Just a mile outside the lovely Fife town of St Andrews, in a secluded setting amid trees and rolling countryside is Balgove Farm which comprises some 400 acres of the Strathtyrum Estate. It is here that you will find Lower Balgove, a charming traditional holiday cottage which has a sunny and open situation, with fine views across the fields.
Lower Balgove is all on one level (Edenview Cottage forms the upper section of the house, but the building has been so cleverly divided that neither would know the other was there! However it can be useful if you want to book with friends and yet retain a measure of independence.) It is a cosy and well appointed cottage, with an open fire in the comfortable sitting sitting room. With a separate dining room it is spacious too. The kitchen is well equipped and there are twin and double bedrooms. There is parking right at the door.
Tenants are welcome to wander at will on the Estate, but are reminded that it is a working farm, so be prepared to meet the odd farm vehicle. The main house, a gracious Georgian yellow sandstone building, about half a mile from the cottage and much in demand as a wedding venue, houses an interesting art collection which is open for viewing during the first week of every month.
St Andrews surely needs no introduction as 'the home of golf' and also the site of Scotland's oldest University. With its ruined castle and cathedral and quaint cobbled streets it is a popular tourist destination. The legendary West Sands (remember the opening credits of the film Chariots of Fire? They were filmed there) are on the same side of town as the Estate, as of course is the Old Course itself. And as one would expect from a place which regularly plays host to the Open Golf Championships, for all its small size St Andrews offers a range of hotels and restaurants of which any city would be proud.
Inland, you can visit the Scottish Deer Centre near Cupar (10m), Mary Queen of Scots' lovely palace at Falkland, or explore the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk. Craigtoun Park is also within a mile or two of the cottage, with lots of attractions for all of the family. If you want a change from the beaches of St Andrews, there are rolling dunes and woodland picnic sites at Tentsmuir beyond Leuchars (12m).
Gas central heating, electricity, bed linen and towels are all INCLUDED in the rental. Sorry, no pets and smoking is not permitted within the cottage.
