Village life gets a boost from Scotia development

By Heather Rose
Posted: 2008/11/26

New homes are being built in the heart of Rothienorman, a rural village near Fyvie in the North-east of Scotland. But this Glenside project is very different from conventional new home devel

Being carried out by Aberdeenshire-based Scotia Homes, Glenside is breathing new life into the area by creating a broad selection of homes along with commercial and retail units.

The development is designed to enhance village life, and Scotia's objective is to ensure it integrates perfectly with the existing village, helping ensure the area will have a very healthy future.

The housing mix should suit a broad range of buyers from firsttimers to families and older buyers, adding to the area's community atmosphere. The selection of properties includes semi-detached, detached and terraced housing.

But that is only one part of the programme. Echoing the pattern of Scottish towns and villages which have gradually evolved over the generations, Glenside's buildings are being grouped around communal squares and a village green surrounded by interconnecting streets.

This ensures close links and a true neighbourly atmosphere, and, since the streets are comparatively narrow, the design should also slow down traffic. The business section of the development is to house shops and offices with a restaurantcafe already set to open next year.

Rather than merely offering rural housing for commuters, Scotia see this development opening up job opportunities for locals, giving them the opportunity to shop locally and enjoy their leisure time locally, and boost Rothienorman's village role. Inspiration for Scotia Homes' shift from housebuilder to more that of townbuilder came, they explain, from The Prince's Foundation, which puts the focus on the built environment.

Their team carefully studied the principles of new urbanism and developments elsewhere which had brought a modern dimension to a traditional lifestyle. These included Poundbury in Dorset and Upton in Northamptonshire as well as a project in the USA.

Keith Mann, sales director with Scotia Homes, explained: "Glenside is an exciting development for Scotia, being inspired by the traditional but built to modern standards.

"Scotia is moving in a new direction having spent a lot of time thinking about the existing facilities and architecture to make sure the development contains all the right elements.

"The development will include a mix of affordable housing for rent and privately owned properties designed to encourage social integration. Having the houses opening directly on to or close to the street reflects the living patterns of many of Aberdeen's desirable West End locations." This village neighbourhood development is already proving successful with 35 homes sold and a showhome now open.

Current prices for outright purchase range from £119,950 for a two-bedroom apartment to £169,950 for a three-bedroom terraced house. Scotia, which was established in 1990, also offers various marketing initiatives including help in selling a buyer's existing home, a mortgage assured package and shared purchase options.

Information: 01651 821973; www.scotia-homes.co.uk