Harbouring a dream
Quayside house would make an ideal holiday home, finds Paul Drury
The little fishing village has enjoyed a past full of human drama – and for centuries, this property had a ringside seat. 1 Mid Shore in St Monans, in the east Neuk of Fife, was the harbour master’s cottage, pitched only yards from the Firth of Forth.
In days of old, it would have witnessed the booming fishing industry, when crab and lobster were landed on the cobblestones.
everything here depended on a bountiful harvest from the North Sea, with boat builders, blacksmiths, sail makers, rope works, net makers and the ice workers all relying on fish for their income.
In recent years, 18th century Mid Shore has provided luxury accommodation to holidaymakers who will, hopefully, soon be returning to this pretty part of Scotland.
Now on the open market, it offers a fabulous opportunity as the perfect holiday home or permanent residence.
If a commercial use is favoured, the owners can provide income details for the 2018/19 season.
The first-floor sitting room is the star attraction. Decorated brightly, it has four large windows, three of which have window seats and views over the harbour and the waters beyond.
The first floor also has a double bedroom, again with harbour views, and a family bathroom with spa bath and power shower.
There are two double bedrooms on the top floor and, while you cannot see the sea from up here, you can look out over red pantiled roofs, a signature building material in the Kingdom of Fife.
The kitchen/dining room on the ground floor is fitted with cabinets, a Kenwood range cooker and an American-style fridge-freezer.
The owners have positioned their dining table in order to provide a fascinating panorama of the harbour.
The ground floor also has a utility room or larder, shower room and a further double bedroom, which could also be used as a snug. Though it is nowhere near as busy as it was in fishing’s heyday, St Monans is still a working harbour. It welcomes creel boats and leisure craft, ensuring there is never a dull moment on the quayside.
There is also a strong artist and craftworker community who are heavily involved in the popular annual east Neuk Festival.
Thoughts have turned to next year already – with July 1-4 the date to plan for – after the coronavirus pandemic put paid to this year’s event.
The citizens of edinburgh have long favoured this coastline, decanting each summer to appreciate the seaside delights of one of Scotland’s hidden gems.
St Monans is only one pearl in a string that stretches from elie and earlsferry to Crail and Kingsbarns.
Wander down to St Monans’ wiggly harbour and pop into the welly boot garden on the slipway. Apparently, it has provided many an Instagram shot.
harry Maitland of estate agent Savills said: ‘This is an iconic harbour house, situated overlooking the harbour of one of the famous east Neuk villages.’
Offers over £440,000 to Harry Maitland on 0131 247 3738 or email harry.maitland@savills.com