More than bricks and mortar, it's a place to relax at the end of the day, perhaps a base to work or run a business from, and increasingly a combination of both.
But, when we reflect on home, it's also about community, a feeling. More now than ever, we have come to realise the value and importance of being part of a community, having people and amenities around us.
When we start work on new developments, you see the construction, the vehicles, the high-vis vests. What you don’t see is the care, attention and meticulous planning which goes into the layout, design and 'bigger picture' of the communities we're shaping.
In Chapelton, five miles south of Aberdeen, we have been creating a diverse range of properties to suit an array of buyers since 2014 and there’s still lots to come. Enjoying their homes right now are a mix of single people in apartments, couples in cottages, grandparents in bungalows and growing families thriving in luxury villas. There really is something for everyone, with a mix of two, three and four bedroom properties currently available for sale, priced from £230,000 through to £425,000.
But, besides the properties themselves, what else does Chapelton have to offer?
First, let's look at the bigger picture. Eventually, the Chapelton site will accommodate up to 8,000 houses suitable for all ages, incomes and needs, set within seven neighbourhoods. As you’d expect, shops, offices, parks and schools are all part of the masterplan.
Homing in on the 'here and now, the first neighbourhood, Cairnhill, is a self-sufficient and walkable community which already includes a nursery, brasserie and bar, coffee shop and hair and beauty salon.
Cairnhill is also a thriving hub of up-and-coming independent businesses, many of which are owned by local residents. The Boxes @ Chapelton are temporary structures providing small businesses with an affordable place to grow, including a pop-up shop which changes week on week.
When it comes to everyday retail needs, you’ll find everything from jewellery and gifts to ice-cream, fruit and vegetables. As well as The Omnia, a homeware and gift shop, there's The Cupcake Stop, Wander and Graze delicatessen and greengrocer, Clementine of Chapelton.
Building on the shops and services, parks and landscaping are also an important part of Chapelton, with every element of the design thought through with care. From quirky back lanes and front gardens to plant-filled communal areas, you'll find walkers, runners, cyclists and children enjoying life and getting to know their neighbours.
What's more, there's an array of events aimed at welcoming new and familiar faces.
Building on previous years, the 2022 calendar kicked off with a film night at the town's Slate & Grain restaurant on Sunday 13 February, and continues through to November when the town's festive farmers' market will take place. Visitors can choose from a bike workshop (February), Easter egg hunt (April), the annual Chapelton 10K (July) and comedy night (August), to name but a few.
There's no doubt about it, as communities go, Chapelton exceeds all expectations.
We'd love to welcome you to our four-bedroom 'Melfort' showhome any weekend (12pm-4pm), to show you what we’re creating here and explain more about the properties to come. Please book your sales appointment through our website, or contact us on 01738 620721 or at sales@stephen.co.uk.
For more information, visit https://chapeltonnewtown.co.uk/.
