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Two years on, The Smiths share how they’ve settled into Chapelton life

It’s been almost two years since The Smith family moved to Chapelton from Portlethen. Not long after the family settled, we spoke with them about their new life in the town and learned about them enjoying being part of the growing community.

Now, a couple of years later, we catch up with The Smiths to hear about how their lifestyle has benefited from Chapelton’s local facilities and how their spacious home has made living in lockdown much easier.

Photo-09-02-2021-18-13-47-683x1024 Two years on, The Smiths share how they've settled into Chapelton life

Telling us about the family’s new life in Chapelton, Lesley Smith said: “Over the past two years we’ve really settled into Chapelton. We love the scenery and the mix of houses that surround us but mostly we love the community spirit of the town. Particularly during COVID-19, it’s been really important to us to be part of a place that has a true sense of community and supportive neighbours.

“Our daughter now attends The Croft nursery which is located just at the end of our street. She loves it there and the staff have been brilliant over the past year.

“For Ian and me, we are glad that we’ve had our new home during this time. With all of us spending much more time indoors and working from home being a regular occurrence, the additional space has been great.

“The flow of the house works really well for family life. The kitchen diner is where we spend most of our time – it’s been a godsend as a space for us to work, with the dining table being turned into a home office.

Photo-09-02-2021-18-12-15-683x1024 Two years on, The Smiths share how they've settled into Chapelton life

“Personally, I’ve been enjoying living in a home that is filled with our favourite items and décor that is truly our own. I’ve always loved interiors – even when I was still living with my parents I would decorate my bedroom – and now I’m so glad to live in a space that suits my personal style.

Photo-09-02-2021-18-10-04-1-768x1024 Two years on, The Smiths share how they've settled into Chapelton life

“I get most of my inspiration from Pinterest and home or interior accounts on Instagram. We also started our own Instagram account, @the.smiths.down.the.lane, where we document home changes and interiors choices. I’m really lucky that Ian tends to agree with my décor choices and lets me get on with bringing ideas to life.

“So far there thankfully hasn’t been any decorating disasters, other than spilling half a tin of black paint over the hall floor, and we’ve just made some changes to our master bedroom. It was my biggest project yet but we added panelling to the walls and a new paint colour, making this another room that is uniquely our own.”

PSFix_20210227_110614-1-683x1024 Two years on, The Smiths share how they've settled into Chapelton life

Spring cleaning tips

We have been in our homes more than ever before. While many of us have been keeping clean and tidy homes, is there a better excuse to get the marigolds on than the start of spring?

This year, with regional lockdowns starting to (hopefully) lift in the next few months, get a head start on making sure your house is prepared by doing a good old spring clean.

We’ve pulled together some of our top tips for spring cleaning each room – so let’s get started!

slide-01-1024x352 Spring cleaning tips

Living room

  1. First things first – crack those windows open! If it’s a sunny day, let the light in and soak in some Vitamin D. Letting fresh air into the home is a really simple way to improve your indoor air quality and can even be good for your health.

  2. Dust dance! Make cleaning up enjoyable by popping your favourite songs on a spring cleaning playlist or tune in to your favourite podcast. Soon you’ll be done and dusted before you know it.

  3. It can be easy to think the most effective way to clean is to get scrubbing and mopping before anything else. But first, its important to make sure you’ve cleared up all of your clutter, including magazines, newspapers and other bits and bobs you have lying around. This will make the clean-up so much easier in the long run.

  4. Since lockdown, we’ve been on our sofas more than ever before. Make sure you remove your couch cushions and vacuum any crumbs and dirt that have slid down the sides of the couch without you realising. You never know – you may even find a £5 note!
lemons Spring cleaning tips

Kitchen

  1. You’d be surprised at how much dirt and fluff makes its way into the drawers in your kitchen. Use this as an opportunity to get into your cupboards and re-organise. Once you’ve sorted all of your cutlery, and thrown away the takeaway menus you no longer need, give the drawer a good scrub to make sure all dirt and grime has been lifted.

