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Houses for sale Aberdeenshire: AJC Homes phase 2 has launched at Benton Crescent, Chapelton

Specialising in the design of high quality homes across rural and suburban locations throughout Aberdeen City and Shire, AJC Homes is an experienced housebuilder based in Aboyne, committed to the sustainable development of houses in Aberdeenshire. Developing exceptional homes for a range of lifestyles and stages, the company’s ethos closely aligns with Chapelton’s vision, providing stylish and practical houses in a charming neighbourhood for first-time buyers, families, downsizers and retirees.

As the vibrant community of Chapelton continues to grow, AJC Homes has just launched phase 2 of Benton Crescent located in the heart of this coastal town. A charming new development of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom family homes, AJC Homes has released plots 145 – 152, with a total of 8 new homes. Estimated completion for phase 2 of Benton Crescent is spring/summer 2025. 

In this blog post, we’ll give you a glimpse into the 8 new homes released within this second phase and the desirable features that these housetypes will have to offer…

Benton Crescent 

Offering individual character and contemporary features to accommodate modern life, phase 2 of Benton Crescent will include 8 new, stunning homes within the pretty town of Chapelton. Each of the 5 housetypes included within this phase will benefit from energy efficiency and have been thoughtfully designed throughout, appealing to those house hunting within the Aberdeenshire area. With housetypes such as the Gordon, Buccleugh, Fife, Argyll and Montrose, this second phase of Benton Crescent will contribute to Chapelton’s family appeal and strong sense of traditional style accompanied by modern benefits.

AJC-Homes-Gordon-housetype-1024x737 Houses for sale Aberdeenshire: AJC Homes phase 2 has launched at Benton Crescent, Chapelton

Gordon

With each home included in phase 2 of Benton Crescent nearing construction, the 4 bedroom detached Gordon occupying plot 154 will be well adept to meet the needs of contemporary living. With 161.0m² of floor area and a thoughtful layout to maximise space and everyday living such as a generous lounge, well-appointed kitchen/diner and plethora of practical storage space, the Gordon will also benefit from a convenient double garage for increased storage space and security.

AJC-Buccleugh-housetype Houses for sale Aberdeenshire: AJC Homes phase 2 has launched at Benton Crescent, Chapelton

Buccleugh

Inhabiting corner plot 146 as well as plots 150 and 151, the 4 bedroom detached Buccleugh housetype will offer 138.0m² of floor space and a generously sized lounge, as well as an extensive kitchen, dining and family area at the heart of the home; a versatile space ideal for accommodating every aspect of family life. Contributing to the practicality of everyday living, the Buccleugh will also offer integrated storage facilities, utility room, WC and single garage.

AJC-Homes-Fife-housetype Houses for sale Aberdeenshire: AJC Homes phase 2 has launched at Benton Crescent, Chapelton

Fife

Plot 147 will offer the 3 bedroom detached Fife housetype, a home designed for modern comfort and convenience hosting 130.0m² of floor area, a spacious lounge, well-appointed kitchen and dining area as well as a practical utility room. 

This housetype offers a high internal specification throughout, and prospective buyers may choose from a wide selection of high-quality German kitchens, complete with coordinated worktops for added style and functionality. The Fife will also benefit from high-quality oak veneered internal doors with fitted chrome handles, as well as Quality Roca white sanitary ware found in each bathroom – including chrome taps, basin, WC and bath. The single garage included in this home will be equipped with metal garage doors, internal lighting and power socket.

AJC-Homes-Argyll-housetype Houses for sale Aberdeenshire: AJC Homes phase 2 has launched at Benton Crescent, Chapelton

Argyll

Occupying plots 148 and 149 in Benton Crescent will be the 4 bedroom detached Argyll. With 177.8m² of floor space, a sizeable lounge and expansive kitchen/dining and family area, this could be the perfect home for hosting gatherings in Chapelton throughout the spring and summer months! 

Nearing construction and offering high internal specification as seen in the Fife housetype, the Argyll will also include pre-furnished front and rear door sets complete with chrome/steel door furniture and multi point security locks, as well as turf to be provided for the front garden and paved slabs providing a pathway to both front and rear doors. 

