Post in collaboration with Elie Select
A selection of personally chosen unique luxury holiday homes in the delightful village of Elie in Scotland's East Neuk of Fife. Sleeping from 6 to 22 they are ideal for family holidays, get-together's or celebrations.
With an already busy line up of a trip to Dublin for three days with girlfriends followed by two days in London at School of Fish (including a visit to Saturday Kitchen!) I resigned myself to having to reply in the negative when I received an email from Elie Select inviting me to a house party in not just one, but three of their newly launched holiday homes. However all good intentions of catching up and staying at home after five days away went out the door when I took a look at the properties and their location. I have a real soft spot for the East Neuk of Fife so that was a big plus point and then there was the holiday homes themselves. They are simply stunning. Here's the blurb.
Elie Select offers a choice of lovely holiday houses in Elie, each personally chosen for its unique style. From a 16th century turreted house with four gardens to a 17th century beach house filled with fabulous art and a contemporary eco house right on the beach, we can offer somewhere truly special for your family holiday, get-together or celebration.
I was smitten. And my BFF could come too. Husband and kids would just have to fend for themselves for another couple of days...
Our accommodation was in Davaar a spacious and newly refurbished traditional house with huge rooms and stunning views right on the 17th hole of Elie's Links Golf Course. It's a three storey property with an annexe sleeping up to 16. Our twin room was on the third floor and the views were absolutely stunning - especially from the shower! The house was immaculate and it would seem that all needs are catered for with a welcome platter of foodie goodies from the local area, children's games, firewood, beach towels and rugs, toiletries, wifi and hotel quality linen and towels. Of course all the good parties happen in the kitchen and the one at the front of the property (there's a second open plan kitchen/living area in the annex) is huge, bright, sits 16 at the dining table and has the most amazing window seat from which to relax and admire the idyllic views.
It seemed that no sooner had we looked around and settled in at Davaar than it was time to move onto the next house for pre-dinner drinks, canapes and a gin tasting. For this we headed to Midrock. Wow. Just, wow. This contemporary eco beach house is like something straight off Grand Designs. I was absolutely smitten with each and every thing about it. The views, the decor, the quirkiness, the minimalism, the views, the cosy sitting areas, the lighting, the sedum roof, the views, the wood burners, the nautical touches, the terrace and oh did I mention the views?! We were lucky enough to be there on a gorgeous evening and as the sun went down we had a tremendous vantage over the Firth of Forth. However I can imagine it would be an equally enticing location to cosy up in on a wild and stormy night looking out at the power of the sea and the flashing lighthouse.
The property sleeps 12 in 4 double/twin rooms and a quirky dormitory style wooden clad annexe for 4. This would be the perfect den for teenagers as it also has it's own fantastic downstairs seating area. There is just so much clever space and light in this house and such careful attention has clearly been made with furnishings and decor to give a touch of the beach without becoming twee. The large windows make you feel like you are actually on the sea shore and have been positioned to take full advantage of the stunning views and natural light. Despite it's show home looks this is a holiday home in which you would most certainly be able to feel at home in and kick back and relax. It has all the style but none of the pretentiousness.
We were all so taken by the property that we had to be coerced to sit down around the dining table in order to partake in a Gin tasting. On arrival we'd been greeted with Darnley's G&T's accompanied by canapes however poor Scott the visitor centre manager at Kingsbarn Distillery barely got a look in as we were all so busy oooh-ing and aaah-ing over Midrock. But Gin beckoned and we tasted three variants - Original, Spiced and Navy Strength whilst learning a little bit about the history of Gin and the new distillery and visitor centre which we were visiting the next day. My BFF who doesn't like gin was even converted! Turns out that it's the tonic she's not keen on and a Gin & Ginger Ale went down a treat. Out taxi again awaited for our final port of call of the evening where a locally inspired dinner would be served.
It was dark by the time we got to to West House so we had to wait until the next morning on our walk to breakfast to admire it in all it's seafront beauty. The interior of this 17th century house was different again. Much more colourful, arty and 'chintzy' (is that even a word?!). In the spacious kitchen and dining room we feasted on a wealth of local produce expertly prepared by local private chef Patrick Gilmour. One of the things I love about a self catering holiday home is that it offers me the the freedom to dine out and sample local restaurants combined with the facilities to cook for myself with goodies bought from local farm shops and producers. It really is the best of both worlds and in Elie and surrounds you are spoilt for choice in this regard. Patrick showcased produce from Ardross Farm shop in a menu comprising of Sharing Platters of locally available cured hams, smoked fish and anti pasti. This was followed up with a melt in the mouth main course of Short Rib of Ardross Beef with a bordelaise sauce, roasted new potatoes, celeriac puree, greens and crispy shallots.
Following dinner which was rounded off with the most amazing Scottish and French cheeseboard (including a new favourite - Paddy's Milestone) and homemade chilli fudge, we made the short walk back to our beds at Davaar. Cup of tea and a chat in the kitchen was the perfect end to the evening before retiring to our superbly comfortable beds. Next morning the option of a run along Elie beach had been suggested. Alas I'd forgotten to pack my trainers ;-) However my BFF headed out for a jog to blow the cobwebs away and take in the morning beach views. We were invited to The Ship Inn for breakfast and took a leisurely stroll there to enjoy their locally sourced offerings. I had a sneaky peek at the evening menu which looked right up my street as did their beachfront beer garden.
Suitcases packed and farewells said we headed off to visit some of the producers from the night before with tours of Ardross Farm and Kingsbarn Distillery. We also had a wander around some of the delightful shops in Eilie, lunched at East Pier Smokehouse in St Monans and popped in past Crail Pottery. We'd barely had time to scratch the surface of all that Elie and the surrounding area has to offer. To me the East Neuk seems to have it's own micro climate with sunshine, golden sands and an abundance of good food, drink, leisure and shopping opportunities. Close to St Andrew's for golf and so much more, Michelin starred dining at The Peat Inn, one of Scotland's loveliest coastlines with ample opportunity for walking and cycling. There are so many reasons for me to return to Elie. All I need now are 11 friends who fancy joining me for a weekend in Midrock House. Alternatively does anyone have a significant birthday or hen weekend they'd like to include me in?!
Apologies to Hege Morris for photobombing her scenic shot but thanks for letting me share it - I think it's rather atmospheric! Visit her gorgeous homes & interiors blog to read her perspective on our Visit to Midrock House.
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Disclosure: I ate, drank and explored the East Neuk as a guest of Elie Select
As always, all views expressed are my own.
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