Auchtermuchty - it sounds almost too Scottish to be true! But it is a real, live and very attractive village in Fife, some 20 miles from St Andrews and just 20 minutes drive from the M9 Edinburgh-Perth motorway.
In a pleasantly secluded position on a hill overlooking the village, and standing in its own extensive enclosed garden (furniture, barbecue), is the Old Schoolhouse, a most beautifully refurbished detached Victorian villa. The owner is a spatial designer, who has devoted her considerable expertise to creating an exquisite holiday home here. There is secure storage for bikes etc in an outbuilding and two adult and two children's bikes are available for guests (at own risk). There is a table tennis table and dartboard in the garage for rainy days.
Spacious and south-facing, the Old Schoolhouse catches all the sun that's going with lovely views across to the Lomond Hills, where there is good walking and para-gliding too. There are five bedrooms, one en suite, and one downstairs. The state of the art kitchen opens on to the dining-living room, with multi-fuel stove, and there is a further large sitting room. A bathroom and a shower room complete the accommodation.
The village has pubs, shops, and a petrol station. The nearest large towns are Cupar and Glenrothes.
This is an excellent centre for both exploring the immediate area, and for touring further afield. Falkland Palace, and the Scottish Deer Centre are both close by. Historic St Andrews is a short drive and you can also visit the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk. Other places of interest in Fife include the Secret Bunker near Anstruther, and Kellie Castle with its lovely gardens. Fife hosts T in the Park in July, the Leuchars Air Show and there is a lively art week in Pittenweem.
There is fishing close by at Golden Loch or the Lomond Hills Fisheries, cycling on the Fife Millennium Cycleway, golf just about everywhere (this is Fife, after all!) off road and Quad biking, riding, and of course, the Knockhill Racing Circuit.
Equally, both Perth and Edinburgh are under an hour away. From the former you can easily head north to the Highlands or west to Loch Earn and even Glencoe. Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, should require no introduction as one of the most attractive cities in the world. Should you prefer to visit it without the car (never a bad idea!) you can catch trains from Ladybank (3m) or Markinch (5m).
So at the Old Schoolhouse, you are unlikely to be short of things to do!
Two additional single beds can be made available by arrangement at an additional charge.
Heating is by gas-fired central heating (£20 INCLUDED) and wood burning stove. Electricity, bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Two well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. Sorry, no smoking in the house. A refundable householder's deposit will be required