AJC-Homes-Montrose-housetype Houses for sale Aberdeenshire: AJC Homes phase 2 has launched at Benton Crescent, Chapelton

Montrose

The 4 bedroom detached Montrose located on plot 152 will benefit from 165.4m² of floor space, a commodius lounge area ideal for hosting friends and family, as well as a sizeable kitchen and dining area and conveniently placed utility and WC accessed through the kitchen and hallway.

Offering AJC Homes’ high-quality internal specification as seen in the Fife and Argyll housetypes, the spacious Montrose will also benefit from gas fired central heating with thermostatically controlled radiators throughout, as well as an accessible and convenient double garage.

Looking for more AJC Homes in Chapelton?

As well as Benton Crescent, AJC Homes is also starting  at Nether Cairnhill, conveniently located closer to the entrance of Chapelton. These 187m2 properties offer ample space and come with either a single or double garage, perfectly catering to modern lifestyles. With 2 of the 4 properties already snapped up, don’t miss out on your opportunity for an early bird reservation!

Situated just five miles south of Aberdeen, Chapelton provides a unique opportunity to be part of a thriving community; with an abundance of nearby amenities and picturesque coastal location. From the diverse range of local businesses at The Boxes to the friendly neighbourhoods and thoughtfully designed homes, Chapelton is the ideal place to call home and has something for everybody looking at houses for sale in Aberdeenshire.

To find out more about Benton Crescent or Nether Cairnhill, download AJC Homes’ brochure or book an appointment with a sales advisor, visit their website below.


A Q&A with house builders in Aberdeen: Places for People

Every house builder in Chapelton shares a passion for creating enticing homes, and Aberdeen house builders, Places for People, are no exception. With over 50 years of experience, Places for People have been creating homes that truly enhance the lives of its residents. The homes in Chapelton, thoughtfully designed by Places for People, seamlessly blend classic period features with modern comforts, drawing inspiration from historic towns such as Montrose, Stonehaven, and St Andrews.

In our latest blog, we sat down with Places for People Regional Sales and Marketing Director – Scotland, Allison Sutherland, to walk us through the distinctive features of the homes designed by the Aberdeen house builders and explain why selecting a Places for People residence in Chapelton is an excellent choice…

Chapelton-Places-for-People-1024x640 A Q&A with house builders in Aberdeen: Places for People

What is unique about the homes built by Places for People?

“Places for People’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond only the housing types. What truly sets us apart is not only our diverse range of tenures offered, which includes mid-market rent, shared equity, outright sales, and retirement options but also our focus on creating thriving communities where residents can flourish. 

“Placing community well-being at the forefront and recognising that a home extends far beyond its front door, Places for People designs properties that transcend its structures – serving as the cornerstone for vibrant and interconnected living.”

Tell us more about the house types Places for People offer within Chapelton

Offering a charming mix of two, three, and four bedroom homes, these residences seamlessly fuse coveted period features with the latest modern conveniences. The diverse house type range includes bungalows, cottage-style mews, coach houses, as well as terraced, semi-detached, and detached homes

“These homes are crafted using locally sourced slate, granite, and stone, celebrating the rich heritage of the region. Choosing a Places for People home at Chapelton means you can truly embrace a lifestyle that blends the charm of the past with the comforts of the present, where each home is a testament to enduring quality and thoughtful design.”

Places-for-People-The-Maclellan-1024x640 A Q&A with house builders in Aberdeen: Places for People

Why do you think Chapelton is a desirable place for people to call home? 

Chapelton is more than just a housing development; it is a long-term vision to shape a new, sustainable town. Comprising of 8,000 homes and an equal number of job spaces, Chapelton is a thriving community designed for the future.

“Beyond its impressive housing infrastructure, the town boasts expansive open green spaces, convenient local shops, and inviting, close-knit neighborhood squares.

“This deliberate design ensures that Chapelton not only provides comfortable and environmentally conscious living but also fosters a sense of community where residents can enjoy the benefits of country living with every essential amenity just a short distance away.”