  2. At the start of lockdown, a lot of us stock-piled canned and pantry goods just in case. Make room for new treats by taking out all of the dried foods in your cupboards and make sure you’re not holding on to anything that’s out of date. This will mean you can re-discover things you didn’t realise you had, and even give you some meal inspiration for the coming weeks.

  3. Don’t throw out your lemons just yet. Lemons can be used as a natural antibacterial bleach. Rub them on your chopping board as a disinfectant, to get rid of any persistent stains, and to leave it smelling fresh.

  4. If you’re keen baker, you may have bicarbonate of soda in your cupboards. This is an excellent cleaning product – it can soften hard water and cuts through grime quickly and easily. Not only that, but it can also cut through grease in blocked sinks.

Bathroom

  1. There is no better feeling than putting on a fresh towel after a long bath. One of the first things to do when tackling your bathroom is to launder all your bathroom necessities – towels, dressing gowns, wash cloths and bathmats. Next time you shower you’ll feel as good as new.
  • Toothbrushes aren’t just for brushing your teeth. If you have an old toothbrush kicking around you can really get into the curves and crevices of your shower or bathtub with a toothbrush scrub. Excellent at getting between your tiles, toothbrushes are a cheap bathroom cleaning product.

  • We can often pick up the next best beauty products, use them once and put them in the back of the cupboard never to be seen again. Make sure your products haven’t expired by checking the period after opening symbol to know which serums and moisturisers you can save.

  • Get smelly – in a good way. We all associate the bathroom with some unsavoury smells, but freshen up the room by introducing essential oils, wax melts or even candles to the space. Especially helpful if your bathroom doesn’t have a window.

pillows Spring cleaning tips

Bedroom 

  1. Have you got drawers filled with bed clothes and sheets that never seems to look organised? Pop all of your matching duvet sets into one pillowcase – and you’ll save bags of room and clutter.

  2. As noted throughout this blog, we know that clutter has become a problem in many people’s homes this past year. Do you have a bedside table or desk drawer that has old batteries, unfinished books and other pieces gathering dust? Do a clear out, de-clutter and find a new spot for these items.

  3. Have you got a closet full of clothes that you don’t wear anymore? Although we’ve not been able to go anywhere recently, it’s never a bad idea to follow the two year rule. Ask yourself if you have you worn that top/pair of jeans/hat in the past two years. If not, and the garment is still in good condition, you could donate it to a charity shop or clothing bank. This will make your closet seem far more organised and save some space for new pieces.

  4. Don’t forget the light switch. One of the most commonly touched areas in any room is the light switch. Make sure you spray the cleaner on your cloth, rather than the switch – this also applies to sockets.

Be productive when working from home this winter

When we started to work from home in March last year we thought it would be a temporary measure. But 10 months on we are still doing everything possible to keep safe and remain indoors to protect our families, neighbours and key workers.

Although working from home has its benefits – a much shorter commute from bed to desk is one that springs to mind – it can be a testing time.

Here in Chapelton, we’ve pulled together some top tips to help you make the most of working from home in 2021.

Make sure you have a dedicated work space

It’s important that while you are working from home you have space to focus. Having a dedicated space helps you switch on at the beginning of the day and get into a productive mindset. A steady and reliable internet connection will help you make the most of virtual catch ups and keep on top of your workload. In Chapelton every home has fibre right into the interior of the home, meaning that residents are able to access the fastest available connectivity.

Set boundaries

With the laptop just a reach away, it can be tempting to work out of hours and answer just one more email. It’s important to set boundaries with colleagues and have clear switch off times so that you can catch up with your family or relax with your favourite hobby. Try and tidy your laptop away in the evenings and weekends so you can make the most of “you” time.

Get outdoors

We know – no-one wants to go outside on a wet and cold winter evening. Try and swap your evening walk for a lunchtime stroll to make sure you are getting some daylight and exercise into your day. The Chapelton trail starts at the heart of the town in Hume Square, and is the ideal length for a run or a good dog walk.

Or.. let the outdoors in!

Add some more greenery to your home this winter and invest in some plants to bring the outdoors to you. Plants can reduce stress and help mental health, as well as giving keen gardeners their green finger fix.

