The Why
Recline with wood burning stoves and hot tubs in luxury self-catering accommodation. All set on a working farm amongst the rolling hills of Fife. A truly unique feature is the equestrian centre where you can stable and ride your own horse.
The Where
At Lindores in North Fife near the village of Newburgh, just a few miles south of the River Tay.
The Review
We arrived at Lindores with modest expectations of our two person self-catering accommodation. These, however, were quickly swept away. The Arches – a luxurious and modern abode housed in an expertly converted but characterful stone cottage – provided every luxury we could need and more. A warming wood burning stove, open plan bathroom with a stand alone bath and a decadent shower with two showerheads were among the features that had the newlyweds, soon to be wed and other couples who had signed the guest book waxing lyrical about this charming property. No wonder.
For us an undoubted highlight was the panoramic views of the surrounding farmland and countryside from the living room window seat. Then there was the bubbling outdoor hot tub that treated us to similar views from our private garden. Reclining in the latter with a glass (plastic of course) of fizz, it was easy to see why many former guests reported doing very little during their stay. We too took a stroll around the farm where we met newborn lambs and calves. We also popped up the hill behind The Arches (an easy 15 minute walk) to take in the breathtaking views.
The Area
This rural idyll also proved a great base from which to explore the surrounding area. During our short stay we visited the nearby Lindores Abbey Distillery. This impressive new distillery impressed us not only with the quality of its tours, but also the extent to which it was integrated with the local community – hosting an Easter treasure hunt around the Abbey ruins during our visit. While it will be a while before it is selling single malt whisky, it is worth visiting to sample the herb infused new make spirit – Aqua Vitae – and for the superb pies and cakes on sale in its café.
Sticking with a foodie theme, our evening exploration took us to The Newport Restaurant by Masterchef Professionals winner Jamie Scott. Out six-course tasting menu was faultless both in the quality of the local produce, the way it was cooked and in presentation. The twinkling lights of Dundee across the River Tay only added to the theatre of the evening.
The Dinner In
On our second night at Lindores we decided to make the most of our sumptuous surrounds and the hamper from Ardross Farm Shop. Our hamper was brimming with ultra local products and featured the likes of Fife Gold – a golden ale produce by the St Andrews Brewing Company – and the fruity Trotter’s Mostarda compote. The thick cut ham and delicately smoked salmon meanwhile were wonderfully paired with crumbly Adamson’s Pittenweem oatcakes and bread from Newburgh’s Wee Bakery.
The Rating
A solid 8/10 for us. Great to see a family-run business with soul offering so much luxury in such a dramatic setting in rural Fife. Keep an eye on this place, it will only get better with such a dynamic young family at the helm.
Further Information
Lindores – Braesde of Lindores Farm, KY14 6HU http://www.lindores.co.uk
Lindores Abbey Distillery http://lindoresabbeydistillery.com/
The Newport Restaurant – 1 High Street, Newport-on-Tay, DD6 8AB http://thenewportrestaurant.co.uk/
Tourist information – Welcome to Fifewww.welcometofife.com
*This blog comes in association with Lindores