Do the homes built by Places for People cater to a variety of buyers? 

Homes at Chapelton are perfect for a wide range of purchasers. A fantastic variety of Places for People homes are available ranging from two bedroom apartments to four bedroom detached houses. 

“The development includes properties that serve as a perfect solution for first time buyers looking to take their first step onto the property ladder as well as families looking for a spacious home, and everything in between.”

What sets the Places for People homes in Chapelton apart from other developments? 

The Community at Chapelton is a place for people to truly call home. 

“Working in partnership with the Scottish Government and local council, we offer a mix of housing tenures suitable to rent or buy, offering a vibrant, close-knit town feel just five miles south of Aberdeen and the convenience of the city.”

Places for People house builders are an integral part of the Chapelton community. Their commitment goes beyond constructing homes, it extends to fostering a thriving and interconnected neighborhood here at Chapelton. 

For more information on Places for People homes available in Chapelton and to discover how you can become a part of this vibrant community, visit the link below.


3 Chapelton homes on Instagram for interior design inspiration

Instagram has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms for discovering new trends and gathering interior design inspiration. With an endless number of accounts now dedicated to showcasing homes with beautiful interiors and unique decor, it’s no surprise that the platform has become one of the go-to places for those embarking on a home makeover journey. 

In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at some Chapelton-based home Instagram accounts, all of which are oozing with design inspiration. Whether you’re a budding interior designer or just looking to give your home a much-needed revamp, these incredible accounts are guaranteed to spark your creativity…

Buntinghouse_

Housebuilder: Places for People

House type: Munro

After buying their first home together in August 2019, the Haddens have been busy at work adding a touch of creative flare and colour to their stunning Chapelton home. As a Georgian inspired new build property, the couple has done a wonderful job at incorporating the perfect balance between modern styling and antique detailing. From the striking wood-burning stove complete with pink tiles to the recently designed children’s nursery, every corner of the house has been carefully designed with interiors resembling those straight from a magazine!

If you’re interested in finding out more, follow buntinghouse_ on Instagram. 

The.navy.house

Housebuilder: Places for People

House type: Kilbryde 

Switching city living to life in the countryside, Paul and Amanda bought their Chapelton home prior to the pandemic, and since then have worked hard to put their own distinct stamp on the property. With a strong focus on including furniture pieces which have been refinished or upcycled, each room has been thoughtfully designed to create a space that feels warm and inviting. 

Showcasing the journey on their Instagram page – the.navy.house – the couple continues to capture all things interior design and decor, even sprinkling in a touch of garden inspiration for those with a green thumb!

Doohillscottage

Housebuilder: Places for People

House type: Buchan

Embracing the true charm and tranquillity of life in a New England style cottage, Chapelton resident – Beth – has created the doohillscottage home Instagram account which is filled with tips, tricks and inspiration on how to add character to your home. 

Thesnowdroponthehill

Housebuilder: Snowdrop Developments 

House type: Talisker

Despite still being in development, thesnowdroponthehill Instagram account is certainly one to look out for! Currently, in the process of being constructed, you can watch this outstanding home slowly come to life, from the initial construction stage to planning the finishing touches. 

Find out more about our homes for sale in Chapelton.


Looking to move home? Check out these tips from Chapelton’s homebuilders

Purchasing a new build home is an exciting step but the process can sometimes feel overwhelming and knowing where to start can be difficult. 

Each homebuilder at Chapelton is passionate about creating desirable homes that ooze character and charm and is dedicated to helping buyers find their perfect property while helping guide them through the journey. 

To help get you started, we caught up with AJC, Brio Retirement Living, Places for People, Snowdrop and Stephen to find out their top tips and the best questions to ask when buying your dream new home…

AJC-at-Chapelton Looking to move home? Check out these tips from Chapelton's homebuilders
AJC at Chapelton

What questions do you think buyers should be asking when purchasing a new build? 

Stephen – “​​Look at the location! Where you live is just as important as the home itself so make sure to check if the area will also be suitable and meet your needs. For example, asking if there are any local amenities like shops, bus routes and how close the local schools are could impact your buying decision.”