Plan ahead

While there isn’t much to do at the moment, with cafes, restaurants and cinemas closed, having plans with friends or family can make a week of work fly by. Whether that be a socially distanced walk with a friend, a delicious takeaway from Teacake, or a fancy meal on a Saturday night, having something to work towards will help you relax.

How to make Teacake’s confit duck and poppy seed pancakes

Pancake Tuesday has crêped up on us again, so we’ve been in touch with Teacake owner Bob Miller who has shared his favourite pancake recipe.

Get in the kitchen and give it a go – let us know how you do! This recipe does involve marinating the duck so we recommended reading all the way through and preparing some time before you plan to eat.

bob3-edited-scaled How to make Teacake’s confit duck and poppy seed pancakes

Pancakes ingredients

  • 100g caster sugar
  • 200g self-raising flour
  • 2 medium eggs
  • ½ teaspoon of poppy seeds
  • Splash of milk
  • Small knob of butter

Start by mixing the sugar, flour, eggs and poppy seeds. Next, gradually add the milk and whisk until you have a thick pouring consistency.

Heat a large non-stick frying pan on a medium heat and grease with a small amount of butter. Add a ladle of the mixture and tilt the pan to cover until the mixture reaches the edges. Leave to cook for around one minute or until you start to see bubbles forming. Then flip and cook on the opposite side for around 30 seconds. Remove from the pan and repeat until all of the mixture is used. Set the pancakes aside under a clean tea towel to keep them warm.

Confit duck ingredients

  • 3-4 duck legs
  • Tablespoon of mixed spice
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon crushed pink pepper corns
  • 500ml – 700ml duck fat
  • Drizzle of rapeseed oil

Begin by taking the duck fat and massaging into the duck legs – you want them to be covered as much as possible. Place on a plate and cover with cling film before leaving in the fridge for around eight to twelve hours.

Next, remove the duck from the fridge and use a paper towel to remove any excess fat from the legs. Place in a slow cooker and drizzle with a little rapeseed oil before cooking for around four hours on a low heat. Once ready, the meat should bull away from the bone with a fork.

Sweet chilli & soya reduction

  • 250ml soya sauce
  • 100ml sweet chilli
  • Zest of one lemon /juice of ½ lemon
  • Zest of one orange/ juice of ½ orange

Place all of the ingredients in a small sauce pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for a few minutes until the mixture has thickened.

Once you’re ready to eat, take a pancake and add the duck mixture. Top with a drizzle of the reduction. You may also want to add some garnish, such as spring onion and cucumber or a few sesame seeds. Enjoy!

2021: A first time-buyers guide

Buying your first home can often seem a daunting process, from location and home options to school catchments and legal fees, there are so many things to consider. Thankfully, by following a few simple steps buying your first property can be much easier than many may think, and temporary changes in tax mean buying now could save you thousands.

Knowing that now is a great time to buy is one thing but knowing how to make it happen is something else entirely. That is why we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions for those looking to get onto the property ladder.

Where do I start?

While it can be fun getting lost in looking at properties online, the first step of the journey to home ownership should be to arrange a meeting with a mortgage adviser. In the first meetings potential buyers will be talked through how much they can borrow, what their mortgage will cost them every month and what deposit is required. This lets buyers narrow their search and properly assess the options available.

From there, the next step is to look at additional costs such as the cost to move from a rented property. This would normally include how much should be set aside for paying the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) that has replaced Stamp Duty in Scotland. However, as part of the economic measures in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, this won’t be charged on any properties purchased before 31 March 2021 up to the value of £250,000.

Are there any first-time buyer schemes available to me?

The Scottish Government has established several schemes designed to bring down the cost of getting a foot on the property ladder.

Following the Scottish government’s latest Budget in January 2021, the First Home Fund has been re-opened for applications from 1 April. The £60m funding will support First Time buyers with up to £25k deposit.

Since 2007, the Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT) shared equity schemes have helped over 12,000 people to buy a home without having to cover the entire cost. Buyers using the scheme will buy a majority share in the home with the government covering the cost of the remaining share. This brings down the cost of the home significantly although it means that you will only receive your share of the value if you later decide to sell.

Chapelton_South-Wolrige-Gardens-Lane_AJC_Site_plot_120-1024x768 2021: A first time-buyers guide

How do I decide where to buy?

