Tucked away in the remote and rolling countryside of the Scottish lowlands, Woodmill Arches is an exceptional barn conversion for Two, offering ‘Boutique b&b self catering’, completely self-contained and private, in the heart of the beautiful Lindores estate in North-East Fife. Stylish and relaxing accommodation, this is the ideal place for those seeking a luxury double or twin room, but wanting somewhere a bit different and ultimately more special.
The project of restoring and transforming a derelict barn into incredibly spacious, way beyond ‘hotel-luxe’ guest accommodation for two lucky people to enjoy, has been a labour of love for Steven and Clare Wade, owners of Woodmill House. They have created an aesthetically stunning, superbly comfortable self-catered offering, which we think any guest would be thrilled to stay in. In particular, a real treat for fans of ‘Grand Designs’ and for those who appreciate the restoration of heritage architecture, high-spec contemporary interior design and the beauty of natural materials.
Once you’re in the door there is no one to bother you and the sense of peace and space is instantly relaxing. No pressure, you can do exactly as you please and with all your needs taken care of. Breakfast goodies include tea, coffee, sugar, milk, butter, local oatcakes and home made jam so you can help yourself to breakfast at your leisure. Cooking facilities are a microwave and a slow cooker so it’s a cooking holiday where meals are simply heated up, and the hosts can deliver a delicious home-made casserole for your evening meal if you don’t wish to go out.
Woodmill Arches is situated in a glorious part of Scotland, abundant in activities and recognised by Scottish National Heritage as a ‘ Special Landscape Area’. Just 45 minutes from Edinburgh airport and within 30 minutes of historic St Andrews, it’s ideal for golfing holidays, walking weekends, wedding or local event accommodation, or simply a place to kick back and escape for a quiet break.
A super addition to our ‘Boutique Family’, we are delighted that Woodmill Arches has joined our handpicked collection, we’re sure it will prove immensely popular with our discerning guests and look forward to reading all the wonderful reviews.
Woodmill House was built as a farmhouse in 1840, however, The Arches barn formed part of the original farmstead that is believed to date back to the 18th Century, around 1750. The land was originally owned by the monks at Lindores Abbey (now an impressive distillery and wedding and events venue) and today the property sits within the heart of the beautiful Lindores estate.
Steven Wade bought Woodmill in the 1980s in a tumbledown state, and throughout their married life he and his wife Clare have dedicated themselves to restoring it back to life.
Woodmill Arches is their latest project on the property, transforming the completely derelict barn into a delightful annexe to the house. The exterior is quite beautiful, gorgeous stone with decorative arches all immaculately restored, and of particular note, a striking arched window, that existed on the old mill, has been reinstated.
The converted inside space is stunning, incredibly spacious and superbly comfortable with masses of natural light. This is boutique guest accommodation exclusively for two, which can only be described as exceptional, and amazing value for money!
As you arrive, a large, tiled, gallery-style hall with a wood burning stove provides plenty of room to leave boots, golf clubs and countryside clothing, and slippers to change into before you head upstairs to the main living space.
On the first floor the bright open plan sitting and dining area has a fabulous arched window to the west which sunshine streams through in the summer evenings, ideal for enjoying a relaxing drink at the end of the day.
In the large and striking bedroom the superking bed can convert to two singles. The modern bathroom has a rain shower, stylish black fittings and underfloor heating. Good quality linen and towels are provided along with toiletries.
Along with the stylish contemporary furnishings come top quality fittings, a biomass heating system, huge television, 8-speaker Bluetooth sound system and a deliciously bouncy carpet to pad about on. Throughout the property the lighting is a key feature, designed by Clare herself, who is a lighting consultant, created for maximum atmosphere it is an experience in itself!
The Bedroom
Clare tells us, “People entering the bedroom are always stunned by its space and proportions and there are inevitably gasps of amazement and delight as it seems to come as a complete surprise.”
The room itself measures 6x5m and has a pitched roof with two big skylights (great lying in bed looking at the sky and trees outside). The bed is a high zip and link so a very generous size with uncluttered space all around, which makes it feel very restful.
Two of the original barn windows have been filled in with antique mirror and the stonework either side has tiny uplighters – lying in bed at night with just this lovely glow is a really special and quite romantic experience.
The headboard doubles as a bedside shelf and has electric sockets with usb points each side. There is always a vase with fresh rosemary by the bed, and a stock of cotton wool, cotton buds and hand cream in an alcove, which doubles as a dressing table.
There is plenty of what Clare likes to call “on space”, surfaces for guests who don’t want to fully unpack, rather spread their belongings (ditto floor space for suitcases). Although, there is still a large double wardrobe, which has a mirror and light inside, and two spacious 3-drawer chests of drawers, for those who do want to unpack and feel properly at home.
£145 per night based on 1 or 2 adults – perfectly self-contained and private, luxury accommodation at an amazing price!
Minimum stay 2 nights.
There is a micro-kitchen contained in a small alcove which has a kettle, toaster, coffee machine, microwave, slow cooker, fridge and sink. Fresh and instant coffee, teas, sugar, milk, butter, locally produced oatcakes, East Neuk apple juice and home-made jam are all supplied and ready for you to help yourself for a relaxing breakfast.
Padding around in a white dressing gown, and watching the world go by through the arched window (although it’s not very busy!) is a wonderful morning experience.
There are a number of places to eat out within about 10 miles of Woodmill including pubs and small restaurants, and further afield towards the East Neuk some famous and fabulous seafood restaurants for which the area is famed.
Another option, and a much appreciated highlight of a stay in Woodmill Arches, is to order in delicious home-made casseroles that simply need heating up, so you can enjoy a relaxed supper in your own private space.
There are a number of wedding venues in the area, notably Lindores Abbey and Myres Castle just down the road, and Clare is more than happy to supply a list of local venues to guests who are scouting for their perfect place to tie the knot.
Woodmill Arches is a really lovely place for a bride and groom to ‘go away’ to after their wedding, champagne and roses, flowers etc. can be arranged and a special breakfast in the morning.
For guests attending a Scottish Wedding in the beautiful Kingdom of Fife, why not treat yourselves to a luxury stay at Woodmill Arches and make the occasion even more memorable?
(Minimum 2 night stay applies).
You have found a wonderful place to stay and Boutique and Breakfast is committed to giving you a personalised service so that you can find the right room at the right price. Simply fill in our enquiry form and within 24 hours you will receive a response from Woodmill Arches tailored to your needs. This will be in the form of either a telephone call or an email.
