Blog Archives

New Brio Retirement Living Showhomes Launch

Brio Retirement Living has launched its first Landale Court showhomes in Chapelton.

The one-bedroom Campbell cottage and two-bedroom Fraser cottage, named after local clans, provide prospective buyers with the opportunity to see what the new retirement area of the town and the properties have to offer.

Brio homes are now available to reserve off-plan and benefit from the village hub which contains a homeowner’s club lounge, a Slate & Grain Brasserie & Bar, fitness suite and 24 on-site staff presence. For more information on the showhomes or to arrange an appointment, visit www.brioretirement.co.uk/our-villages/chapelton/show-home/ or call the sales team on – 01224 676 952

Meet the Team: Sally Rudd

Sally Rudd is the Sales Advisor for Chapelton housebuilder ZeroC. Based at the company’s showhome, she is the first point of contact for buyers considering making Chapelton home as well as current residents who can ask Sally any questions they may have about their new property. Here, Sally tells us more about her work with the town

Sally-Rudd Meet the Team: Sally Rudd

What do you enjoy most about working in the town?

Chapelton is such a unique concept for a new build town and I genuinely believe there’s nothing else like it.  Many new builds and new developments can lack character and I just love how much Chapelton and it’s properties have!

I’m really proud of our ZeroC properties and the thought process that’s gone into their features, such as our wood burners, high ceilings and our sash and case windows.  I really enjoy the reaction I get from visitors when they see that new properties don’t need to be dull and that they have can have classic features that many love, but with all the modern technology they could ask for.

What are people’s comments when they first visit the town?

Everyone always comments on the dry stone wall as you can see it when entering the showhome.  It’s a great indication of the time, thought and effort that goes into the town to make it unique.  Lots of people are in awe at how open and beautiful it is and the fact that all of the houses aren’t the same, giving Chapelton its unique character.  Chapelton has a lovely calm and relaxed feel to it and people definitely notice this on their visits out.

Where is your favourite spot in Chapelton?  

My favourite spot in Chapelton has to be when you first drive in.  As you drive up to Greenlaw Road and see the houses up ahead it’s got that instant “wow factor”.  I also love Hume Square, particularly in the spring when it’s full of bright yellow daffodils.

What three words do you think best describe Chapelton?

Beautiful, unique and colourful.

The Liberty Kitchen’s Rainbow Veg Bowl

Following The Liberty Kitchen’s pop up in Chapelton, the health food truck company has provided the perfect recipe for summer – an easy, fresh and colourful spicy peanut rainbow vegetable bowl.

Great for lunch or dinner and quick to make, this dish is full of flavour but more importantly packed with healthy ingredients.

Liberty-Kitchen The Liberty Kitchen's Rainbow Veg Bowl

Spicy Rainbow Vegetable Bowl 

Serves Four

Ingredients 

Spicy Peanut Sauce 

  • 3 tablespoon good quality peanut butter
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon of tamari or soy sauce
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon agave or honey
  • Half of a red chilli (or to taste)
  • Water to thin – approx 3 or 4 tablespoons

Vegetable Noodles

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 3 handfuls of unsalted cashew nuts
  • Handful of edamame beans – frozen
  • 3 carrots – spiralised or ribboned using a vegetable peeler
  • 3 courgettes – spiralised or ribboned using a vegetable peeler
  • 1/4 of a small red cabbage finely sliced

Topping 

  • 2 avocados – sliced thinly or chopped into cubes
  • 6 spring onions finely sliced
  • Handful of coriander
  • Seeds or nuts of your choice
  • Slice of lime

In a blender, combine all of the ingredients for the spicy peanut sauce. Add the water carefully until the desired consistency is reached. Set the sauce aside.

Heat a frying pan, add the coconut oil and lightly fry the cashew nuts. Once they are golden, add the edamame beans until warmed through. Add the carrot and courgette for around a minute until warm, these should still have a slight crunch. Remove from the heat and pour over the spicy peanut sauce. Add in the raw red cabbage, divide into four bowls and top with the avocado, spring onions, coriander, seeds and lime. Enjoy!

Wildlife Spotting In and Around Chapelton

With spring well and truly here and summer on its way, now is the perfect time to get outdoors and make the most of the good weather.

