Bursting with green spaces, this historic port city in northeast Scotland is a real hidden gem. Plus there's plenty of affordable options for buyers...
There’s a local saying around these parts that people come to Aberdeen and never leave.
With a huge variety of entertainment, an award-winning university, low unemployment and crime rates, plus a rich culture and friendly way of life, it’s little surprise to hear that people rarely move out of the Granite City.
If there’s one thing you can pretty much count on in Scotland, it’s gorgeous scenery, and this historic city certainly lives up to expectations. Over a quarter of the land is open space, so it’s no wonder that Aberdeen has racked up plenty of Britain in Bloom wins. See for yourself and head to the 44-acres of gorgeous greenery in Duthie Park!
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Whether you like to spend your free time being adventurous or prefer a quieter pace of life, Aberdeen has it all, from craggy mountains to pretty coastline and beaches.
There are over 50 golf courses in the area, so it’s the perfect location for any keen golfers hoping to knock down their handicap, plus there are skiing and watersports facilities nearby too.
But Scotland’s third largest city isn’t just about the physical pursuits. One of only a handful of places in the country to have been awarded the coveted Purple Flag Award for excellence in city entertainment, you know you’re in for a treat when it comes to nightlife.
When you’re ready for some retail therapy, choose from Union Square, Union Street, Bon Accord and the Trinity Shopping Centre. There’s also local craft and vintage markets, outdoor farmers markets and international food festivals to keep you busy all year round.
With house prices averaging a very reasonable £193,478, this could be the ideal spot to find your dream home without breaking the bank. Here are some of our favourites…
Two-bedroom apartment, Dee at Westfield, Bridge of Don, £170,000
Here’s an attractive development of spacious homes, adjacent to the leafy Westfield Park in the highly popular Bridge of Don area.
Located just off Balgownie Road, the two-bed flat boasts a fully-fitted kitchen with integrated appliances including an oven, hob, fridge freezer and combined washer-dryer. Elsewhere are two generous double bedrooms, one with an attractive ensuite shower room.
Flooded with natural light, the apartment features luxurious carpeting throughout, and there’s plenty of room to entertain and socialise in the stylish lounge/dining area.
This dwelling offers a no-fuss home that's ready to move into – ideal for first-time buyers to put their own stamp on.
On the market for £170,000 with Tulloch Homes.
Four-bedroom apartment, Forest Road, £318,000
A deceptively spacious four-bedroom home, this first-floor duplex flat is located in the heart of Aberdeen's West End.
This well-positioned property offers easy access to the city centre and airport, as well as a handful of good schools and an array of cafes and restaurants.
In the large reception room you’ll find wonderfully high ceilings, a wooden surround fireplace and an elegant bay window. Meanwhile, the modern kitchen comes with a range of integrated appliances and enough space for a dining table.
Also on this level are two bedrooms and a family bathroom, while upstairs are a further two bedrooms, one with a feature fireplace and built-in cupboards, plus an additional shower room.
Our favourite bit? The stunning stained glass window – keep an eye out for it!
On Rightmove for £318,000 with Express Estate Agency.
Three-bedroom house, Duthie Terrace, £475,000
An imposing semi-detached residence, this home is found along Duthie Terrace, an attractive, tree-lined street that lies within the Mannofield area of the city.
Recently refurbished to an impressive standard, the wow-factor here is the flexible indoor/outdoor area at the rear of the house. From the kitchen and dining room, bifolding doors open out onto a large outside zone, creating a cool space for summer entertaining.
Elsewhere is a large living room, which is currently set up as a cinema room, along with a separate dining room, while upstairs the family bathroom enjoys a luxury Jacuzzi bath.
Also on this level are two bedrooms and the master suite, which benefits from floor-to-ceiling windows and patio doors which lead out onto a balcony, plus an ensuite shower room and dressing room – although this could be used as a fourth bedroom if desired.
Outside, we love the decked area in the rear garden – it’s ideal for alfresco dining and fully prepped for a hot tub to be installed!
Generous private parking is also on offer, with room for three cars.
On Zoopla for £475,000 with Express Estate Agency.
Four-bedroom house, Fonthill Terrace, £565,000
This handsome granite townhouse is packed with beautiful features, from the tiled entrance hall and glass-panelled front door to bay windows and a marble fireplace.
However, renovations in more recent years have seen the rest of the home brought right up to date, with a super-modern kitchen, complete with chic breakfast bar and adjoining utility room.
The lounge and dining room provide a more formal place to relax or entertain, while the gorgeous family bathroom boasts a free-standing bath and walk-in shower.
Upstairs, the master bedroom is a regal affair and includes a separate dressing area – great for the fashion-focused! Also on this floor are three further bedrooms plus a contemporary shower room.
Beautifully manicured gardens to the front and rear of the property are an added bonus, and the gorgeous decking area at the back rather lends itself to summer barbecues.
A stone's throw from the city centre, this stylish period home is a real find!
On Zoopla for £565,000 with Express Estate Agency.
Six-bedroom house, Kettocks Mill Road, Bridge of Don, £885,000
Are you looking for a home with a little history? Well, Glenseaton Lodge dates back to the 14th century, when it was originally a two-roomed miller’s cottage.
In the 1860s, a redesign was commissioned for the drawing room and dining room, much of which can still be admired today, from the painting and ornate stencilling to the original marble and stone fireplaces.
They look just as grand as ever and beautifully complement this enchanting family home that’s jam-packed with character features.
The dwelling is set over three levels, with exquisite attention to detail throughout, highlighting the incredible craftsmanship of the era.
On the ground floor, you'll find the main reception rooms, including a spacious dining room with a wow-factor vaulted ceiling and wood flooring, and a sitting room featuring beautiful gothic bay windows.
The large family kitchen and utility room are on the lower ground floor, while upstairs a palatial landing leads to the five sizeable bedrooms, all with lead pane windows.
There's potential for a self-contained flat here too, with a suite of rooms on the ground floor, including a bedroom, kitchen, lounge and bathroom, ripe for conversion and letting out.
Situated in a conservation area with an abundance of wildlife, the property is in a splendid rural setting some three miles from the city, with four acres of garden encircled by a wide loop of the River Don.
This pastoral paradise would make the perfect family home, without forgoing the fun of city life. Maybe you can have your cake and eat it...
On the market for £885,000 with Strutt & Parker.
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