Lower Largo is one of the most charming fishing villages in the altogether charming East Neuk of Fife, just 13 miles from historic St Andrews. It has the further distinction of being the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, the original Robinson Crusoe, and lucky holiday makers now have the chance to stay in the cottage on the very site of his birthplace - the Crusoe Apartment.
It is doubtful if Selkirk, the son of a humble shoemaker and tanner, would recognise it now, however, so well has it been refurbished and furnished to the highest 21st century standards.
Completely self-contained and with its own entrance, it occupies the first and second floors of the house and is accessed through the pretty little shared garden at the back (furniture). On the lower floor is an L-shaped living room with separate sitting and dining areas and a well-fitted modern kitchen. There is also a single bedroom and shower room. On the second floor, bright and airy with Velux windows, are a further double and twin bedrooms and a bathroom. The accommodation is therefore very practical as well as well-presented. It has gas central heating, a stove in the dining area, and a heat recovery ventilation system and there are lovely sea views from the upper windows.
The owners have had great fun with the Crusoe theme, and have collected a wonderful mix of memorabilia which adorns the walls, from a fascinating contemporary newspaper report of the repatriation of Alexander Selkirk's cabin trunk, to posters for the many film versions of the story, with some quite hilarious takes on a tale which obviously has lost none of its appeal to succeeding generations.
The Apartment is just a minute's walk from the sandy beach with free parking either on the street outside or in a car park 200m away and Lower Largo has several little shops and places to eat. It is therefore an excellent choice for a traditional family beach holiday. Golfers, too, will revel in the possibilities of the area. Fife does, after all, lay claim to being the home of golf, and quite apart from St Andrews itself, just about every little village has its own excellent course. The Lundin Links course, a practice ground for the Open when it is at St Andrews, is just along the way.
Other local attractions are Scotland's Secret Bunker near Anstruther, a unique legacy of the Cold War, and Kellie Castle with its lovely gardens. Further inland is Falkland Palace in the pretty village of the same name. From Elie you can take boat trips into the Forth, perhaps to visit the seabird colonies on the Isle of May, while Craigtoun Park, just outside St Andrews, offers lots of activities and attractions.
If a day in the big city beckons, then you can leave the car and take the train into Edinburgh from Kirkcaldy, just along the coast. No one should be bored at the Crusoe Apartment!
Bed linen, towels, gas CH and electricity are all INCLUDED in the rental. Sorry pets are not accepted and smoking is not permitted within the apartment. Special rates will apply for the period of the Golf Open at St Andrews.