Chapelton may be home to over 250 people but the community is also a hub of local and fascinating wildlife which can be seen whilst in the town itself, along the Chapelton Trail or in neighbouring areas.

From wild flowers to minibeasts, here is some of the wildlife that you can spot in and around Chapelton this season.

Minibeasts

The perfect wildlife for small children to look for, minibeasts can be found at the edge of Chapelton in the community woodland area.

Slaters, slugs, beetles and bugs are all tiny residents that hide amongst the long grass, gorse bushes and dry stane dyke and can be easily spotted whilst carefully moving stones or plants.

Skylarks

Along the Chapelton trail, walkers can relax and listen to the birds that soar above. A gentle stroll equipped with binoculars provides the perfect opportunity to see skylarks which can often be seen across the fields in the distance.

Small and brown, this bird is slightly larger than a sparrow yet smaller than a starling, with a small crest that is raised when the bird is excited or alarmed, and a white-sided tail. The white rear edge of the bird is visible whilst it is in flight.

Pollinators

As the flowers become brighter throughout the warmer summer months, a variety of pollinators can be spotted in the flowers surrounding Chapelton. Colourful rhododendrons and certain tree species are havens for bumblebees and other pollinators including butterflies.

For a taste of local honey head along to one of the nearby farmer’s markets in Stonehaven or Aberdeen.

Dolphins

Those keen to travel a little further can spot dolphins at Torry Battery in Aberdeen.

The city’s Harbour remains one of the best places in the UK to view dolphins, with the RSPB’s Dolphin Watch Project reporting that visitors to Torry Battery have a nine in ten chance of seeing the marine animals feeding.

Bottlenose, white beaked and risso dolphins can often be seen at the city centre location with porpoises, minke whale and basking sharks also sighted in recent years.

Those interested in finding out more about wildlife local to Chapelton can join the Walking with Wildlife event on Sunday 20th May. For more details, visit http://chapeltonnewtown.co.uk/event/walking-with-wildlife

Chapelton Bike Ride to Return for Third Year

The Chapelton Bike Ride is back for its third year, set to take place on Sunday 2nd September.

People of all ages are welcome to enjoy this fun-filled day which will once again raise much-needed funds for local charity North East Sensory Services, adding to the current £14,424 total raised from previous bike rides.

Whether you’re keen to get involved in the ride itself, spectate or just enjoy the activities on the day, here are some helpful tips to bring you up-to-speed on everything there is to know about the event. We can’t wait to see you all there.

The Routes

  • The Bike Ride, sponsored by Burness Paull, will begin at 10:30am with the 42 mile route taking in Chapelton, Durris Forest and the village of Stonehaven
  • A shorter 12 mile route will start at 12pm with participants cycling in and around Chapelton’s roads and pathways
  • A 5km Chapelton Trail walk, sponsored by Brio Retirement Living, will begin shortly after 12pm offering those keen to take part in a less strenuous challenge to stretch their legs and also provide younger children with an activity through the grounds of nearby Elsick House

Food, Drink and Entertainment

  • The cycling and walking activities will be followed by live music, a selection of stalls selling local produce and entertainment from Northsound’s Michael Macdermid

Entry Fees

  • Individual registration costs £15 for the 42 mile route per person or £5 per person for the 12 mile route
  • Team entry for four people is available at a reduced rate of £50 for the longer route and £15 for the 12 mile route
  • All pre-registered riders will receive a free T-shirt and goodie bag
  • An additional fee of £5 will be applied to those registering on the day. Registration closes on 31st August
  • The Chapelton Trail walk is free for all participants

For more information or to register for the Chapelton Bike Ride, visit www.chapeltonbikeride.co.uk

Your frequently asked questions about Chapelton

Chapelton is now home to a community of over 250 people. However, for those who are new to the town, here are some helpful answers to your frequently asked questions about Chapelton.

How do I find Chapelton? 

Chapelton is located between Portlethen and Newtonhill, just five miles south of Aberdeen. When travelling from Aberdeen, take the A90 exit for Newtonhill and follow signs for Chapelton which will take you towards the right, over the flyover. You come to the new roundabout and it is straight on to Chapelton where you will see the signs at the entrance to the town.

 

Who lives there and can I visit if I’m not a resident?