Brio – “To help keep your home and its surroundings looking their best, a new build developer may implement a factor. It’s worth asking about this as it will impact the maintenance of the communal areas. At Brio, our factor covers all gardening, maintenance and cleaning of outdoor and indoor communal areas, buildings insurance and use of our exclusive homeowners areas, so it can be extremely beneficial for residents knowing they have one less thing to think about.” 

Snowdrop –It’s important to ask questions surrounding the warranty cover on any new home. Warranties are essentially insurance policies, giving you peace of mind that if anything goes wrong with your property, the housebuilder will cover it. At Snowdrop our homes are covered by NHBC warranties which last for 10 years, but as a housebuilder, we cover any defects within the first two years.” 

What are common misconceptions when purchasing a new build home?

Places for People – “Probably timescale as this could range from what stage you can customise your kitchen to your legal completion date. It’s a conversation we have with clients throughout the buying process but our friendly, experienced team is there to keep you up to date and support you every step of the way.”

Stephen – People assume new builds will be far more expensive when compared to the second hand market. Although on initial inspection the price of most new builds will often be higher, there are many aspects to them that can save you some money. 

“The prices of all our new build properties are fixed. This means no more worrying about being outbid or priced out of the market, a common occurrence right now in the second hand market with demand regularly outstripping supply. Similarly, there’s no need to keep some of your savings aside to make a higher offer, meaning you have a larger deposit for your mortgage.”

AJC – “I think the most common misconception is that all homebuilders are the same. It’s important for purchasers to view different builders to ensure they are making a fully informed decision about which property suits them best. It’s not just a case of seeing one three bedroom detached home and believing they’re all similar, consider aspects such as the shape of the room and the layout of your space, some people prefer open plan styles and some may want a more traditional set up.” 

Brio – “Often, when we’re speaking to potential homeowners, part of their concerns for moving could be a potential lack of community, especially if they have lived in their home for many years. As Brio is a community in itself within Chapelton, our homeowners benefit from things such as our weekly coffee mornings and regular social events which are a great opportunity to meet neighbours and make new friends.”

Brio-at-Chapelton Looking to move home? Check out these tips from Chapelton's homebuilders
Brio at Chapelton

What tips would you give to someone looking to buy a home in Chapelton?

Stephen – “We would definitely recommend visiting our showhome at Chapelton to see our specification and standard of finish of our homes. After visiting the showhome, we always recommend having a walk around Chapelton to get a feel for the town itself. If you have time, why not even pop into the local coffee shop or The Boxes to try out some of Chapelton’s tasty treats.”

Places for People – “It’s so easy to fall in love with Chapelton. We have a strong sense of community and host a selection of events including farmers’ markets, charity bike rides, fun runs and movie nights. We would suggest coming to these events to see if you would enjoy this vibrant lifestyle. With five different developers building a range of styles – there is something for everyone.”

AJC – “For people looking to move to Chapelton, we recommend they follow the social media channels and come and join in with the community events. This would give them a real view of the ethos of the development and community. Additionally, if you have children, dogs or just a free couple of hours to yourself, check out the walks around the development to experience the camaraderie that exists between all of the homeowners and businesses.”

Why is Chapelton a good place to put down roots? 

Snowdrop – “Chapelton is an exciting new town with an impressive design thanks to the world leading urban planners and architects involved. This vibrant town has a picturesque country setting and its focus on community makes it the perfect place to put down roots for any homeowner at any stage of their life.” 

AJC – “From a developers perspective, Chapelton has a unique design as it functions as a stand alone town while also boasting excellent transport routes to Aberdeen city and beyond. The development allows easy access to amenities while retaining the close knit community that is more commonly seen in remote villages. The community ethos that exists is truly unique to anywhere else and is an inspiration for future developments to cultivate a sense of neighbourly values.”

Places-for-people-at-Chapelton Looking to move home? Check out these tips from Chapelton's homebuilders
Places for People at Chapelton

How do buyers find a home to suit their lifestyle? 

