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Christmas Gift Guide

While Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, sharing wonderful food and listening to great music, presents are also a great part of the fun.

It can be so exciting to unwrap a present to reveal that certain something you have had your eye on for months, but sometimes there’s nothing better than seeing the faces of family and friends as you treat them to something really special.

Whether it’s a gift for your nearest and dearest or a stocking fillerfor your office secret Santa, there are a wealth of great boutique stores in and around Chapelton that will bring festive inspiration, all whilst buying local.

Teacake Vouchers

What better gift to give than the gift of food? Popular Chapelton bistro Teacake offers vouchers that loved ones can redeem on treats like afternoon tea, lunch or seasonal meals from the ever changing dinner menu. Visit the website or pop into Teacake to get your gift vouchers.

Native Sister

Native Sister provides beautifully crafted, bespoke gift boxes filled with thoughtful, indulgent treats, guaranteed to put a smile on the face of whoever you are buying for. Choose from a selection of boxes that have various herbal teas, sweet treats, candles, socks and other goodies, to leave your loved ones feeling pampered and relaxed.

 The Lounge in Chapelton

For those who love to be pampered, gift vouchers for The Lounge in Chapelton are the perfect present. With a wide range of luxurious treatments on offer, choose from an ELEMIS facial, massage or face and body treatment. Manicures and hair appointments are also available. Vouchers can be purchased in store or treatments can be booked through the website.

Porters Gin

If the recipient of your gift is partial to a festive tipple, why not opt for a bottle of Porters Gin? Coming from an innovative micro-distillery in Aberdeen, Porters Gin distil botanicals at low temperatures to retain their fresh, natural flavour, creating a high quality gin that is refreshing and well balanced- perfect for craft gin connoisseurs.

My Beautiful Caravan

Local to Stonehaven, My Beautiful Caravan has a range of quirky gifts, cards and stationary along with some specially selected vintage items, perfect as stocking fillers. Their range of entertaining cards and mugs is sure to put a smile on the face of even the biggest scrooge!

Christmas Cookie Recipe

As we approach Christmas we all have our own routines that help us feel festive, be that curling up with our favourite Christmas films, listening to festive Christmas music or decorating our homes to inspire festive cheer.

Another great way to get yourself in the Christmas spirit is by baking some delicious Christmas goods. These tasty sugar cookies are so simple to make and can be used as ornaments to hang on your Christmas tree, wrapped in cellophane and given as a gift or simply enjoyed with a festive hot chocolate. Take a look at the recipe below.

You Will Need

 For the Biscuits

  • 100g of unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 100g of caster sugar
  • 1 free-range egg, beaten lightly
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 275g of plain flour

Method

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5, then line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
  2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together until pale, light and fluffy.
  3. Gradually beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  4. Sift in the flower slowly until the mixture comes together as a dough before rolling out on a flowered work surface to a thickness of 1.5cm.
  5. Using cookie cutters or a glass, cut shapes out of the dough and carefully place onto a baking tray.
  6. If you are planning to use the biscuits as Christmas tree decorations, this is where you would use a straw to cut a hole in the top of the biscuit. Remember that the dough will spread out when baking so ensure the hole is not too small.
  7. Next, bake the biscuits in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until they are a pale-golden brown. Take them out of the oven and leave them to firm up for 5 minutes before cooling them on a wire rack.

For the Decorations

  • 400g of icing sugar
  • 3-4 tbsp water
  • 2-3 drops of food colourings
  • Edible glitter (optional)

Method

  1. To make the icing, sift the icing sugar into a large mixing bowl and stir in enough water to create a smooth mixture. Stir in a few drops of your choice of food colouring until you are happy with the colour
  2. Carefully spread the icing onto the biscuits using a knife and sprinkle over the glitter or any other decorations you’d like to use. If using the biscuits for a Christmas decoration you could add bows, just remember to remove them before eating.
  3. Set aside until the icing hardens, then enjoy with friends, wrap as gifts or decorate your tree.

Disclaimer: Please note the recipe for these Christmas cookies was adapted from BBC Good Food’s recipe here.

Move into Your Dream Home in Chapelton this Christmas

Whether it’s hanging a traditional wreath on the front door, an indulgent dinner around the table with family and friends or cosy nights by the fire, everyone has their own version of a perfect Christmas at home.

In Chapelton, we have a selection of gorgeous homes available to move into ahead of the holidays, allowing you to turn your dream Christmas into reality.

With homes suitable for first time buyers, families and retirees, there’s something for everyone here in Chapelton. Take a look at some of the town’s best properties available to move into for Christmas.

A Cosy Christmas

Christmas is the perfect time to relax, unwind and get cosy and award-winning housebuilder Stephen’s two bedroom Ardwall offers the ideal setting.

A traditionally designed cottage priced at £230,000, this property offers an entrance hallway, two spacious bedrooms, plenty of storage, an open kitchen and dining room and a lounge where favourite seasonal films can be enjoyed with blankets, tree lights twinkling and lots of chocolate.