Chapelton is home to a mix of people of all ages. Everyone is welcome to live, work and play in Chapelton. There is a great programme of events listed on the website and everyone is invited to join in.

 

What is there in the town for me to enjoy?

Visitors to Chapelton can enjoy the town’s tearoom, Teacake, plenty of green space which is perfect for picnics, the Chapelton Trail, a walking route which offers a number of easy, low level, local walks and a hair and beauty salon The Lounge, for those looking for a spot of pampering.

 

Is the town suitable for all ages?

There’s something for everyone in Chapelton. From the town’s successful nursery school to the Liberty Chapelton retirement village, everyone in Chapelton has a place.

 

Are there different styles of properties?

The four housebuilders in Chapelton offer a range of properties from single-storey cottages and detached homes to flats and terraced houses. As the town progresses there will be additional property options including affordable and rental homes. The homes are refreshingly different from other recent developments and their distinctive style and design has brought a lot of interest from visitors and experts.

Spring and Summer Life in Chapelton

Evenings are getting brighter, flowers have begun to bloom and birds can be heard chirping in the trees, which are finally in bud. All sure signs that spring is here and summer is just around the corner.

Chapelton is the ideal base to begin your very own outdoor adventure and make the most of the seasons with this list of things to do and see in and around the town.

Green Spaces

Chapelton boasts a variety of green spaces scattered throughout the development. Hume Square is home to the base for the Chapelton Trail as well as being the focal point of many community events.

Large informal green parks are situated towards the edge of the town offering plenty of options to get outdoors during the warmer seasons.

Explore the Chapelton Trail

As the first of several planned footpaths to be realised in Chapelton, this popular walk starts and ends at Hume Square. It takes in many local landmarks, including the picturesque Dubbis Stile, Elsick Burn and Causey Mounth, along its 2.4 mile length

Walkers should allow approximately one hour to complete the walk. Whilst ambling around the trail you will enjoy the area’s diverse array of tree species and the grandeur of the imposing beech hedge on the East Drive.

Geocaching

Best described as high-tech treasure hunting, geocaching is available to Chapelton residents and visitors thanks to housebuilder ZeroC.  Participants, known as Geocachers, use coordinates on their GPS devices to hide and seek a waterproof container. Once the geocache has been discovered, players hide the container for future players to discover.

It’s a great family activity involving walking and problem solving, getting you out and about to explore the beautiful scenery in and around the town.

The geocache will soon be stashed in a top secret location within the town for eager explorers to find. Be sure to check the Chapelton Facebook and Instagram pages to find out when the Chapelton Geocache goes live.

At Home

Where better to enjoy spring’s offerings than from your very own Chapelton home. Take inspiration from the surrounding area and give your house kerb appeal by treating your garden to a makeover. When planting outdoors, finding the best flora to withstand the Scottish weather is key.

Why not head to Kirktown Garden Centre to stock up on a colourful mix of annuals and perennials to make your garden the talk of the town for all the right reasons.

And whilst spring has arrived, Aberdeenshire’s unpredictable weather can still bring icy showers, and weeding a patio on a rainy Sunday morning is far from enjoyable. Instead of gazing longingly at the gloomy Scottish weather outside, bring the outdoors in and freshen up your home with the colours and aromas of spring. Transform your bathroom into a tropical rainforest or simply compile a mini herb garden on a windowsill. Add life to an otherwise plain spot so you can enjoy spring even on the wettest of days.

Events

With planned events taking place in Chapelton regularly, there is always something to look forward to across the spring and summer months. For instance, both adults and children alike can join the Walking with Wildlife on May 20th.

Children under 12 can embark on the Minibeast Scavenger Hunt from 11.00 – 12.30 at the new woodland planting Nether Cairnhill. Within the Chapelton community children will have the opportunity to scavenge for mini beasts in the long grass, gorse bushes and dry stone dyke. Where better to discover the smaller residents of the community at Chapelton?

Adults can enjoy a Wildlife Wander from 1.30 – 3.30, setting off from the Causey Mounth at the entrance to Chapelton. Relax listen to the birds and take a closer look at nature on this gentle stroll. Hopefully, participants will see skylarks and other birds in the fields as well as bumblebees on the rhododendrons, as well as a variety of different tree species.

Email Carol Leslie: CCIC_Admin@chapeltonlife.co.uk to register your place.