Brio – “Make a list of five things you’re looking for from home and make two of them non-negotiables, for example, budget and location. This will help you to narrow down a type of property first, and keep the other three things more flexible. It’s always useful to have an open conversation with the sales advisor as they might have some great ideas.” 

Places for People – “Imagine yourself living in the property. Consider your commute to work, if your future plans work in the new home and what all your financial commitments would be. These are all things to consider before reserving but our experienced team is here to help you pinpoint what might work best for you.”

Snowdrop – “Begin by looking at your finances, then consider your personality and how you enjoy spending your time. Eliminate home styles that don’t support your life now or in the near future. In most cases, your financial resources will limit your choices. This isn’t a bad thing since you have to start narrowing options anyway so it’s an easy starting point.”

Interested in finding your dream home in Chapelton?


Switching city life to countryside living: A catch up with residents, Julie and Cameron

Residents: Julie and Cameron Hughes

After living in a flat in the heart of Aberdeen’s West End for over six years, Julie and Cameron switched city living for the countryside as they moved into their brand new AJC Home in Chapelton, during November 2021. 

Julie has watched Chapelton grow from the beginning, having worked in media and marketing for the town until recently. From the very early stages of initial ideas and drawings to watching the first residents move in, Julie played a key role in the Chapelton journey and has now decided to call it home.

table Switching city life to countryside living: A catch up with residents, Julie and Cameron

Life in Chapelton

Why did you choose to live in Chapelton? What stood out to you most about the location?

“I have always loved country living, however, Cameron wasn’t quite ready to leave the city and Chapelton offered us the best of both worlds.

“There’s just something different about Chapelton. We’ve always loved older period homes and have never been drawn to new build houses, but Chapelton offers a bit of everything. We love that it’s only a 10-minute drive from the city, has plenty of character and gives us the benefits of modern living.”

lamp Switching city life to countryside living: A catch up with residents, Julie and Cameron

What do you love most about living in Chapelton? 

“We love that we can still walk to a coffee shop but also wake up and see the countryside everyday. We’re lucky that our garden is right at the edge of the town so our bedroom looks out onto plenty of fields, where there is an abundance of cows and sheep and also often rabbits and deer. 

“Being part of the local community is important to us and Chapelton has a great sense of community spirit – there is always something going on.”

bed Switching city life to countryside living: A catch up with residents, Julie and Cameron

Do you see yourself living in Chapelton long term? 

“Yes! Our home is perfect for us right now and probably for the next 5-10 years. We often talk about a move within Chapelton at some stage.”

What would you say to someone who is considering buying a home in Chapelton? 

“You need to come here and spend a bit of time to see all of the benefits. A visit to a showhome is great but attending a farmers’ market, walking the Chapelton Trail or visiting one of the local businesses brings everything to life.”


Our Home in Chapelton

Did you know what you were looking for in a home? 

“Yes, we’d been looking for a house for around a year. We swithered between many but Chapelton just made the most sense to us.”

door Switching city life to countryside living: A catch up with residents, Julie and Cameron

Which features of your home attracted you the most? 

“We’ve always admired AJC Homes properties – we love the traditional details included throughout their homes such as the high ceilings, coving and traditional wooden doors. All of these impressive small details make their homes beautiful and unique, something you can’t find in standard new builds.”

hob Switching city life to countryside living: A catch up with residents, Julie and Cameron

Do you have a favourite room in your home and why? 

“At the moment our kitchen – it’s the room we focused on first and poured the most love into. We’re currently decorating one room at a time which means some of the house is still empty, but given the kitchen/living area is where we spend the most time we thought it made sense to focus on this room first. It’s such a social space and the blue range cooker that we added is an absolute favourite.”

What made you choose AJC Homes housebuilders? 

“AJC Homes encompass the perfect balance between having traditional architectural features while still maintaining all the benefits that come with a new build home.” 

Looking to be part of the Chapelton community and find your dream home? Browse our new homes for sale.  or check out our ultimate guide to housebuilders in Aberdeen.


