About Stonehaven

Stonehaven is a historic coastal town 15 miles south of Aberdeen, known for its picturesque harbour, open-air swimming pool, and dramatic Dunnottar Castle. It offers seaside living with good Aberdeen commuting, making it popular with families and professionals. The town has a strong independent retail sector and community spirit.

Property Market

Average Prices

£210,000 - £260,000

Typical range: £140,000 for a 1-bed flat to £400,000+ for larger detached homes with sea views

Popular Property Types

Traditional stone cottages, 1960s-80s suburban homes, modern developments, harbour flats

Market Insight

Stonehaven has held its value well even during oil downturns. Sea view properties command significant premiums. Market can be slower than Aberdeen but prices are stable.

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Schools

Primary Schools

Carronhill Primary
Dunnottar Primary
Mill o' Forest Primary

Secondary Schools

Mackie Academy

Note: Mackie Academy has a good reputation. Schools are less of a price driver than Aberdeen suburbs - people move here for lifestyle rather than specific schools.

Transport & Accessibility

To City Centre

25-30 minutes by car via A90, 40 minutes by train (6-8 trains per day), 45 minutes by X7 bus

To Airport

30-35 minutes via A90/A96

Parking

Most properties have parking. Town centre can be busy in summer with tourists. Harbour car park fills up on sunny weekends.

Cycling

Possible to cycle to Aberdeen (16 miles) but hilly terrain and A90 make it uncommon. Good local cycling.

Local Amenities

🛒 Shopping

Good independent shops on Market Square and High Street. Tesco, Co-op, Aldi supermarkets. Most residents do a weekly shop in Aberdeen for bigger choice.

🏥 Healthcare

Stonehaven Medical Group. Aberdeen Royal Infirmary 25 minutes for anything serious.

⚽ Leisure & Sport

Open-air heated swimming pool (summer only, locals love it), Dunnottar Castle, two beaches, harbour walks, several golf courses nearby, Mackie Academy leisure centre.

🍴 Restaurants & Pubs

The Bay Fish & Chips (famous, always busy), The Ship Inn by the harbour, Tolbooth restaurant, several cafes. Good selection for a town this size.

Lifestyle & Community

Best For

People wanting coastal living with Aberdeen commuting, families wanting a small-town feel, retirees, second-home buyers

Not Ideal For

Those who need to be in Aberdeen daily for work (the commute adds up), people wanting city nightlife locally

Community Feel

Strong community spirit, annual events (Fire Festival on Hogmanay is famous), good mix of locals and commuters, popular with retirees

Local Insights

Things you should know about living in Stonehaven:

The train is great if your work/life fits the timetable. Otherwise you're driving daily which gets expensive.
The harbour area is beautiful but can be touristy in summer - the estate areas are more peaceful.
Sea view properties cost £30-60k more but many buyers think it's worth it.
The open-air pool is a Stonehaven institution - locals are passionate about it.
Winter can feel isolated if you're used to city life - it's dark and quiet.
Council tax is Aberdeenshire rates (slightly lower than Aberdeen City for same band).
Broadband can be variable depending on location - check before buying if you work from home.