Anchor House is fun - not least because of the fluctuating expectations that getting there arouses, and the fact that it acquaints you with some good Scots words which do not readily translate into English! First it seems that you are actually leaving the quaint little fishing village of Pittenweem in the picturesque 'East Neuk' of Fife. But another turn and hey presto, you are back in the old town, descending to the harbour. Park just short of it, have the courage of your convictions and go through the white door marked 36, through the little 'close' or 'pend' behind it, up the stairs, gaily decorated with tubs of flowers in season and you're there. Even before you are properly through the door, you will encounter the delightful little covered 'sit-ooterie', where you can sit in comfort even in less pleasant weather.
The apartment is light and airy, decorated in greens and blues and yellows that remind you of its marine situation and of the sunshine that you are hopefully going to enjoy there. The south-facing sitting room has superb views over the harbour; the gas central heating and open fire mean that these views can be enjoyed in warmth and comfort at all seasons of the year.
The village itself is a delight, with a busy fish market and a number of small art galleries, not to mention a lively Arts Festival in early August. Pittenweem almost merges with St Monans, just along the coast, where there is a superb fish restaurant. In fact, most of these little villages boast at least one excellent place to eat. A couple of miles north of the village, too, is the National Trust's Kellie Castle with its wonderful gardens. Another highly individual local attraction is Scotland's Secret Bunker (7m). Now open to the public since it was decommissioned at the end of the Cold War in 1994, it is the very place to take the family on a wet day!
Then there is St Andrews, only 11 miles distant, the 'home of golf', with its ancient University, castle and cathedral, not to mention the superb West Sands and Sea Life Centre. Golf courses abound in Fife - every little village seems to have an, often, excellent one of its own. There is plenty of scope for walking along the coast, riding and tennis are available and wind surfers, dinghies, canoes and mountain bikes can be hired at Elie (4m).
Further afield, Edinburgh is just an hour's drive away, Perth (41m) is the gateway to the Highlands and day trips to Loch Lomond (90m) and the Trossachs are perfectly feasible.
Heating is gas central heating (INCLUDED) and open-fire. Bed-linen and towels are INCLUDED. We regret no pets or smokers.