From city flat to country apartment in Chapelton: Amanda and Paul’s home

Moving from the city to the countryside can be a daunting thought for many. With plenty of facilities nearby, life in the city centre can seem effortless. However, with COVID-19 leading to many re-evaluating what they want and need from their home, prospective buyers are choosing country life now more than ever before.

Chapelton residents Amanda & Paul Dalgarno are pleased to have made the move prior to the pandemic and are now thankful for the benefits that life in the town has brought them. Switching their city flat for a countryside apartment, Amanda speaks about their new home.

Amanda-Dalgarno-Case-Study-Bespoke-Unit-1024x1024 From city flat to country apartment in Chapelton: Amanda and Paul's home

“We were living in a flat in Aberdeen but, like many, we craved more space as well as a garden and our own front door. We had looked at every new-build housebuilder in the area and then came across Chapelton while searching online.

“We took a short drive to the town and instantly fell in love with the traditional style and colours of the buildings. Every property has individual characteristics. We came to Chapelton looking for a house but when Places for People suggested that we view one of their apartments we realised it was everything we wanted in a home.

“We chose a two bedroom ‘Kilbryde’ apartment which is complete with its own front and back door, garden and great views. And with plenty of space, it doesn’t feel like a flat at all.

“The open plan kitchen and living area is much bigger than any of the other properties that we viewed and has allowed us to furnish the space with some beautiful pieces and accessories that we love. My interiors style is quite eclectic so I’ve gradually collected items with some industrial pieces as well as second hand furniture which I’ve refinished.  This works really well with the period features of the property which we were delighted we could have in a new-build. I decided to document the journey of our new home on Instagram (@the.navy.house) where I love to share posts about recent upcycle projects.

Amanda-Dalgarno-Case-Study-Bedroom-819x1024 From city flat to country apartment in Chapelton: Amanda and Paul's home

“Since moving to Chapelton I’ve also become quite passionate about gardening and spend more time outdoors than when I lived in the city. My husband and I love having green space of our own. We used cobblestones to re-create an old courtyard style garden and added plenty of greenery to soften the space. The pots and planters are great as they are low maintenance and allow us to move things around to change things up. We did all the work in the garden ourselves which makes us appreciate it even more.

We always lived in the city before moving here but we definitely see this as our forever home now and wouldn’t look back. We have made some great new friendships with our neighbours and enjoyed street barbeques and the farmers markets here. The new businesses at The Boxes at Chapelton are just around the corner too, allowing us somewhere to shop locally”.

Are you thinking about finding your forever home and moving to the countryside? Come along to our next farmers’ market to check out some of the finest produce from across the North East of Scotland. From apartments through to detached homes, there is a home to suit every need in Chapelton.

Browse our new homes for sale and get in touch for more information.


How to put your stamp on your new build home

One of the best things about becoming a home-owner is the ability to bring your own individuality and flair into your home and its decoration. Although sometimes, when you have a whole new build to get creative with, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve pulled together the top six different ways that you can add your character to make your new build house, your home.

  • Get planning

If you’re in the market to buy a home, its likely that you will have a plan of how you would like each room to look. While this can be useful to work out in your head, it helps to get it all on paper or via an online journal.

Websites such as Pinterest are excellent tools for home renovation and allow you to create moodboards to plan rooms and decoration. We suggest creating a new moodboard per room so that you can see how each room will look and understand the flow.

  • Photo feature
  • Over recent years, we’ve seen an increase in picture walls. Whether that be your favourite snaps of your family or carefully curated pieces of art – framed prints are an excellent way to bring life and individuality into your home.

    From hanging your frames straight to the wall or building some picture shelves, it’s easy to change the art on display to suit your mood or the different seasons.

    picture1 How to put your stamp on your new build home
    • Layer the light

    New build homes are typically built with downlights – which may not be to everyone’s taste. Soften the lighting in your home by playing around with layering lighting to create more atmospheric results. Floor lamps, table lamps and even wall hanging lights can help to bring some more options into your living spaces.

    lamp1-1 How to put your stamp on your new build home
    • Get “ruggy” with it

    Rugs are an excellent way to provide some individuality and flair into your home. They can add a burst of colour and even soften the acoustics of your home. Better still, they are easy to remove and re-purpose if you feel you have outgrown it.