Entertaining Friends and Family

For many, the festive period is a time to celebrate with nearest and dearest. If you find yourself hosting this holiday, make the most of Aboyne-based housebuilder AJC’s spacious three bedroom detached home, The Fife, which is kitted out with everything needed to create a flawless Christmas meal that can be celebrated round the table.

The large dining kitchen features fully integrated appliances including a stainless steel oven, hob, extractor hood, dishwasher and fridge freezer, ready to cook up a festive storm.

Priced at £345,000, this home also offers buyers free flooring and part exchange, making it the ideal home for a hassle free move this Christmas.

A Bustling Household

If your typical Christmas is more Home Alone than The Holiday, then you’ll be looking for a house that can fit the whole family.

Stephen’s four bedroom Melfort, priced at £329,500, is the ideal space for hosting guests with its large bedrooms, open plan kitchen, dining area and sitting area, three bathrooms, landscaped garden and boot room where muddy shoes can be stored.

Looking Forward to 2019

While you may not be quite ready to move this Christmas, there’s nothing to stop you from thinking ahead to 2019.

The showhomes of Chapelton’s four housebuilders can be viewed by getting in touch with the sales teams to arrange an appointment. Visit the town during the festive period and enjoy a browse of the homes available for sale, a festive bite to eat in Teacake, or a walk in the crispy countryside along the Chapelton Trail.

Brio Retirement Living’s new show apartment is also set to be revealed to the public before the end of the year, so to see the apartment, or one of the show cottages, for yourself at the exclusive preview event on 6 December, speak to a member of the Brio sales team on 01224 042378.

Spicy Squash and Apple Soup from the Liberty Kitchen

There has certainly been a chill in the air in Chapelton recently as Jack Frost has arrived just as the clocks have gone back.

If you are looking for something a little more warming than just a sandwich for your packed lunch, why not try this recipe for spicy squash and apple soup from the Liberty Kitchen? Using seasonal winter vegetables, this delicious soup is comforting and sweet with a spicy kick, perfect to take in a flask to work or enjoy later at home by the fire.

For the Soup You Will Need:

1ltr vegetable stock

1/3 of a large butternut squash/pumpkin

1 x red onion

1/4 of a red chilli

4 x apples

1 x red pepper

Small piece of fresh ginger/teaspoon of ground

1tbsp coconut oil

Method:

  1. Lightly fry the finely chopped onions, chilli and grated ginger in the coconut oil until soft
  2. Add the remainder of the chopped vegetables and soften.
  3. Add the stock and simmer for around 30 minutes then blend.
  4. Squash seeds can be rinsed and lightly toasted on a baking tray with a little olive oil or coconut oil until crunchy, then sprinkle with sea salt as a lovely crunchy topping. Enjoy!

Take a Look Inside the AJC Showhome

AJC’s showhome over at Pheppie Park is the impressive, five bedroom Rothesay. The images below give you a glimpse inside this charming family home but if you’d like to arrange to view the showhome in person, visit AJC’s website or call 01339 887 778. 

What to Look for When Buying a Property

Finding the perfect property can be daunting and difficult, especially when you have no idea what you’re looking for or the questions to ask. With various aspects to consider both internally and externally, it can sometimes feel like you’re stabbing in the dark.

To help shed some light we’ve teamed up with the four housebuilders here in Chapelton, giving you an idea of the kinds of things you should be looking out for when buying a new home.

AJC

Writing a list is the way forward for Sian Goldie, sales advisor at AJC Homes. Pulling together a list separated into three sections – what you need, what you want and what you could compromise on – helps show what you are looking for in your new home, making it easier to narrow down your search and focus on properties that fit your lifestyle. Priorities change as you view homes but this will keep you focussed on the essentials.

ZeroC

For the team at ZeroC, it’s important to think about value for money. When you look to buy a home, look at the size of the property, the quality of the fixtures and fittings and the dimensions of the room. Many will think a three bedroom property means more space than a two bedroom which isn’t always the case.

Not all three bedroom houses are built alike and they vary considerably in size and price so they suggest having a careful look at the square footage of the home before making up your mind.

Stephen

The team at Stephen suggest thinking about the development as well as the property itself. If you have a family, think about whether the neighbourhood is child friendly. Consider if the roads feel safe, the streets are well lit and how the area feels to walk around.

They also suggest considering external factors such as how the property looks from the outside, the general quality of the build and the size and shape of the garden. While it’s nice to have some outdoor space, it’s important to think about maintenance and how easy this will be – no one wants to end up with an overgrown space to deal with.

Most importantly, Stephen value a home warranty guarantee such as the National House Builders Council (NHBC) which provides a ten year warranty and insurance on any new build property, essential for when you are buying or selling a home.

Brio Retirement Living

The key things to think about are the accessibility of the property, the quality of the finish and how well it is designed for the future, according to the Brio Retirement Living team.

They find that a home should be suited to making daily life easier and more enjoyable, something that shouldn’t be any different as we age. For the team at Brio Retirement Living, it’s important for homes to utilise intuitive design, smart assisted technology and, features and fittings that can be easily adapted to suit changing mobility so that the home is fit for the future.