Take it all in at Teacake

Providing delicious treats all year rounds, Teacake’s outdoor seating with views across Hume Square is the perfect location to appreciate spring in Chapelton. The Teacake team updates its menu seasonally to offer daily-prepared fresh treats with ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

Teacake boasts much more than just coffee and cake, it is very much the hub of the Chapelton community. The welcoming cafe/bistro is now available for small private functions. For all enquiries call 07841917150 or visit their Facebook page.

Admire the coastline of Stonehaven Beach

The pretty coastal town of neighbouring Stonehaven is popular all year round due to its rugged coastline and array of local shops and eateries. The beach itself is just over one kilometre in length, and enjoys a popular boardwalk for walkers, joggers and pet owners to enjoy. Here you can see the River Carron’s majestic confluence with the North Sea, and take in the jagged cliffs which make up this historic part of Kincardineshire.

The walk along the beach is best enjoyed by heading north. Once you’ve completed the walk, you’ll come across The Bay – a multi award-winning fish and chip shop or Aunty Bettys next door if a coffee and a sweet treat is more your thing.

Meet the Team: Dominic Fairlie

Dominic Fairlie has been involved with development of Chapelton since 2013 and is currently Director of Scottish Operations for housebuilder ZeroC. Here, Dominic tells us more about his work with the town.

Tell us about your involvement with Chapelton and what your role brings to the town 

I have been involved with the development at Chapelton since 2013.  In my position as Director of Scottish Operations, I have had an active role in all of the work carried out by ZeroC over the years in Chapelton, and this includes building the ZeroC team.  Recently I have taken on the additional task of managing the new custom build offering in the town, which is called designyourhome.com.

What do you find most exciting about your job?

It is exciting to see how Chapelton progresses. The design of Chapelton is unique for new developments anywhere, and just being involved in it is fascinating and extremely satisfying.

You mentioned that your role focuses on developing custom build in Chapelton? If you were to build your own home, what would it feature?

My wife and I enjoy living in a way that the kitchen, dining area and living room are one single space, so having the ability to choose that is important.  We also like a feeling of the rooms being light and airy, so good window proportions with high ceilings are also a must.

Is there a particular element of the town you are looking forward to seeing develop?

The first neighbourhood centre at Cairnhill will be interesting.  Work is progressing in that direction now, and we should see an increasing density of development, meaning more terraces, flats and commercial properties. Chapelton will not just be a load of detached houses, it will be so different to so much recent new development elsewhere.

 

What three words do you think best describe Chapelton?

Sustainable, interesting and walkable.

Preview of retirement living showhomes in Chapelton

Brio Retirement Living is set to launch previews of its new showhome properties at its Chapelton retirement village.

Limited spaces are available now for the exclusive showhome preview events in May. To register your interest today, call the Brio sales team on 01224 946711 and you will receive your VIP invite to the Brio showhome tours.

This will be the first chance to step foot into two of the 22 types of homes that are available to purchase now – the beautiful one-bedroom Campbell Cottage and the charming two-bedroom Fraser Cottage. There’s no better way to get a feel for these new homes than walking around them, experiencing the bright, airy rooms and the stunning contemporary design.

The cottages will be set amongst beautifully maintained landscapes and will be just a stone’s throw away from the village’s community hub, fitness suite and Slate & Grain brasserie and bar. Personalised 24/7 care and support in homes will also be available if and when needed.

Spaces are limited for these events. To register, call Brio Retirement Living on 01224 946711.

Brio Retirement Living

Brio Retirement Living is the new name for Liberty, which recently announced a change in its name to differentiate itself from another property company with a similar name. The company says its team, plans and ambition for Chapelton remain the same, with residents set to move in from early 2019.

The new name Brio, means vigour and vivacity and chimes perfectly with the team’s vision and dedication to offering a new and alternative lifestyle for retirement living, with high-quality homes, alongside vibrant and thriving communities.

If you have any questions or queries about Brio Retirement Living please don’t hesitate to speak to one of the team on 01224 946711 or visit the Chapelton sales suite at The Hut, Liddell Park, Stonehaven, Chapelton AB39 8BA. The Hut is open Monday – Friday 10.30am – 5pm and 11am – 4pm on weekends.