Just a few years ago, Jane Manifold was living in Singapore with her husband and their three children. But in 2018 they decided to move to her grandmother’s farm in Scotland, just 40 minutes north of Edinburgh. An area with historical stone houses, highland cattle and a magnificent view of the fjord. Scotland as pictured in a coffee table book.
Jane wanted to continue on the family tradition as third generation farmers. Banchory Farm is a special a place. There were many happy memories that Jane wanted to share with others. So she decided to turn some run-down farm-workers cottages into beautiful self-catering accommodation.
The cottages historically were known as the ‘drink between’ where travelers on horse and cart would stop to rest and water their horses before continuing their onward journey. It’s wonderful that two hundred years later the tradition continues. Because Jane has a keen sense of interior design and knows what guests like, the cottages have garnered some well-deserved praise as a top notch yet secret holiday destination.
The farm
But what does a holiday at the new Banchory Farm feel like?
Geographically, Banchory Farm is only a mere 30 minutes drive from Edinburgh Airport. We passed over the iconic Forth Road Bridge in our rental car, then turned east towards Kirkcaldy and ended up on small roads leading up a hill in the middle of the Scottish countryside. Please note, that the farm is not yet a picturesque, made-for-TV Southfork Ranch but instead has a more rugged appeal. The new holiday cottages are spread elegantly across the area and you get the look & feel of the Scottish country life as soon as you check in.
We stayed at the Drinkbetween West Cottage. A small stone house that is a one bedroom cottage sleeping two and has its own outdoor bath along with a fire pit and large garden. It shares a boundary with Drinkbetween East Cottage which is a two bedroom cottage sleeping up to four.
The first highlight of our stay: Spotting the three cute brown highland cows called Poppy, Emma and Heather grazing in front of our house.
Next highlight: Open the patio door and look out over the shimmering blue sea. Marvelous.
During our visit, an Italian hotelier from Puglia was staying in the Weavers Cottage, another historic stone house at the farm – accommodating up to four guests. He was here for two weeks and was checking out the golf courses in the neighborhood – one after the other. He was already planning his return visit with a larger group of friends. What a great idea.
Speaking of golf: St Andrews Golf Club (the cradle of golf and one of the most famous clubs in the world) is located only 50 minutes north-east of Banchory Farm.
Another house and an old steading on the site are currently being renovated and they will definitely be new sanctuaries soon. Jane has a lot planned for the farm. Perhaps there will be more wellness facilities in the future too. For now, you heat up the wood fired outdoor bath on the terrace of the Drinkbetween West and take a bath with a view. At night it’s spectacular under the stars while watching the goings on of the coastline.
The facilities
All the cottages are perfectly equipped, with all the utensils you need to enjoy a longer stay in the open-plan kitchens. We also liked little details such as the bed linens, the vintage country-style furniture and the free-standing bathtubs.
Facts
A total of four cottages are available to rent at Banchory Farm. All details can be found here. The two holiday cottages Drinkbetween West and East are the most beautiful at the moment. Weavers is very good value and comfortable oozing old world charm. The Drinkbetween farmhouse is in need of a renovation, but it is full of character and can accommodate up to eight guests. It’s definitely not Pretty Hotels standards, but eventually it will be. There are two new accommodations that will be available in the summer, the original farmhouse called the Grieves – sleeping four and the Dairy – sleeping two.
The neighbourhood
The farm is on the other side of the fjord from Edinburgh. In the evening you can see the city glow from the nearby hill – as well as the Edinburgh landmark Arthurs Seat. Jane has compiled a list of the most beautiful places in the area – first and foremost St Andrews, which is indeed a must-see. There is also plenty of culinary delights to discover within a 15 to 30-minute drive.
Combine with
Another Pretty Hotels member is located in the lovely town of Culross – The Dundonald. We think the two are a perfect combination. If you have a bit of a budget, you can treat yourself to the Killyhuntly Farmhouse and the Lundies House far north, both part of the Wildland Collection.
Price
Farmhouse from around 200 euros per night.
Booking & Contacts
Banchory Farm
Jane Manifold
Kinghorn, Fife
Schottland