It can be difficult to decide where to buy, with factors such as proximity to work, access to facilities, transport links and community all having an impact.

Located just five miles from Aberdeen and with regular transport links as well as plenty of facilities and a thriving community, Chapelton has become an increasingly popular place for first time buyers to set up home.

The series of quality housebuilders involved in the build of the town means that there are plenty of homes to choose from that suit every budget.

Housebuilder Stephen has launched several two and three bedroom cottage style homes, with the Ardwall currently falling within the reduced LBTT property threshold. Aboyne-based housebuilder AJC also has a number of smaller properties available at the recently launched Wolrige Gardens, all of which are designed for modern living. 

Places for People, formerly ZeroC, has a selection of two & three bed homes available to purchase on the New Supply Shared Equity Scheme.  The scheme funded by the Scottish Government and Places for People offers buyers up to a 40% deposit interest free, making home ownership much more affordable

Sláinte Mhath!

Despite being in lockdown, the community of Chapelton couldn’t see Rabbie Burns day pass without celebration. Join us in a reading of Burns’ famous poem Address to a Haggis. How did we do?

We hope you and your family had a lovely Rabbie Burns Night!

Meet the residents: Kelsey and Iain

Kelsey and Iain Cumming were ready to move property as they started the next chapter in life as a newlywed couple. Keen to switch from their one bedroom flat in the city of Aberdeen to somewhere with more space, they discovered Chapelton – right next to their wedding venue.

Iain-and-Kelsey-Cumming-01-768x1024 Meet the residents: Kelsey and Iain

What was your first impression of Chapelton?

Speaking of their recent move, Kelsey said: “It was back in 2018 when we were visiting our wedding venue, Elsick House, that we came across Chapelton. Despite the town being just five miles south of Aberdeen we had never heard of it before but as soon as we saw the style of the properties and landscape we knew we would one day end up living here.

“From the moment that we set foot in Chapelton we could tell that it’s somewhere completely different. Every street has its own individual character – it really doesn’t feel like most new build developments.

Iain-and-Kelsey-Cumming-15 Meet the residents: Kelsey and Iain

What kind of home were you in the market for?

“We spent some time researching the various housetypes available and were pleased to choose a ZeroC home. We were instantly drawn to the spacious rooms, the high ceilings and unique details, such as the wood burning stove and herringbone flooring. These were all things that we wanted from a new home but didn’t think would be possible with buying somewhere modern.

“The light and airy feel of the kitchen was also a huge sell to us. We’ve added a large table, where we enjoy long meals together and can’t wait to entertain friends and family when that’s possible. In this room, and others throughout the house, we’ve used a mix of traditional, modern and industrial décor – my Pinterest inspiration boards are quite eclectic!

Iain-and-Kelsey-Cumming-22-683x1024 Meet the residents: Kelsey and Iain

Do you feel settled in Chapelton?

“We’re really proud of our new home and how we’ve already made it feel our own. So much so that we started an Instagram account (@no19_ourforeverhome) to document our journey and also hopefully inspire others with what you can do with a new build space.

“Of course this past year has been an unusual time to move home but despite that we’ve already made friends in Chapelton. The layout of the town, local facilities and abundance of green space makes it really easy to meet and socialise with neighbours in a safe way. Everyone has been incredibly friendly and we know that we’ll be living here for years to come. It’s a special place made even more special by the fact that it’s right next to where we were married.”

Iain-and-Kelsey-Cumming-12-764x1024 Meet the residents: Kelsey and Iain

Chapelton continues to grow with new properties added

Chapelton is continuing to grow, with plans being shaped for the introduction of additional homes throughout 2021.

The community continues to be a popular option for a mix of house buyers who are keen to benefit from countryside living yet within close proximity to the city.

