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Springtime delights: 6 must-do activities in and around Stonehaven

Location plays an important part when purchasing your forever home, and having an understanding of the local amenities and nearby activities is essential when househunting to ensure your family feels happy and satisfied after moving in. 

Situated less than 15 miles south of Aberdeen city centre and offering picturesque coastal views, a bustling town centre and fantastic transport links, Stonehaven has become an increasingly popular place to live for couples and families alike. For those seeking more of a community feel, the nearby town of Chapelton offers a variety of beautifully designed homes that enjoy the same benefits as houses for sale in Stonehaven, albeit, in a peaceful and charming setting. The enviable position of this growing town is in the ideal location for prospective homebuyers to enjoy the best of both areas. 

In this blog post, we’ve shared 6 family-friendly activities to enjoy in and around Stonehaven, from sampling delicious treats to making the most of its idyllic coastal location, we’ve got your next family day out in Stonehaven covered! 

Stonehaven beach

Approximately 1.1km in length and attracting thousands of visitors each year, Stonehaven beach is located in the heart of this coastal town and provides a mood-boosting setting ideal for a leisurely stroll. A hotspot for watersports enthusiasts, this breathtaking sandy beach is ideally positioned near a variety of pubs and restaurants, offering the perfect backdrop for those looking to enjoy a day out at the seaside. 

If you’re travelling from Chapelton to Stonehaven by car, there are a number of car parks located a short distance from the beachfront, meaning no long walks in damp swimmers after a dip in the sea! These car parks include Beach Promenade, Market Square and Railway Station Car Park.

 Springtime delights: 6 must-do activities in and around Stonehaven
Stonehaven Beach

The Promenade

Once you’ve worked up an appetite after a day at the beach, head up to The Promenade to sample some of the finest food Stonehaven has to offer. Award winning fish and chip shop, The Bay, is the perfect establishment for all seafood lovers, and is conveniently located next door to the highest rated ice cream shop in Stonehaven, Aunty Betty’s – the perfect duo for dinner and dessert! 

 If traditional pub grub is your food of choice, the recently refurbished Molly’s Cafe Bar is also situated by the Stonehaven seafront. Just a short drive from Chapelton, Molly’s is sure to satisfy your breakfast cravings with a delicious Scottish fry up on offer, alongside captivating sea views.

Open air swimming pool

For those seeking a unique swimming experience, Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool is a must-visit attraction. The UK’s only art deco Olympic sized seawater lido, this heated pool is open from May to early September and offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including fun sessions for kids, quiet swims and lane sessions and live entertainment at weekends. 

If you’re looking to stay dry and watch on from the sidelines, The Splash Cafe provides delicious hot food, hot and cold drinks and sweet treats with free access for everyone – the perfect way to spend a fun-filled weekend in spring.

Tolbooth museum

The oldest building in Stonehaven and located on the harbour front, Tolbooth Museum delves into Stonehaven’s rich history providing a real insight into imprisonment and treatment of prisoners over the centuries. Housed in a 17th century tolbooth, the museum is packed full of fun and engaging exhibits to enjoy and is a must-visit destination for those interested in the history and heritage of Aberdeenshire. It even has a 17th-century jail cell for the whole family to explore!

Stonehaven-1024x683 Springtime delights: 6 must-do activities in and around Stonehaven
Stonehaven Tolbooth museum

Dunnottar Castle and woods

Another historical must-see is Dunnottar Castle, a medieval fortress perched dramatically atop a 160 foot rock overlooking the North Sea. Located 2 miles south of Stonehaven and just 9 miles from Chapelton, Dunnottar Castle is steeped in history and known as one of Scotland’s hidden treasures. Playing host to William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots, Dunnottar Castle is open all year round – but we highly recommend visiting in the spring and summer months where you can admire the breathtaking views.

If you’re looking to explore some nearby greenery, make sure to visit Dunnottar Woods, providing a vibrant woodland walk just 3 minutes drive from the grounds of Dunnottar Castle (or a 40 min walk along the coastal footpath from Stonehaven). This family-friendly hiking trail is the perfect place to enjoy a stroll on a crisp spring afternoon.

Dunnottar Castle also offers scenic picnic seating and a selection of refreshments from the C & L Catering Van, as well as conveniently placed visitor parking – ideal for those visiting from Chapelton!

 Springtime delights: 6 must-do activities in and around Stonehaven
Dunnottar Castle

RSPB Fowlsheugh Reserve

If you can’t get enough of Stonehaven and the surrounding area, make sure you visit the spectacular cliffs at Fowlsheugh, just a short drive from Stonehaven. The largest mainland seabird colony in the North East, RSPB Fowlsheugh Reserve enjoys awe-inspiring views of thousands of seabirds nestling along the rugged cliffs, including Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes. 

