Outstanding coastal home with spectacular views and impressive living space.

Description

Sea Cottage is a beautiful period style house situated in a spectacular position overlooking Anstruther Harbour and the Firth of Forth. The original property is thought to date back to the 1500s or earlier, but it was mostly re-built by Colin Sweeney (renowned Master Stone Mason) in 2016, with the addition of a magnificent drawing room extension under a vaulted ceiling with oak beams. The project included the installation of new foundations with under-pinned stone walls. The quality of finish applied throughout is staggering, with significant attention to detail, high specification fittings, and a strong focus on traditional character. The house benefits from good heat efficiency with insulation installed in the floors, walls and ceiling, as well as underfloor heating. There is also an integrated Sonos sound system throughout.

The house sits at the very end of the quiet residential Crichton Street, adjacent to the cobbled slipway leading down to the Firth of Forth. The front door leads into the main entrance hall which has timber panelling, a cloak cupboard and double, part-glazed door to both the kitchen and dining room. Limestone flooring with underfloor heating features throughout the ground floor. The kitchen is fitted with units and granite work surfaces. Integrated appliances include a Bosch oven and grill, Lamona electric hob, Lamona microwave and a fridge freezer. The dining room has characterful exposed stone walls and stone steps leading up into the drawing room. This room is quite outstanding with its vaulted ceiling with timber beams overhead. An open fireplace at the end of the room has a beautiful stone mantel, hand-carved in Italy, depicting thistles, saltires and the Lion Rampant. A stone staircase with decorative iron banister and balustrades leads upstairs, and doors open onto the terrace outside.

There are two bedrooms and two en suite bathrooms at Sea Cottage. The ground floor bedroom sits at the end of a short corridor off the drawing room. It displays an abundance of character with solid oak wall panelling with integrated four-poster bed, and views over the Firth of Forth to North Berwick Law in the distance. There is also a linen cupboard and bathroom with underfloor heating off the corridor. The bathroom has a fitted bath and a separate shower. The first floor bedroom is approached from the stone staircase leading up from the drawing room. It too has great traditional character with oak flooring, coombed ceiling, and floor level windows with coastal views. A door leads outside to an external staircase. Adjacent to this bedroom is a further en suite bathroom with underfloor heating, bath, separate shower and a cupboard which currently houses the washing machine/ dryer.
Outside, there is a terrace / garden with flagstones that is fully enclosed by a stone wall. The incredible panoramic views stretch across the bay towards Anstruther’s promenade and its harbour; over the Forth to North Berwick Law in East Lothian and as far as the Isle of May. The terrace/garden is a wonderful and sheltered place for outdoor entertaining. There is also a summerhouse, and a side alley behind the house which is a useful space for bin storage.

Location

Sea Cottage occupies one of the most desirable locations in the coastal village of Anstruther. The property is tucked away at the end of a quiet residential road, right on the coastline with a boat ramp leading down to a small beach. The property is situated within close proximity to a range of services including shops, pubs, restaurants and the harbour. The vibrant community of Anstruther forms part of the popular East Neuk area in Fife, famous for its picturesque fishing villages, sandy unspoilt beaches and rich farmland. There is a strong artist and craft worker community in all the villages, with the nearby village of Pittenweem hosting one of Scotland’s most famous summer art festivals every year.

Anstruther has a working harbour and excellent facilities for pleasure boats. There is a good range of independent retailers, some fantastic restaurants including the Michelin-starred The Cellar, and a large supermarket. The village provides schooling at Anstruther Primary School and secondary education at Waid Academy which offers excellent modern facilities. Co-educational private schooling is available locally at St Andrews, and Dundee High School is also within easy reach.

There is the 9 hole Anstruther Golf Course within 200m of the house and many other golf courses in the area including Kingsbarns, Elie, Crail and those in the world famous St Andrews, renowned worldwide as the ‘Home of Golf’, which is just 10 miles away. The Old Course is a regular host to the Open Championship which was staged there in July 2022. There are six further golf courses run by the St Andrews Links Trust, in addition to the many other golf courses in the area including the Duke’s Course, two courses at Fairmont, St Andrews Bay, Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie.

Railway stations at Markinch (21 miles), Leuchars (17 miles) or Cupar (18.5 miles) provide good access links. The reinstatement of the Levenmouth Rail Link is due to open by 2024 connecting Leven (16 miles) to the Fife Circle line. Edinburgh Airport is 49 miles away and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. Dundee Airport (26 miles) flies to London City.

Square Footage: 1,623 sq ft



Directions

Entering Anstruther from the west, continue on the A917/ Pittenweem Road, take the second right on to Crichton Street. Sea Cottage is the last property on the left, number 23. If entering Anstruther from the east, continue on the A917/ Pittenweem Road. Pass straight over the roundabout, and take the third left turning onto Crichton Street. Sea Cottage is the last property on the left, number 23.

Additional Info

GENERAL REMARKS

Services
Mains water, electricity, gas and drainage. Central heating provided by mains gas fired boiler. Underfloor heating.

Local Authority & tax band
Fife Council tax band D

Conservation Area and Listing
Sea Cottage is within the Anstruther Conservation Area.

Fixtures & Fittings
All fitted curtains, carpets, blinds, light fittings and integrated white goods are included in the sale.