Located on the North East of the country, Aberdeenshire offers an expansive county, stretching from Banffshire in the North, to St Cyrus in the east. This region is renowned for it’s heritage, with an abundance of castles in situ, breathtaking coastlines, beautiful beaches, rugged mountains and vast areas of countryside to avail of.
If you’re searching for a new home within Aberdeenshire but can’t decide the best place for your next move, we’ve shared 5 of our favourite places in the North East that could just be your perfect place to call home…
1. Banchory
Set within the beautiful Royal Deeside, Banchory has become a highly sought after location in Aberdeenshire, with the Sunday Times naming it as one of the best places to live in the UK in recent years. This historical town is only 15 miles from Aberdeen to offer easy access to all that the city has to offer, yet it is surrounded by breathtaking countryside views.
Living in Banchory will certainly appeal to those who love to explore the great outdoors, with endless opportunities to explore the rural surroundings. Vast landscapes, undulating hills and peaceful forest trails offer the perfect countryside escape, from the popular Scolty Hill to the nearby castle trails of Crathes and Drum - not to mention the number of outstanding golf courses, fishing facilities and garden centres.
Though Aberdeen is only a short drive away, you’ll find all the amenities you could need within the town itself, from a Doctor’s surgery and dental practices, to a high quality butchers, a supermarket, hairdresser’s and more. Banchory is also home to plenty of independent shops, restaurants and cafés, as well as stylish hotels and lodges.
2. Stonehaven
Brimming with charisma and charm, this appealing coastal town certainly offers a picturesque setting to call home, having been named one of the 5 most beautiful towns in Scotland. Stonehaven combines a seamless blend of sandy beaches and beautiful countryside - and has been the popular choice of location for families over many years.
The town benefits from an array of nearby amenities and hospitality venues, such as The Marine, Molly’s and the award-winning Bay Fish & Chips - to name just a few. For families and those who like to keep active, Stonehaven has a variety of leisure facilities and walking trails nearby, from the harbour yacht club and paddle boarding facilities, to the cricket club, the well-known open-air swimming pool and popular walking route up to Dunnottar Castle.
Stonehaven is also set within a prime location, whether you’re commuting to the city or venturing north or south of the city. Both the AWPR and A90 are right on the doorstep, with Aberdeen just a 20 minute drive away and the rest of Aberdeenshire within easy reach. The town also benefits from a train station with regular services from Aberdeen to Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow to keep you well connected.
3. Sauchen
With peaceful and picturesque surroundings, the rural village of Sauchen is an excellent place for anyone hoping to find a new home in the heart of Aberdeenshire. This quiet community of just over 200 houses is brimming with character and charm, offering plenty of freedom and opportunities to explore the beautiful countryside. You’ll find plenty of walking and cycle routes nearby, such as Castle Fraser and the vast Dunecht Estate.
Sauchen is known for being a very family-friendly community, with the fantastic local Cluny Primary School and under weekly 5s meet-ups just 5 minutes away, as well as a playpark in the heart of the village - perfect for keeping the little ones entertained. For families with slightly older children, secondary education is provided at Alford Academy which has long been known for its excellence.
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4. Alford
This thriving Donside town has become a popular place to call home, particularly for families with children. It benefits from a strong sense of community spirit, a wealth of local amenities and scenic views of the surrounding countryside on the doorstep - all while being within easy reach of Westhill and Inverurie, and only a 40 minute drive from Aberdeen.
Alford is great for those hoping to enjoy the best of country living - it’s surrounded by rural landscapes, rolling hills and plenty of peaceful walking trails. Bennachie is only a 22 minute drive away, and the scenic castle trails of Craigievar, Kildrummy and Castle Fraser are perfect for a relaxing stroll. For those who have a strong sense of adventure, there’s such a wide range of outdoor activities on the doorstep, including the town’s dry ski-slope.
At the heart of the town is its state of the art Community Campus, which is home to an excellent primary school and academy, as well as a variety of sports facilities such as the 25m swimming pool, large sports hall and dance studio - it’s been a fantastic addition to the community.
5. Blackdog
Located on the periphery of Aberdeen city and shire, the quiet hamlet of Blackdog embraces the beautiful North East coastline, presenting a unique opportunity to live close to everything the city centre has to offer, all while enjoying a pretty, sandy beach and coastal trail on the doorstep.
This peaceful setting is also within striking distance to stunning Aberdeenshire beaches at Balmedie and Newburgh - the latter being home to a 400 strong colony of seals. As you head into Bridge of Don, you’ll find Scotstown Moor, a beautiful nature reserve with an excellent walking route which has become popular with local dog walkers.
Although you may feel like you have all the peace and tranquillity of a remote setting, Blackdog provides residents with excellent connectivity to Aberdeen city centre - just a brief 12 minute drive away, with the AWPR nearby, providing easy access to the rest of Aberdeenshire and beyond.
Discover our range of luxury homes available at developments across Aberdeenshire…
