St Andrews self catering

Luxury self catering apartment close to golf courses, beach and city centre in historic St Andrews, Fife

Home of golf, fascinating historical city, seat of an ancient university and centre of the Kingdom of Fife, St Andrews offers a cornucopia of holiday entertainment and our self catering apartment is ideally placed to take full advantage of what's on offer without even having to start the car.

It's a treat for someone who lives in the back of beyond to pack my more urbane wardrobe next to the old sweaters, wrinkled waxed cotton and wellies, in anticipation of meals out, theatre visits, concerts and of course, golf. Thankfully my golf attire still fits and the shoes just need a quick dust and polish before I'm set to go.

We're meeting up with two other couples for this expedition, a reunion of long ago graduates and I've found the perfect accommodation for all six of us, golfers and non golfing partners alike. Turn left out of the front door and it's two minutes on foot to St Andrews Old Course; turn right and we're soon in the city centre with its historic buildings, interesting shops and excellent eateries.

Our apartment is in a smart, Victorian building on a pleasant street; we climb an attractive, curved staircase and the first and second floors are ours. From the sitting room at the front, tall windows overlook the street, where people come and go to and from the golf course and the town. At the back, a large morning room and kitchen open onto our own decking and private, sunny garden, which makes a pleasant place to sit on a warm day.

The high ceilings and well proportioned rooms make the whole apartment feel roomy and luxurious and six of us are easily accommodated without feeling as though we are in close quarters. Attractive fireplaces, original cornicing and elegant furnishings give a touch of class; this lovely accommodation feels at the same time homely and refined.

The golfers decide to try out the excellent St Andrews links courses for the first few days while the others explore the city, shops and beaches, meeting up at the apartment later on in the day to change into posh togs and choose where to eat out. A surprise is in store, however: we are challenged to a game of golf by our better halves, with fish and chips as the stake! This should be easy - they don't really play golf...

What a surprise to find three very elegantly clad, professional looking ladies turning up to the challenge. Yes, they had spent some of the time while we played, exploring the city and (golfing) shops but they had also been busy at the Links Academy and they are all quick learners, cool and competitive into the bargain. We certainly had a run for our money; the fish and chips are on them but the drinks are definitely on us! Now, when can I get myself booked in for some lessons...