Finally, choosing a place to live which offers a real sense of community which is thriving and welcoming for all is important. Destination matters and can really enhance your daily quality of life and help make your new environment feel like a home quickly.

Meet the Team: Sian Goldie

A Sales Adviser with Chapelton housebuilder AJC, Sian is the first point of contact for buyers considering making the town home. A friendly face for residents, she is also on hand to help the local community with any questions about their property and life in Chapelton. Here, Sian tells us more about her work with AJC.

Tells us about your career experience and what your role brings to the town

I’ve always worked in marketing and sales, including housebuilding, but Chapelton is very different from any other place that I’ve been based previously. Here, it’s not just about the property but about the whole lifestyle that a move to the town can offer. It’s my job to let house hunters know about this great lifestyle and help new residents settle into it.

What questions are you frequently asked by house hunters?

Many of our customers are looking for a low maintenance new home but do not want to compromise on the traditional layout or the character that older properties can provide. We offer the best of both worlds, with high ceilings, spacious rooms, and traditional timber windows and copper piped plumbing throughout; seamlessly integrated alongside modern building techniques, high quality fittings in the kitchen and bathrooms, and warranty cover to provide peace of mind.

It’s great to be able to show them all of this in our show homes, where they’re able to feel the quality of the specification for themselves. The little things they might think don’t matter when buying a house often end up being their favourite features, such as our beautiful staircases that are handcrafted in our workshop in Aboyne.

What is it about the Chapelton lifestyle that attracts customers?

Chapelton is unique from other developments. There’s plenty of space, the houses aren’t tightly packed and there’s a great  sense of community. This along with the picturesque surrounding countryside and great local amenities is really attractive to our customers. They love the idea of being part of something new and exciting, something that they’re not going to find anywhere else close by.

What do you like most about your job?

Coming from a long line of school report cards where I was consistently told I talked too much, it will be no surprise to anyone that I just love meeting and talking to people.

Customers are often interested in the building methods we use and are very receptive to hearing about what influences inspire us to build the way we do and the intricacies of what makes our homes so different to any other new build out there.

Buying a home is such a personal experience for customers and I love to hear interesting stories about people’s lives, or just funny anecdotes that stick with me for years to come. I’m so very lucky to have a job I thoroughly enjoy.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I have two dogs at home and they take up most of my spare time. They’re a handful but I wouldn’t change them for the world. We love going on long walks along the beach or taking part in community meet ups.

ZeroC Ardler Properties Selling Fast

Just one of ZeroC’s properties in block 9 on Bunting Place remain for sale.

The three bedroom Ardler has been popular with a mix of buyers including young families and downsizers who have all been keen to make the most of the housetype’s spacious rooms including an open plan kitchen and dining room, utility room, living room with wood burning stove, en suite master bedroom and family bathroom.

Priced at £253,000 and available to move into in time for Christmas, this property also boasts plenty of storage, two parking spaces and a south west facing garden – the ideal place to let young children play and run around safely.

For more information about ZeroC homes, see www.zeroc-chapelton.co.uk or visit the showhome which is open Thursday to Monday 11am – 5pm.

Take a Tour of the Brio Retirement Living Showhome

The Brio Retirement Living showhome is now open, giving you a chance to experience the caliber of properties on offer in Chapelton. To arrange a visit to the showhome, you can fill out this online form or call 01224 946711 where you will receive your exclusive invite.

In the meantime, the below video is a great way to have a look around the stunning two bedroom Fraser showhome at Landale Court.

Celebrate Chocolate Week with Local Blogger Foodie Quine

Celebrating all things chocolate, Chocolate Week is the nation’s favourite themed week, taking place from 15th – 21st October.

With hundreds of events taking place across the UK with the country’s top chocolatiers and stores, this is the perfect excuse to indulge on the sweet, whether that’s purchasing a bar of quality chocolate from your favourite local supplier or using the ingredient in a new recipe.

To celebrate Chocolate Week, here in Chapelton we have partnered with local and highly successful blogger and foodie Claire Jessiman, aka Foodie Quine.

Here, Claire shares some of her top chocolatey recipes.

Strawberry, Almond and Chocolate Chip Muffins

blogger-image-970122118-300x300 Celebrate Chocolate Week with Local Blogger Foodie Quine

The combination of sweet strawberries and dark chocolate makes the perfect muffin. Quick and easy to make, these are great for a grab-and-go breakfast, with a cup of tea or as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream on the side.

http://www.foodiequine.co.uk/2017/06/strawberry-almond-choc-chip-muffins.html

Tunnock Teacake Rocky Road

blogger-image-1504203261-300x300 Celebrate Chocolate Week with Local Blogger Foodie Quine

Teacakes are a classic and old favourite. The biscuit and marshmallow goodness is iconic in Scottish confectionary and the ideal ingredient for making rocky road.

http://www.foodiequine.co.uk/2016/02/tunnock-teacake-rocky-road.html 

For more of Claire’s amazing recipes, visit www.foodiequine.co.uk or follow her on Instagram at @foodiequine