Guests say
Guests frequently praise West Cottage for its peaceful and beautiful setting, comfortable accommodations, and dog-friendly environment. The historical charm of the property and its proximity to local attractions are also appreciated. While some minor maintenance issues and the lack of internet are noted, the helpful staff and overall experience have left many visitors with a desire to return.
Most guests found the cottage clean and well-maintained, though a few mentioned specific issues such as dog hairs and mould. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than a general trend.
The location is highly praised for its tranquillity, beautiful countryside, and proximity to local attractions. It is deemed perfect for a peaceful retreat, with lovely walks and a serene environment.
The majority of guests found the cottage comfortable, with new mattresses and a cosy setting. However, some noted that the heating could be improved and that an electric meter in one bedroom was a minor disturbance.
Facilities are generally seen as sufficient and well-equipped, but some guests mentioned the need for a cafetiere, better knives, and patio furniture. Maintenance issues like a broken bathroom fan and outdoor lighting were also pointed out.
There are no specific mentions of gifts or special thoughtful touches provided by the hosts, so it is not possible to accurately score this category.
About this property
Settled within the grounds of the National Trust for Scotland’s Edwardian mansion Hill of Tarvit, is this delightful dwelling, West Cottage. Originally built as a home for the estate workers who maintained the mansion, West Cottage today provides a welcoming retreat for five guests in Cupar, Fife. Nestled within its own private enclosed garden on the estate grounds, you can park up adjacent to the property before exploring the interior. Venture into the kitchen/diner to find a homely spot to gather and begin cooking, with a farmhouse dining table as well as a country-style fitted kitchen, this room and the utility hold all you need for a self-catered stay. Wind down in the lovely sitting room, with armchairs and a sofa to relax on after a day of rambling, plus an open fire to keep you toasty on a winter's eve. Enjoy the benefit of an all-ground-floor layout, with three charming sleeping spots to choose from consisting of a double, a twin and a single room, all served by the spacious family bathroom where you can enjoy a relaxing soak. Relish the lovely scenery of these well-kept grounds, as well as having your own private garden space. For a relaxing retreat in Scotland, choose West Cottage. This property can be booked with Refs. 1060390, 1060389, 1060391, together sleeping up to 18 guests.
Surrounded by stunning countryside scenery is the historic town of Cupar resting in the region of Fife in Scotland. Host to many historic buildings and owning a medieval character, Cupar is a fabulous base for your next break to Scotland, offering plenty of amenities including shops, pubs and restaurants. Visit the grand Hill of Tarvit, an Edwardian mansion great for a day out, as well as being nearby to the the Scottish Deer Centre which is teeming with beautiful wildlife including Fife's only wolf pack!
Accommodation
All ground floor.
Three bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin, 1 x single.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Utility.
Sitting room with open fire
Electric heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine.
TV, radio, DVD player.
WiFi.
Power included in rent.
Starter pack for fire provided from October to March.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available.
There is parking available on the grass in front of the cottage, alternatively there is free parking for Sykes guests in the Pay and Display car park for the Mansion House.
Enclosed private garden.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop and pub 1.6 miles.
Holiday guests have access to the estate grounds outside of the regular opening hours.
The opening times, visitor facilities and entry prices of all National Trust for Scotland properties and attractions can be viewed on their website here
Nearby points of interest
- The Scottish Deer Centre
- Craigtoun Country Park
- Bellevue Farm Tours
- St Andrews Cathedral
- Dundee Science Centre
- Verdant Works
- HMS Unicorn
- Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre
Reviews (27)
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Alastair
In the middle of Fife made it easy to reach everywhere we wanted to go. We have stayed in Glenrothes, Anstruther and largo before, but this was the easiest base to get where we wanted to go. Loved the cottage, ideal for dog owners. Nice walks on your doorstep, literally, to get dogs tired out before going out. Good size for three people will take 5. Now there is a train station near Leven, can get in for the day and it's only 20 mins to the train station So nice we are going to book again
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Janet
Our heating stopped working on the one of the independent radiators and its was promptly replaced so we couldn't fault the care.
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Olushola Damilola
Overall, it was a charming getaway with a few standout moments, but there were also areas where the experience could have been better. The Good: Location: The cottage is nestled in the beautiful grounds of Hill of Tarvit, offering a serene and picturesque environment. Itâs perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. Historical Charm: Staying within the estate of the Hill of Tarvit Mansion was an enriching experience. The opportunity to explore the mansionâs interiors and the surrounding grounds added a unique historical element to our stay. Private Garden: The enclosed garden at West Cottage was a lovely feature. We enjoyed setting up an outdoor tent and hot tub, which provided a nice way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, even when the weather wasn't ideal. Family-Friendly: The cottage worked well for a family holiday. The kids enjoyed exploring the grounds, engaging in various activities like a woodland walk, and even a pillow fight in the cottage. The spacious layout accommodated us comfortably. The Not-So-Good: Check-In Timing: The check-in time of 5 PM felt quite late, especially after a long journey. It would have been more convenient to have access to the cottage earlier in the day. Kitchen Facilities: While the kitchen was functional, it could have been better equipped. We ended up preparing a mix of home-cooked meals and takeout, but a few more utensils and appliances would have made cooking more convenient. Weather Considerations: As expected in Scotland, the weather was unpredictable, which slightly limited our outdoor activities. While the hot tub helped mitigate this, itâs worth noting that outdoor plans might need to be flexible depending on the weather. Communication: There was a minor hiccup in communication among our group, which led to some tension. It wasnât related to the cottage or Sykes Cottages, but itâs a reminder to ensure clear communication when traveling in a group. Final Thoughts: West Cottage offers a lovely escape with plenty of historical charm and a peaceful setting. It's a great choice for families or small groups looking to unwind. However, be prepared for the Scottish weather and ensure you have everything you need for cooking if you plan to self-cater. The late check-in was a bit inconvenient, but overall, the stay was enjoyable, and we left with many fond memories of our time at Hill of Tarvit.