When the Spence family visited the AJC Homes showhome in Chapelton in the hopes of finding interior inspiration for their own property, they had no idea that they would fall in love with the town and find their forever home.
Originally living in Laurencekirk, Iona (aged 30) had grown up in Newtonhill and so was aware of Chapelton but had never ventured into the town. Then, one Sunday when she and her husband Jonathan (aged 30) were visiting Iona’s parents, they decided to take a trip into Chapelton to visit the showhomes for ideas on decorating their own home.
What struck the couple about Chapelton is that all of the houses look so different. They loved the unique feel and thought it looked different to other new build developments they had seen. But it was the picturesque country setting, quiet roads and wide open spaces that won them over, making them sure that they wanted to call Chapelton home.
Quickly deciding to put their Laurencekirk home on the market, the Spence’s chose an AJC Homes property in the town’s Murray Street and in January 2017 they moved in with nine-week old puppy Mac.
Iona said: “Although we weren’t looking for a new home when we came to Chapelton, Jonathan and I knew that eventually we would want to move closer to Aberdeen as we both work in the city. The location is perfect for us as it’s such a short commute into the city centre whilst still retaining its countryside charm, it feels just like a small fishing village.
We decided on the Montrose house style from AJC as we loved how spacious it felt and could see us being in this home forever. We were able to choose many different elements of the house like the kitchen, tiles, doors and door handles and it’s these little touches that have made it feel like our home. Our favourite part of the property is the kitchen which has everything we need. From our seating area to large dining room table, this is the hub of our home when we spend so much time cooking and eating together as well as relaxing and spending time with friends and family.”
Since moving to Chapelton in 2017 as a three- Iona, Jonathan and Mac the Fox Red Labrador- the Spence’s have since welcomed baby Skye to the family who is now ten months old. Having such a friendly town full of neighbours who have become friends is certainly something Iona and Jonathan value.
Iona continued: “I absolutely love the community spirit here, it means so much to have a good support network around you. Since moving in, we have gotten to know our neighbours so well and we are now very close friends who even holiday together. Being a new Mum, it can be daunting going out and about on your own but moving to Chapelton has given me the chance to meet so many other Mums.
“I am currently involved in the Chapelton toddler group where I get to meet up with like-minded mums once a week. It’s great to be part of such a supportive group and bring our children together to play and make friends while the mums have a chat.
“There’s so much to see and do in the town with frequent events, sporting activities and great local facilities like The Lounge and Teacake. We recently took part in the Scarecrow Festival where Jonathan created ‘The Man from Up’ which ended up winning! It was a great festival that brought lots of new faces to the town and it was lovely to see little ones walking past our window and coming in to the garden to get their pictures taken.
“Overall, we absolutely love Chapelton and can see ourselves here for the long run as we grow into our home. The community spirit of the town makes it the perfect place for adults and little ones alike and we can’t wait to grow our family here.”
The homes available from AJC Homes can be viewed here: www.ajcscotland.com/locations/chapelton-developments