For those venturing out over spring, you’re in luck! As this seabird experience is limited to May – early August, although provides a stunning coastal walk throughout the whole year. 


Visiting Stonehaven couldn’t be easier for Chapelton residents, with the coastal gem and all its family-friendly activities a stone’s throw away!


New homes Aberdeenshire: The advantages and considerations

Whether you’re a growing family ready for a fresh start in a brand new property or fed up dealing with the hidden issues found in older properties, new build homes are an attractive choice for a variety of reasons. 

In this blog post, we delve into the advantages and considerations of buying a new build home in Aberdeenshire. From the ability to put your own stamp on the property to lower utility costs, new build properties come with a range of benefits.

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Photo by Places for People

The advantages of buying a new build home in Aberdeenshire 

Ability to put your own stamp on the property

Shiny, new and untouched, new build homes take away the hassle and time associated with renovating and present a perfect blank canvas for decorating. Whether you love a bright and bold colour palette or prefer keeping your space minimalist and neutral, new build homes give you the opportunity to let your creativity run free. 

Energy efficiency

As building regulations become more stringent and focused towards energy efficiency, new build homes must now meet or exceed these standards. Therefore thanks to the design, building methods, materials and technology used, homeowners can expect to save much more on energy costs in comparison to older builds.

Improved insulation and better quality building materials have helped to reduce the heat transfer between the inside and outside of buildings, reducing the reliance upon costly heat and cooling systems. In addition, features such as double-glazed windows, LED lighting and energy-efficient boilers all contribute to the ability to save money on utility costs compared to older build homes.

Opportunity to personalise the specifications of the home

Depending on the stage at which you decide to buy, many builders and developers will offer the opportunity to customise the elements throughout your new home, such as the bathroom tiles, kitchen worktops, light fixtures and more. This presents a rare opportunity to create your home to your exact requirements. 

At Chapelton, many of our talented homebuilders offer buyers the opportunity to personalise parts of their homes. For instance, if you’re looking to start completely from scratch, Snowdrop Developments accommodates bespoke self builds, giving you full control over the design and layout of your new home, from the initial planning stage right through to building completion. 

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Photo by Places for People

Warranty

Warranty is another key advantage that comes with buying a new build property, as many home builders in Aberdeenshire – such as AJC Homes, Stephens and Snowdrop Developments – now include the National House Building Council (NHBC) Buildmark Warranty. 

This means that if any snagging issues arise with your property within the first two years of moving, then it is the responsibility of the builder to rectify these issues. NHBC also offers a 10-year warranty which covers structural and weatherproofing issues, giving you further peace of mind. 

Top tip: Don’t be afraid to ask about the warranties offered by developers as this could turn out to be the deciding factor between whether or not you decide to buy the property. 

No complex seller chain

Traditional property chains typically involve multiple buyers and sellers, while the chain associated with buying a newly built home is much more simplistic. With a new build, you don’t need to worry about competing with various buyers as you can purchase the property directly from the builder or developer – dissolving any stresses or worries surrounding the buying process

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Photo by Brio Retirement Living

The considerations of buying a new build home in Aberdeenshire 

It’s important that you put careful thought and consideration into the decision to buy a new home, as it’s likely to be the largest financial investment you make. In order to help guide you through the process, we’ve shared a couple of key points to consider when purchasing a new build home in Aberdeenshire. 

Finances 

Before you begin the search for your dream home, you need to consider how much you can afford to spend. The first step is to get in touch with a mortgage advisor who will help evaluate your affordability. Once you have a rough idea of how much you’re able to borrow, you can then begin the search. Remember to take into account any other hidden costs that may come up along the way such as stamp duty and solicitor fees.

At Chapelton, we recommend David Butler, who has access to a comprehensive range of lenders and will advise the best option specifically for your financial situation. 

Chapelton-aerial-view-April-2021 New homes Aberdeenshire: The advantages and considerations
Photo by Chapelton

Location

Location is likely to play a large role in your purchase decision, therefore, you should spend time considering the pros and cons of your preferred location or development. For example, if you’re looking to settle down and start a family, then having local schools, shops and activity centres nearby may be a priority for you. 

Designed to accommodate all stages of life, Chapelton has been thoughtfully planned out to appeal to a variety of buyers, from young couples looking to purchase their first home to retirees searching for an idyllic place to relax and retire. 

