St Monans, some 14 miles from St Andrews, is one of the most charming of the sleepy little fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife and has long been a popular holiday destination.
Here, in a quiet little street set high overlooking the harbour is The Bluebells, a delightful and lovingly restored semi-detached, traditional cottage, which has fine views over the huddled rooftops to the Firth of Forth and the coast of Lothian beyond. It has a sunny, south-facing and very secluded garden (furniture), with decking area, ideal for lazy days and evening drinks.
The Bluebells offers excellent accommodation for up to six people. The comfortable sitting room has a living flame effect fire and the dining kitchen is very well equipped with dishwasher, washing machine, range cooker etc. The bathroom has both bath and separate shower and upstairs are the three bedrooms, two doubles (one quite small) and a twin.
St Monans has shops and good eating places, including a very prestigious fish restaurant on the harbour, just a few minutes' walk from the cottage.
There are lots of coastal walks to enjoy and you can take boat trips from Anstruther (3m) to visit the seabird colonies on the Isle of May and spot the other marine wildlife in the area. Kellie Castle, with its magnificent gardens, is 5 miles inland, and Falkland Palace and Scotland's Secret Bunker are other must-sees in the area.
Fife is, of course, the cradle of golf, and every little village seems to have its own usually excellent golf course, if you feel you are not quite up to tackling the Royal and Ancient at St Andrews, which lovely and historic town cannot fail to enchant you. The vast expanse of the West Sands there gives the possibility of an enjoyable day on the beach.
Road and rail links are excellent, making St Monans suitable too for exploring further afield. You can take the train from Kirkcaldy for a day in Edinburgh while the M90 can be reached in little over half an hour and from there you can head north to Perth and the Highlands or west to the Trossachs and Loch Lomond.
Bed linen, towels, electricity and the first £30 of gas-CH are INCLUDED. Pets are welcome by arrangement. Smoking is not permitted in the cottage. Wi-Fi is available, subject to provider.