Chapelton_South-Wolrige-Gardens-Lane_AJC_Site_plot_120-1-1024x768 Chapelton continues to grow with new properties added
Chapelton_South-Wolrige-Gardens-Lane_AJC_Site_plot_121-1-1024x768 Chapelton continues to grow with new properties added
Chapelton_South-Wolrige-Gardens-Lane_AJC_Site_plot_124-1-1024x768 Chapelton continues to grow with new properties added

All four housebuilders have new properties in the plans for next year. AJC will be starting to build homes around the park at Wolrige Gardens, ZeroC has houses under construction including a new shared equity scheme and Stephen will be offering more of its successful Melfort house-type, amongst others. Plans are also proceeding for six plots to be released on the southern boundary of the town for self-build. 

Award-winning local housebuilder Snowdrop Developments has also started to build on site and will be opening a showhome here in Chapelton, offering prospective buyers the chance to see what their new home in the town could look like.

Nearly 200 homes are now occupied in Chapelton, and we are looking forward to welcoming new community members and residents throughout 2021.

Chapelton_South-Wolrige-Gardens-Lane_AJC_Site_plot_132-1024x768 Chapelton continues to grow with new properties added

Get green fingers this winter

Although stepping outside into the frosty cold may not be the most appealing idea, some time spent in the garden or an allotment will bring plenty of rewards come spring.

Here in Chapelton, members of the Cairnhill Community Allotment Association have been able to remain active on plots during COVID-19 and throughout the pandemic have found the green space an area for safe activity and wellbeing.

Some of the original plot holders may have given up their allotment sites but with plenty of enthusiastic new members joining, the waiting list continues to grow. Those keen to get green fingers can contact info@cairnhillallotments.uk to share their interest, but in the meantime here are some ways to keep your own garden or allotment flourishing this winter.

Prune for productivity

The colder months are great for maintaining allotments or fruit and veg patches. Use this time to prune blackcurrants, gooseberries and redcurrants to control their shape, size and increase their productivity.

Cut off the old foliage from strawberry plants to allow new leaves to come through. Cairnhill Community Allotment Association recommends cutting to about 10cm (4in) above the crown for the best results. Reduce pests and diseases by cleaning away the cut foliage or other debris from around the plants.

photo-15-12-2020-11-43-52-768x1024 Get green fingers this winter

Keep up maintenance

Recently, the allotment association has been focusing on maintenance around the plots. Members have pruned the beech hedges around the perimeter fence and laid bark under the hedge to prevent weeds. Spring flowering bulbs have also been planted in areas around the site which will bring a lovely display of flowers in the coming months.

In addition, at the south end of the site, an area has been levelled with bark laid as preparation for a new seating area. A senior pupil at Mackie Academy was very helpful in making two picnic benches which are now in place – we can’t wait to put our feet up!

Create rich soil

It’s not too late to lift and divide large clumps of rhubarb, replanting the outer sections into soil enriched with well-rotted manure. Alternatively, select a large clump to force for an early crop in the spring.

Start planning

If it’s too cold to go outside, you can stay inside and plan a garden or allotment plot for next year. December and January are the traditional months for placing seed orders.

Thanks to the Cairnhill Community Allotment Association for their excellent tips and tricks.  

Webp.net-resizeimage-1-768x1024 Get green fingers this winter

2020 Community Highlights

This year has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone. We’ve all had to adapt to new ways of seeing each other and socialising but as we near the end of December we’re proud to reflect on how the Chapelton community has continued to strengthen.

Regular meet ups, indoor events and normal celebrations may not have been able to take place, but this year has still seen a breadth of festivities. From the adapted and increasingly popular farmers’ market to virtual fundraising successes, here are some of our favourite community moments from this past year.

Clothes Swap with Swish Swish Bish, January

Clothes-Swap-1-RR-FOCUS-1024x683 2020 Community Highlights

Celebrating Burns’ Night, February

Cocktails-with-Orchid-RR-FOCUS-1-1024x639 2020 Community Highlights

Chocolate Making with Cocoa Ooze, March

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24 Hour Relay, July

Chapelton-of-Elsick-Relay-Race-1-photo-Aberdeen-Sports-Photography-1024x683 2020 Community Highlights

Summer Farmers’ Market, July (credit Aberdeen Sports Photography)

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Scarecrow Festival, August

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Festive Farmers’ Market, November

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Wreath Making, December

Photo-07-12-2020-13-15-58-768x1024 2020 Community Highlights