A picturesque whitewashed, 17th century, fisherman's cottage, right on the harbour wall in an equally picturesque East Neuk fishing village, with all 21st century comforts - if that sounds like your idea of attractive holiday accommodation, then Sandcastle Cottage in Anstruther, Fife, is most definitely for you.
This delightful picture-book house stands at the end of a quiet cobbled cul de sac, full of character with its stepped gables and red tiled roof, and with glorious sea views from its front windows. The beach is literally on the doorstep.
Inside it has been most imaginatively restored and refurbished. Two steps lead down into the house and the downstairs area is mainly taken up by a huge and very well equipped dining kitchen - perfect for spending an evening round the table with a bottle of wine or two, putting the world to rights. On this level are a single bedroom and shower room. Open tread stairs lead to a bright and cosy sitting room with even more dramatic views across the harbour and a window seat from which to enjoy them. Two bedrooms, one very large, one smaller, but both charming, and a bathroom complete the accommodation. There is parking at the door.
Anstruther (or Ainster, as it is known locally) has shops, some excellent restaurants (the Smuggler's Inn in particular is famous far and wide) and is home to the Scottish Fisheries Museum. It also boasts the best Fish and Chip Shop in Scotland (official!). Further east , the seafront becomes an esplanade, which is very popular in summer. The cottage, however, is very much at the quieter end of town.
Apart from getting out your bucket and spade, the area has many other attractions. You are, after all, only 9 miles from St Andrews with its legendary golf courses and sands. In the hinterland are Kellie Castle and Scotland's Secret Bunker, both 'good days out'. Just outside Anstruther is the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company, a cheese farm and 'factory' which is proving a great hit with visitors, where you can watch the 'Anster' cheeses being made, purchase the wares and enjoy a cup of coffee in the coffee shop too.
There are very scenic coastal walks to enjoy, or you can take boat trips into the Firth of Forth to see the seabird colonies on the Isle of May. Needless to say, there is no shortage of good golf courses in this part of Fife, while further afield, you can catch a train to Edinburgh from Cupar or Kirkcaldy or head across the Tay Bridge to Dundee the Angus Glens or even Braemar and Royal Deeside.
Heating is by gas central heating (first £15 INCLUDED). Bed linen, towels and the first £15 of electricity are INCLUDED. Up to two well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement, and smoking is not permitted within the cottage.
