Set within a prime location on the periphery of Aberdeen city and shire, our beautiful Strabathie Village development will offer a simply stunning location to call home. Positioned within the pretty hamlet of Blackdog which enjoys a pretty, sandy beach right on the doorstep and stunning coastal views, Strabathie village offers a peaceful way of living, yet, surprisingly, offers a close proximity to the city of Aberdeen - a mere 10 minute drive away.
To help you imagine what it could be like living here, we caught up with our newest site manager Ewan Aiken, who has shared his insights on what makes this development unique, the quality of the homes available and why Blackdog is the perfect place to call home...
Tell us a bit about your role and your background
“I joined Kirkwood Homes as the Strabathie Village Site Manager earlier this year. My role involves managing all the on- site works, ensuring that every home is being built to the correct standard and specification. I coordinate all the different trades which involves a great deal of time management, while also maintaining the highest levels of health and safety on site.
“Before I joined Kirkwood I was a Site Manager for another local home builder for 8 years and prior to that I worked as a joiner. I’ve been working in construction my whole working life so hopefully I bring a wealth of experience to this role!”
What do you love most about the location of Strabathie Village?
“It definitely has to be the view. When I drive into work each morning with the sun beginning to rise, the boats sailing on the sea and the windmills in the distance, it really does cheer me up. The coastal views really are beautiful, coupled with the sound of the waves, which is lovely.
“I would also say the location of each house and the way they’ve all been positioned within the development has been particularly well thought out. The homes are nicely spread out, with many positioned to really enjoy the coastal views.”
How would you describe the location of Strabathie Village? What stands out to you?
“In terms of the development itself and where it’s located, the green space is fantastic - and the beach is right on your doorstep, accessed down a little pathway. This development will appeal to a lot of purchasers, from couples and families - and ideal for those who have a dog to take for walks on the coastal path or beach.’
“From a leisure point of view, everything you could want or need in Aberdeen is just 10 minutes away. Blackdog actually has it’s own slip road off the AWPR! This road has opened up so much for this side of the city, so you do get the best of both worlds - living in a coastal village, while being extremely well connected to the city and other nearby towns.
“There are great amenities very close by, and good transport links to make everything accessible. The buses running into Aberdeen from Peterhead or Fraserburgh stop just next to the roundabout that leads you into the development which is ideal. You’ve also got plenty of local golf courses just along the road which is great - there’s Murcar, Royal Aberdeen, Trump and Newburgh, so there’s plenty of options if you’re a keen golfer.”
What sort of customer do you think would be well suited to Strabathie Village?
“It’s definitely a family friendly development. The houses are designed for family living since they’re 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes. There’s a lot of green areas within the development as well, so that, along with the size of the houses, means it’s definitely well suited for young families or couples looking to settle down and start a family, however I could also see the appeal for downsizers or those looking to retire.”
Which is your favourite housetype available at Strabathie Village?
“My favourite so far is ‘The Birse’. It’s a 3/4 bedroom detached home and I just think the way it’s positioned within the corners of the development gives it a different look aesthetically. It’s a great layout inside as well - very spacious and with accommodation on either side of the hallway as you come in which makes it feel like a really generously sized house. It’s got 3 double bedrooms upstairs, plus a further bedroom or study for you to use as you wish - so it’s got a lot of potential and versatility.”
What is your favourite feature in a Kirkwood house and why?
“I think the stairs have been designed really nicely in ‘The Birse’ they’re a real feature of the hallway as you come in.
“The master bedroom is also particularly nice with a fantastic ensuite and walk-in-wardrobe, and the lounge is spacious and bright with it’s triple aspect”
How would you describe the quality of the homes at Strabathie Village?
“Kirkwood is definitely at the top of their game with the standards of the homes. The specification really is unrivalled - they’re meeting all of their calculations and home energy standards, and every home is very well insulated which shows how much care goes into the building of them.
“They’ve got very high quality kitchens and bathrooms too - all from Laings, a great local business. I’ve worked with Laings before and they’re really impressive in terms of the standard of kitchens and bathrooms they offer, so it goes to show how much Kirkwood values quality in everything they do. Little touches Kirkwood offer - as standard - include the internal doors which are certainly of a superior quality compared to many other home builders - they’re all sturdy with an oak veneer, look really modern and complement each home.”
What do you think sets Kirkwood apart from competitors?
“The quality and range of homes on offer from Kirkwood is particularly impressive - and I would add the layout of our sites is superb compared to other developers, meaning the homes aren’t all crammed together - which is what many people have come to expect from home builders. There's plenty of green areas factored into the Strabathie development design as a whole and each home comes with a decent rear garden with rear fencing included.”
Why is quality so important in this industry and at Kirkwood?
“A home is undoubtedly the biggest purchase of your life, so you need the highest standards to be in place. When building any home, quality should stem right from the beginning of the process - from design and material selection, right through to the home construction and finished product. It’s very important for your home to be built correctly by highly experienced trades people, who take pride in their work - and this is what we offer at Kirkwood.”
The marketing suite at Strabathie Village is now open for appointments, where our Sales Advisor, Michelle can help you find your dream home at this exciting new development. Discover our range of luxury homes available to reserve at Strabathie Village below…
