Mount Melville Steading sits in one of those quiet little corners of Fife you wouldn’t know existed unless you had cause to visit.
It’s on a side street off an already quiet lane that leads up to the rear, non-public side of Craigtoun Country Park. It also bisects the Duke’s Course and one or two golfers are happily hacking away as I drive past and turn off into the courtyard where Byre Cottage lies.
The door’s opened by David Scott. The retired engineer (71) and his wife Alison (69) have lived there since 2006.
Built for agricultural use, Byre Cottage and its neighbouring buildings were converted into homes just shy of 30 years ago.
The front door opent to a central hallway that leads to the living room, which is undoubtedly the most impressive space in the house.
Exposed beams crisscross beneath a vaulted ceiling while a broad picture window offers excellent views down to St Andrews, the Eden Estuary and St Andrews Bay.
Glazed doors open into one of the house’s two sheltered courtyards and a wood burning stove provides another eye-catching feature.
This is actually the second stove we’ve put in,” David says. “The first one was a bit low to the ground for our old knees so we recently replaced it with one that’s raised a little bit.”
The couple are also on their second kitchen: “We put one in not long after we moved but wanted to change the layout so installed a new one not long ago. Indeed, the couple have been busy on the house. The kitchen, main bathroom and en suite all have electrically operated Velux windows and the main rooms have European oak flooring.
The dining room looks out onto the courtyard. “When we’re eating outside I pass food and wine through the window,” David smiles.
The master bedroom has an en suite while two further bedrooms (one of which is in use as a study) share a family bathroom.
The front garden takes in the sea views and has a terrace with seating to enjoy the vista. There’s off street parking and a garage. Two sun trap courtyards are placed to pick up the sun at various times in the day.
“The house is part of a small development, which is ideal for us,” David explains. “We know all our neighbours and if you go on holiday you know the house will be safe. I’m also a member at the Duke’s Course and it’s great being able to just walk down for a quick round.”
The couple’s son Andrew lives in Milnathort and David and Alison are buying a house there to be able to help out with their grandchildren. “Milnathort’s a nice place but it’s going to be a wrench to leave this house,” David says. “The views and tranquillity are pretty hard to beat.”
Byre Cottage, Mount Melville Steading, St Andrews is on sale with Galbraith for o/o £457,500.