Offers or incentives

When doing your research into developers in the local Aberdeenshire area, you should take into consideration any offers or incentives that the homebuilder may offer. For example, this could include anything from contributions towards your deposit or stamp duty to guaranteed buyer and ‘help to buy’ schemes. It’s always worth asking or looking into these options when selecting a homebuilder, as you may be able to benefit from some impressive savings. 

Interested in finding your dream new build home in Aberdeenshire?

At Chapelton, we have a wide selection of new build homes available to suit all styles, needs and budgets. Our passionate homebuilders – AJC Homes, Snowdrop Development, Brio Retirement Living, Places for People and Stephen – have all worked together to create a combination of exceptional homes. From small two bedroom apartments to bespoke five bedroom family homes, you’re guaranteed to find something that fits your lifestyle. 


Top tips for house hunting in Aberdeenshire

House hunting can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local property market. With lots of factors to consider, from the location and local amenities to the price and condition of the property, it’s essential that you’re equipped with the relevant knowledge and advice to make informed decisions. 

In this blog post, we’ve shared some top tips for house hunting in Aberdeenshire to help you find your dream home with confidence and ease. Whether you’re a first time buyer or retiree, these tips are designed to help you navigate the local property market and secure the perfect property for you…

Set a budget

Before you begin your house hunting journey, it’s important to know how much money you can afford to spend. The first step in the house hunting process is to carefully analyse your finances and decide on a realistic budget that will help you narrow down your search. Part of this process may involve speaking to a mortgage advisor who will be able to provide valuable advice and guidance on obtaining a suitable mortgage, depending on your needs and finances.  

Local to Chapelton, many of our housebuilders suggest speaking with financial adviser, David Butler, who supports buyers by providing impartial advice on their finances. With access to a comprehensive range of lenders, David can recommend the best option specifically for your financial situation, based on your preferences and goals. 

Additionally, at Chapelton, we have a range of homes for sale in Aberdeenshire that accommodate various different budgets, from affordable one and two bedroom homes – ideal for retirees – to luxurious five bedroom family homes appealing to growing families – there is sure to be something to suit everyone’s style and budget.

Do your research

After researching different locations, you should now have a rough idea of what areas pique your interest. It’s always worth exploring these areas to help you get a better feel for the surroundings. For example, you might want to consider taking a gentle stroll around the streets or browsing the nearby amenities such as coffee shops, play parks or restaurants. 

If you think that Chapelton could be the perfect place for you, then why not come and visit our growing community? From the beautiful Patey Park providing endless fun for your little ones to the impressive ‘Boxes’ which are filled with lots of local businesses, you’re never short of things to see or do.

Speak to your local estate agent, friends and family

For those who want to discover a little bit more about what Aberdeenshire has to offer in terms of the housing market, speaking to a local estate agent can be very valuable. Estate agents can help you find properties that match your criteria while also giving you information and background on different locations.

Finding a new home in an area that boasts a strong sense of community is often at the top of the priority list for many prospective buyers. Friends and family are very valuable resources when it comes to house hunting as they can recommend local areas or help point you in the right direction. Community spirit is something that has always been important to the town of Chapelton which is why we encourage residents to get involved in our local events such as the Chapelton 10k, various farmers markets and even the scarecrow festival. The Chapelton Community Association has played an integral role in building a sense of community throughout the town, bringing lots of exciting events to the community.

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Photo by Places for People

Consider the layout of the home

The end goal of buying a house is to find a property that best fits your lifestyle. From large open-plan kitchen/dining rooms designed for entertaining to spacious rear gardens that provide plenty of room for your four-legged friends to roam, it’s key to prioritise the features that are most important to you. 

If you’re set on purchasing a new build home, it can be useful to compare various styles and layouts offered by different housebuilders to get a feel for what you like and dislike. At Chapelton, we currently work alongside five incredible housebuilders who have helped bring the community to life, including AJC Homes, Brio Retirement Living, Stephen, Snowdrop Developments and Places for People.

Be aware of what to look for when viewing

When viewing a property, there are a couple of things you should look out for such as dampness, cracks or plumbing issues – all of which may indicate potential concerns. If you decide to go for a second or third viewing, it’s always worth taking an expert, friend or family member with you for a second opinion. With a fresh pair of eyes, they may be able to spot things with the property that you might have overlooked or not seen. 

Additionally, viewing a property at different times of the day is a valuable piece of advice as you’re able to gauge factors such as the amount of natural light that hits the home and noise levels.

Looking to call Aberdeenshire home? Discover more about our incredible new houses for sale in Aberdeenshire.