Luxury self-catering accommodation near St Andrews

Dairsie Castle is a fortified tower house which stands upon a knoll above the River Eden and next to a 17th-century church (no longer in use). This medieval castle, first mentioned in 1160, was continuously occupied until the 19th century when it fell into ruin. In 1996, it was lovingly and most creatively restored by the present owners, and is now available for private holidays. This is a truly unique property, which will enthral all who choose to stay here.

The house is built on four floors with the ground floor having vaulted cellars, which have been beautifully renovated for use as a bedroom and bathroom. There are three towers that accommodate bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as narrow spiral staircases.

Contemporary works of art are displayed throughout, and there are some fascinating sculptures, carvings and wall paintings by well-known Fife artists. In addition, one floor of the castle is devoted to an art gallery containing a wide variety of art works for your pleasure.

The main hall is dramatic, with a large oak dining table and two uniquely carved pillars which have their own story to tell: one of heaven, one of hell! From the minstrels’ gallery you can look down on the scene below.

The main bedroom is huge with a king-size four-poster (carved Romagne heads c.1540) and two additional four-poster beds (Scottish double) for children. The entrance hall has a painted roof carrying the seals of the Bishops of St Andrews associated with the castle, as well as a newel post carved to represent Archbishop Spottiswood.

There are north and south battlements which make excellent viewing points; a herb garden, parterre and lawn; a courtyard with a tower; and an avenue of lime trees that was planted in the spring of 1997.

The Kingdom of Fife is one of the most attractive areas of Scotland and has a wealth of historic sites, the university town of St Andrews, and picturesque coastal fishing villages. St Andrews golf courses are only six miles away, and there are other local courses within easy reach. Tentsmuir forest and beaches are close by, and Edinburgh is a 45-minute drive. There are also good beaches at Elie and St Andrews, nature reserves, The Scottish Deer Centre and the Discovery in Dundee, as well as a sealife centre in St Andrews, and Deep Sea World by the Forth Bridge.

Accommodation

Ground Floor
Cellar twin bedroom with vaulted ceiling and en suite bathroom

First Floor
Entrance hall
The Great Hall – dining for 12
Compass room – small circular room
Kitchen
Laundry
Pantry

Mezzanine Floor
Minstrels’ gallery
Doocot washroom
Lower bedroom – double with en suite bathroom and shower

Second Floor
Master bedroom with: Four-poster king-size bed; 2 single four-poster beds; crib; en suite bathroom with decorated cast iron bath
Upper bedroom – double bedroom with en suite bathroom
Family room – with wide screen TV, sofas and chairs
Toy room

Third Floor
Picture gallery – this occupies the whole top floor
Shower room

South Caphouse
Contains 2 single beds

North Caphouse
Single bedroom

Facilities

Aga
BBQ
CD Player
Central Heating (underfloor)
Cot
DVD Player
Dishwasher
Fridge/Freezer
Garden Furniture
Gas Hob & Oven
Highchair
Initial Supply of Logs
Microwave
Satellite TV
TV
Telephone with Honesty System
Tumble Dryer
Washing Machine
Wood burning stove

Features

Inside
Gallery
Great Hall
Stunning Views

Beaches
St Andrews – fine sandy beaches 4 miles.

Cook Available
Catering can be arranged for either an occasional meal or full service.

Golf
St Andrews – 4 miles.

Of Historic or Architectural Interest
Of great historic and architectural interest. A full history and architectural rebuild record is available

Shopping
Good shopping at St Andrews and Cupar