The Thatched Cottage

A charming ‘chocolate-box' haven for romantic couples and small families alike, beautifully set in a 17th century conservation village in Fife.

Boasting among the largest number of thatched properties in Fife, Collessie is a quaint, tranquil 17th century conservation village that seems almost untouched by the passing decades.

It's here that you'll discover The Thatched Cottage, looking for all the world as though it belongs on the front of a classic chocolate box from gentler times past.

However, none of this means you'll be short on modern facilities during your stay here, as below the oak-beamed ceilings await a world of comforting holiday delights.

Carefully renovated, the light-filled cottage is full of charm and character, with a well-equipped kitchen that's also perfect for breaking bread together, though on sunny evenings you may prefer firing up the barbecue in the secluded, sunken garden area instead.

Watch the golden sunset for a while, then retreat to the warm, welcoming lounge, with its squishy seating and electric log-burner-effect fire in the original fireplace.  

Here you can curl up in front of the TV, or choose a book from the well-stocked shelves and spirit your mind peacefully away for a few hours (glass of wine optional!) You'll also have access to Wi-Fi, so catching up with work or checking in back home will be easy, should you feel the need.

When it's finally time to turn in, two elegant bedrooms will be waiting: a double and a twin, both with their original oak beamed ceilings for an authentic sense of cosiness.

There's also an indulgent modern bathroom to freshen up and wind down in, complete with a walk-in shower, a huge spa bath, and stack of fluffy towels.

After a sound night's sleep, why not take your morning coffee out to the patio and plan your day to a soundtrack of birdsong? The cottage's stone-built bothy makes a handy storage space for bikes, if you intend to explore the area on two wheels.

However, history buffs need travel no further than Collessie itself, in whose centre is an ancient church that's said to date all the way back to the Bronze Age. ‘The Collessie Man' prehistoric stone also sports fascinating carvings from Pictish times.

Head to Cupar, six miles away, to stock up on groceries and enjoy the hospitality of friendly local pubs. If you've got the kids in tow, Fife Zoo is home to an array of exotic animals, just one mile from the cottage, while the Scottish Deer Centre is a charming place to view all kinds of local wildlife up close.

But if you're hankering after the bright lights of city, you won't have to travel far. With Perth and Dundee accessible in half an hour, and bustling Edinburgh in one hour, you can re-enter 21st century civilisation any time you like!

Things to note

Pets are not permitted. Please note: access to the sunken garden is via 4 stone steps down.