The Barracks @ East Neuk Orchards

Rural Fife sits on the threshold between farmland and shore, and The Barracks @ East Neuk Orchards occupies that space literally—a stone cottage on the grounds of its owner's home, surrounded by ten acres of woodland and lawned garden, yet only a short drive from the seaside. The building has genuine history: its ground floor dates to around 1750, and it later served as officers' quarters during the Second World War, a fact reflected in its name.

The cottage accommodates eight people across four bedrooms: two with king beds (one with an en-suite shower room), one with a double, and one with two singles. There is a further bathroom with a bath and shower, plus a separate toilet. Downstairs holds a utility room, a living room with an open fireplace and a television, and a second sitting room. The kitchen/dining space has an electric range, dishwasher and all the basics for cooking. Essentials like electricity, wifi, bed linen and towels are included; heating is biomass-powered, with open fire fuel provided October to April. You have private parking for three cars and can request a travel cot and high chair if needed. One well-behaved pet is welcome. The grounds include a sitting-out area with garden furniture, though they have sloping banks and drops, so families with very young children should take note.

This works well for family gatherings or groups of friends wanting countryside space near the coast. No smoking indoors.