    If you have an open plan home, large area rugs can really help define spaces, from your living room to your dining room. In Chapelton, many of our homes boast open plan living, so rugs may be the key to transform your living spaces.

    • Upcycle & look to the past for inspiration

    Sometimes looking at vintage interiors can be an excellent way to gain inspiration for your new home. Charity shops and other second-hand sales can be an eye-opener, allowing you to bring in one of a kind treasures into your home.

    Vintage interiors complement the traditional design of the properties in Chapelton, so an upcycling project can help bring some style and flare to your space. All of your visitors will be asking where you got your new piece of trendy furniture!

    • Panelling

    New builds tend to have big blank walls so that you can really make your mark. One of this decade’s hottest interiors trends so far has been the introduction of panelling in living spaces. This is an excellent way to introduce new textures and colours into your wall space. There’s a lot to consider when looking at panelling for your new build – but there are thousands of videos on YouTube for beginners.

    Are you on the lookout for a new home?

    In Chapelton, we have a wide range of desirable homes, including two, three, four, five and six bedroom houses, all with excellent spaces to truly make your own.

    View our new build homes for sale or get in touch to find out more.


    Paint it perfect – getting the right shade for your home

    Are you looking to introduce some new light and life into your home? As we head into autumn, many of us are looking for inspiration to start a re-decorating project. One of the biggest hurdles is getting started in the first place with so many colours to choose from.

    We’re here to give you a helping hand and have listed some of our best paint selection tips, so you can get on with the first coat!

    • Feature your favourites

    Your home is a place that is unique and personal to you – it should reflect your personality and style. Whether your favourite colour is duck egg blue or a mustard yellow, there are ways to incorporate this shade into your home décor.

    Have a look at paint shades closest to your favourite colour and inject some life into your living space by pairing the shade with pillows, blankets and other home accessories.

    • Match paint to your furniture

    If you opt for statement pieces in your home with a pop of colour, you can use neutral shades that help the vibrant items in your house stand out.

    It’s also important to consider the size of the room when looking at wall colour. Using a lighter shade in a small room can help to create a bigger space, but using a bold, dark statement wall in a large room can help tie the space together.

    Photo-09-02-2021-18-10-04-1-768x1024 Paint it perfect – getting the right shade for your home
    Chapelton residents, The Smith Family
    • Bring the outside in

    One of the biggest trends in home decoration over the past year has been bringing natural tones to our homes. Having spent so much time inside, we’ve all been looking to experiment with greens, blues and yellows to help create a more natural living space.

    Plants are another excellent accessory to help create a relaxing and atmospheric room where you can take a deep breath and foot your feet up at the end of a long day.

    • Do your research

    We’ve all found ourselves wandering round the aisles of DIY home stores for hours looking at paint samples and trying to visualise colours in your home. It can be overwhelming and more often than not, a waste of time.

    Do your homework before you go to the shop, and have a look for paint samples, room inspiration and paint shades online. Social media sites such as Pinterest can be a lifesaver when it comes to decorating your home. Once you’ve found your perfect inspiration, save it to your phone and take it the store – you’ll be back home and painting in no time. 

    paint1 Paint it perfect – getting the right shade for your home
    • Sample

    A key step in choosing the right colour for your home is sampling it. This simple step can often be ignored, with many of us buying pots and pots of paint in one shade, only to realise it’s not right when it gets applied it to the walls. Help reduce waste by taking a sample home to try – then you can calculate how much you need for a smooth and successful application. Some brands have adapted to using sticker samples so that you can see if you have a dream match easier than ever before. We love Lick Home’s selection of stickers, perfect for seeing how the colours look at different points throughout the home.

    Are you on the lookout for a new home?

    At Chapelton, we have a wide range of desirable homes, including two, three, four, five and six bedroom houses, all with excellent spaces to truly make your own.

    View our new build homes for sale or get in touch to find out more.


    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

    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