WhatHouse.com has introduced its comprehensive Location Ratings data that give new homes developments a score based on the major topics house-hunters consider when searching for a new property.
Using figures provided by data experts CLSQ, we base our Location Ratings on five main categories: Education & Amenities, Health & Wellbeing, Tech Connectivity, Finance and Transport Links.
The quality and proximity of leisure facilities and the delights and health benefits of the natural landscape are important considerations for many people. Whether it’s sitting down to admire the scenery, playing sports or working on things like allotments and community gardens, leaving the new home for a while is an essential part of life for the majority of us.
These are the kind of locations and facilities that we’ve used to calculate our Location Ratings score for Nature and Leisure, part of the wide-ranging subject of Health & Wellbeing, which also looks at things like air and noise pollution, and road safety statistics.
We’ve taken a look at current new homes developments across Aberdeenshire and compiled a Top 10 of those that score best for Nature and Leisure. Ratings are out of 5. Any deals or buying schemes mentioned are all subject to terms and conditions.
1. Blairs, Majestic Deeside, rated 3.8
Muir Homes is building a collection of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes here, by the River Dee, currently starting at £288,750. There are detached, semi-detached and terraced houses to suite a range of budgets, each of them providing a great standard specification and parking in the form in allocated spaces or garage/driveway. It’s only six miles to the city centre from here, and for destinations further afield, the A90 is a two-minute drive away.
Nature and leisure highlights: The banks of the River Dee are just moments away, a scenic stretch all year round, with Deeside Golf Club just behind the banks opposite. There are numerous sports pitches and playing fields only a few minutes away by car.
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Willowburn from Scotia Homes
2. Willowburn, Tarves, rated 3.8
Set on the outskirts of Tarves, the contemporary design of these new three- and four-bedroom homes complements the traditional architecture in the centre of the characterful village. With a high standard specification throughout, for a limited time, some plots can be purchased using a 105% Part Exchange offer. Many homes here are ready to move into now or will be over the next few weeks.
Nature and leisure highlights: The scenery around here is very picturesque, surrounded by countryside with the mountains in sight. Haddo Country Park is only three miles north. Tarves has its own football club and skatepark, and it’s only a few miles to a much wider choice in nearby Ellon and Oldmeldrum.
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3. Chapelton, Stonehaven, rated 3.8
A brand new release of homes has widened the choice of two- and three-bedroom properties for sale from Places for People here, just five miles south of the city. Now priced between £250,000 and £339,950, some of these houses are offer with Part Exchange or Shared Equity, catering for a host of buyer requirements.
Nature and leisure highlights: There are play parks here and close by in Newtonhill, and the scenic coast is within very easy reach. Stonehaven itself is only five minutes’ drive away and benefits from a host of facilities including parks, sports clubs and an outdoor swimming pool.
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4. Charleston Green, Cove, rated 3.7
There are four-bedroom houses currently for sale from Barratt Homes at Charleston Green, with starting prices currently ranging from £289,995 to £329,995. Some plots can be purchased with Deposit Boost or Part Exchange assistance schemes, and a number of properties come with upgrades and a limited-time LBTT contribution offer. The marketing suite and show home are open from Thursday to Monday.
Nature and leisure highlights: The development itself has numerous public green spaces and play areas, and there’s a dramatic coastline to enjoy at Cove Bay and along a scenic footpath. Both Stonehaven and the leisure facilities of Aberdeen and its suburbs are all an easy drive away.
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Riverside Quarter from Barratt Homes
5. Riverside Quarter, Bucksburn, rated 3.7
The latest phase of this Barratt Homes development, called Davidson's Gait, offers two- and three-bedroom houses and spacious four-bedroom townhouses priced from £219,995. With some ready to move into, and a host of offers and upgrades on many plots, there’s a great opportunity to buy for a range of budgets and requirements. There are no fewer than five show homes of different types to view and choose the right one for you.
Nature and leisure highlights: The River Don is close by, and it’s not far at all to Auchmill Golf Club. Other venues to explore for exercise or a relaxing time include Sunnybank Play Park and football club, Woodside Sport Complex and Persley Walled Garden.
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6. Hopecroft View, Bucksburn, rated 3.7
A neighbouring part of the same larger development, Hopecroft View has three- and four-bedroom houses for sale from £219,995, also benefitting from nearby schools and shops, and being just six miles north of the city centre. The show homes combine standard specification with some of the upgrades and options available to ‘early bird’ buyers. Now is the time to take advantage of LBTT offers and some packages and upgrades.
Nature and leisure highlights: Among the other things to enjoy in and around Bucksburn for leisure and nature are Stoneywood Dyce Cricket Club, Craibstone golf course and the scenic walks offered by Kirkhill Forest.
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7. Chapelpark, Oldmeldrum, rated 3.7
Chapelpark is from Scotia Homes, another collection of its range of energy-efficient contemporary home styles. Situated on the northern outskirts of the village of Oldmeldrum, there are currently three- and four-bedroom houses and a three-bedroom bungalow for sale here, priced between £229,950 and £369,950. You can make an appointment to speak to the team at the marketing suite and to take a tour of the show house.
Nature and leisure highlights: It’s a short walk down the road to Meldrum Pleasure Park and Oldmeldrum Golf Club. Just a 10-minute drive away, Inverurie offers Garioch Sports Centre and clubs for many sports, including football, golf, skating, trampolining and bowling.
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Osprey Heights from Barratt Homes
8. Osprey Heights, Inverurie, rated 3.7
There’s currently a range of three-, four- and five-bedroom detached and semi-detached house types here, with starting prices from £252,995 to £454,995, and Barratt Homes offers Part Exchange and Deposit Boost on some of them. Located on the north-eastern outskirts of the town, it’s only a five-minute drive to the shops, amenities and station at its centre.
Nature and leisure highlights: Aside from its numerous sports facilities, there’s scenic countryside and Ury Riverside Park on the doorstep, and it’s only 25-30 minutes to a host of other attractions in Ellon and Aberdeen.
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9. The Grange, Aberdeen, rated 3.5
Situated in a sought-after residential suburb in the West End of the city, The Grange is a luxury development of high-specification four- and five-bedroom executive homes from multi-award-winning developer Dandara. The final phase has been released, with prices starting at £529,995. There’s a new five-bedroom show home to view here, which like the marketing suite is open seven days a week.
Nature and leisure highlights: Hazlehead Park is just a short walk away, offering woodland walks, a playground and a host of sports facilities.
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10. David Wilson @ Countesswells, rated 3.5
Now over 50% sold, there’s a variety of three- and four-bedroom house types for sale ere, starting at £314,995, with selected plots coming with offers such as Part Exchange, Deposit Boost or furniture vouchers. The locality has a new school and shop, with more facilities to come, and it’s just four miles into Aberdeen city centre.
Nature and leisure highlights: In addition to the scenery and impressive range of amenities at Hazlehead Park, it’s just a few minutes’ drive from here to the likes of Lawsondale Playing Fields, Westhill Swimming Pool and Westdyke Leisure Centre.
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Find out more about our other Location Ratings core topics:
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