Location

Harbour House is a prominent, white harled house with a spectacular setting overlooking the historic St Monans harbour with the Firth of Forth acting as a magnificent backdrop. The views extend across the Firth of Forth to the Bass Rock, the East Lothian coastline and North Berwick Law.

St Monans lies on the coast midway between Elie and Pittenweem and is the smallest village in the East Neuk of Fife which is the coastal area running from St Andrews to Largo Bay. It is famous for its sandy unspoilt beaches and fishing villages with picturesque harbours. St Monans was traditionally built around the fishing, boat-building and salt industries and retains its busy harbour used by creel and sailing boats.

St Monans has grocery shops, a post office and a primary school. It is home to the Fit to the Core fitness studios, Giddy Gannet café, the award winning Craig Millar@16 West End restaurant and the East Pier Smokehouse. The Bowhouse, just outside the village, holds markets for local producers and is used as a concert venue during the St Monans arts festival in September. St Monans tidal pool is 160 metres from Harbour House.

Neighbouring Pittenweem is host to one of Scotland's best known summer art festivals. The nearest secondary school is Waid Academy in Anstruther where there is also a Co-op supermarket. Elie, along the coast to the west, is a popular holiday destination with a wide, sandy beach. The Levenmouth Rail Link, due to be completed in 2024, will reinstate the connection from the mainline rail network to Leven. There are many golf courses in the area including Elie, Anstruther, Dumbarnie, Kingsbarns and Crail. St Andrews is only 13 miles away.

Description

Harbour House is a stone built, Category B Listed house which dates back to the 18th century. The house was renovated in 1972 by the National Trust for Scotland under the small houses improvement scheme and has a blue plaque on its outer wall. It retains features synonymous with fishing village life such as the external jib which was once used to haul fishing nets through a loft level opening.

The front door sits directly across from the slipway to St Monans harbour. On the ground floor is a hall with a shower room off and a utility room which houses the boiler. There is a ground floor bedroom with windows to the front and the back.

The first floor sitting room is an exceptional room with views over the harbour and excellent natural light from the west and south facing windows. Alcoves and an open fireplace add to its character. The dining room has an alcove with cupboard below and a carved wood panelled wall with a serving hatch into the kitchen. The kitchen is fitted with a range of units and appliances including an oven, gas hob and dishwasher.

There are two bedrooms on the second floor, one with a WC, and a separate bathroom. Stairs continue up to the loft room above. This is currently part-family room, part-bedroom. It has exposed stone walls at either end, coombed ceilings, exposed timber ceiling beams and a fitted log burner.

Back Yard
A door from the utility room leads into the back yard. This is fully enclosed and sheltered from the elements by the surrounding houses. The yard is on two levels with both sections paved to provide outdoor seating areas for al fresco dining and barbecues. There is an outhouse to the rear providing useful storage space. A separate pend (or vennel)to the side of the house connects it to the front giving easy access for bikes, garden equipment and bins.

Letting Business
Harbour House is rated as a self-catering unit sleeping 6 to 8 persons. The peak season rental is £1,241 per week. A Short Term Let Licence has been applied for. It is managed by East Fife Holiday Homes, 51 High Street, Elie, KY9 1BZ Email: info@eastfifeholidayhomes.co.uk Tel: 01333 330219. https://www.eastfifeholidayhomes.co.uk/property/harbour-house-st-monans-/

Directions

St Monans is off the A917 midway between Elie and Pittenweem.

Driving into the village on the A917 turn into Station Road. Follow this road all the way down to the harbour. Turn left into Mid Shore and Harbour House is the white house immediately in front of you.