The North Lodge at Balcarres

The North Lodge is a square stone building designed and built in the late 1800’s by Scottish architect, Sir Robert Lorimer. Wrought iron gates with lion topped pillars and sloping walls create a stunning entrance to the property. The North Lodge rests on the edge of beautiful woodlands that form part of the Balcarres Estate located in the East Neuk of Fife.

The space
The property has been recently refurbished with tasteful furnishings and stylish country interiors. The finishings reflect a property steeped in history and design.

The lodge is split over 2 floors. The ground floor has an open-plan fully equipped kitchen, living, dining area with a wood-burning stove, and 1 W/C. The first floor has 1 master bedroom with an incredible free-standing copper bath that needs to be seen to be appreciated. There is a bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Up to 2 guests can sleep comfortably in the bedroom consisting of 1 king bed.

The beautiful garden wraps around the cottage, providing guests with stunning views of the countryside and woodlands. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the outdoor furniture.

Parking can be found at the property with space for 2 cars.

The property is only an hour and 20 minutes drive from Edinburgh and 25 minutes from Leuchars train station.

LIVING ROOM, DINING & KITCHEN
The living room consists of a comfy sofa and a luxurious art deco armchair. The wood-burning stove is there to provide you with a crackling fire after a long day exploring and enjoying all that the Scottish outdoors has to offer. The 43-inch flat-screen TV comes with Apple TV, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
The kitchen area has all the necessary amenities to prepare a delectable, home-cooked meal. The kitchen includes an oven, a fridge, induction cooking hob, kettle, toaster, dishwasher, and cooking basics.
The dining table, which perfectly suits 2 people, is the perfect place to enjoy a light breakfast before beginning your day.

BEDROOM & BATHROOM
The stylishly decorated master bedroom is furnished with a king-size bed, a freestanding rose copper bathtub that is perfect to enjoy a chilled glass of champagne after a long day, a chest of drawers and a linen armchair. The marble tiled bathroom is complete with an enclosed rain shower.

OUTDOOR AREA
Venture outside into the garden that leads directly to the woodlands where you can wander for hours in the beautiful countryside.

Foodies
The East Neuk boasts a burgeoning food scene, with highlights including the Bowhouse Market, the Kinneuchar Inn, David Lowry's fresh seafood, and the award-winning Ardross Farm Shop. Local towns and villages, including St Andrews, Elie, Crail and Anstruther, are home to a wide range of restaurants and traditional pubs.

Laundry and Extra Appliances:
The property is equipped with a washing machine, tumble dryer, vacuum, iron, and ironing board for your convenience.

This home is managed by JOIVY. We are proud to host our guests in a wide selection of top-quality properties across Europe. JOIVY is pleased to offer hotel-standard hospitality services and provide hotel-quality linens, towels, bathroom essentials, and professional cleaning services.

Guest access
Guests will have full, unrestricted access to the property and garden, including free WiFi and parking available for 2 cars.
Other things to note
*This property's internet connection is best suited for light browsing and social media but is not optimal for HD video calls or streaming.

**The property is pet friendly, up to 2 dogs are allowed and there will be an additional charge of £25 per dog.
*** Travel cots and high chairs can be provided by request.

The property is professionally cleaned, and hotel-quality linens and towels will be provided for your stay.

The Surrounding Area

The Balcarres Estate around you is home to some of Scotland’s finest countryside. Walk through ancient forests; cross rolling hills with dramatic views across the Firth of Forth; or stravaig along the two miles of pristine beachfront at Largo Bay. For those passionate about their golf, the newest addition to Fife’s famous golfing coast is not to be missed: Balcarres’ world-class Dumbarnie Links recently hosted the 2021 Women’s Scottish Open.
The North Lodge is situated less than 15 minutes’ drive from the medieval town of St Andrews, seat of Scotland’s oldest university and site of romantic castle and cathedral ruins, internationally renowned golf courses, and a wide range of restaurants and traditional pubs.

Follow the song of the sea and discover the charming fishing villages strung along the coast of the East Neuk. St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail each have secrets of their own – but Elie, a mere ten-minute drive from North Lodge, is perhaps the most stunning of them all. Walk out to the iconic lighthouse and Lady’s Tower before rewarding yourself with fish and chips and a locally brewed ale at the legendary Ship Inn. Crail harbour is also worth a visit especially when the Reilly Shellfish crab shack is open.

Those fond of a dram will find plenty to like at the numerous nearby distilleries, with tours (and tastings) on offer at Eden Mill, Kingsbarns and Lindores Abbey, among others. Fife’s burgeoning independent food scene, meanwhile, includes highlights such as the Bowhouse farmer’s market, the spectacular Kinneuchar Inn – a short 6-minute drive away, but be sure to book – and the award-winning Ardross Farm Shop. All feature fresh seasonal produce from Balcarres.

Below is a selection of other superb restaurants, takeaways, and activities in the local area.

RESTAURANTS
The Kinneuchar Inn, Kilconquer (Quality Pub food)
The Ship Inn, Elie
East Pier Smokehouse, St Monans
Balgove Steak Barn, St Andrews
The Adamson, St Andrews (an intimate setting for cocktails and more)
The Seafood Ristorante, St Andrews (spectacular sunset views and fine fruits de mer)
Craig Millar @ 16 West End Restaurant, St Monans (Elevated Scottish cuisine with sea views)
The Cellar Restaurant, Anstruther (Michelin-starred venue offering tasting menu only)
The Peat Inn, Peat Inn (Home to Fife’s only other Michelin star; for very special occasions)
The Old Barn, Dumbarnie Links (excellent breakfast; weekdays only for non-golfers)
The 19th Hole, Earlsferry

TAKEAWAY
The Anstruther Fish Bar, Anstruther (Award winning fish and chips shop, take home or better eat on the pier)
Blackhorn, St Andrews (Burgers, Milkshakes, wraps and more)
Little Italy, St Andrews (Delicious Italian, eat in or take home)
Pizza Express, St Andrews

ACTIVITIES
Elie Water sports for water activities
Distillery tours such as Eden Mill, Kingsbarns
Balgove Larder
Beach walks at St Andrews West Sands and Kingsbarns beach

HOUSE RULES:
JOIVY Scotland wants you to have a fantastic stay, so encourage you to see the space as a home away from home - treating it as though it is yours! There are, of course, a few things we politely ask guests to note before their arrival and throughout their stay:
- Strictly no smoking, no parties
- Dispose of rubbish appropriately
- Keep the property clean and tidy
- Whilst washing up and stripping the beds at check out would be appreciated, it is by no means expected
- Although the house is detached and on private land, we still ask that you please respect the surrounding area and keep noise levels to a minimum between the hours of 10pm and 9am.
- Please remember to close all windows and doors when leaving the space
- To ensure the safety of our current and future guests, we ask all guests to complete our online check-in form and to provide a valid form of identification.
- Careful attention to the keys is extremely important. Guests are responsible for any additional costs resulting from misplaced keys or locksmith call-outs.