures by local artists.

And there’s plenty to enjoy closer to home - you can enjoy peaceful canal walks (the canal is just at the end of the street), with tennis courts nearby and the UCLAN sports centre (with football pitches and a state of the art gym) just a short walk away.

You don’t have to go far for your daily essentials. There’s a Co-op foodstore, conveniently located just past the school.

If you need to head into town to hit the shops or catch up with friends, it takes less than 20 minutes to drive to the city centre.

It’s the same distance to the station, where fast and frequent West Coast Mainline trains will take you to London and Glasgow, along with more local northwest services to Liverpool and Manchester.

And if you’re heading further afield by car, it’s in a convenient location, less than 10 minutes drive to the M55 and the M6.

This substantial family home really is something special - and the unusual design and superb outside space should challenge any preconceived ideas about boring “Barratt Boxes”.

There are only a handful of properties with this unique three storey layout and terrace on this popular estate - and this is only the second to come back onto the market since 2016 - so we’re expecting plenty of interest.