Arriving at Morton of Pitmilly, the first thing you notice is the acres of space.
Lush, green fields stretch towards the horizon, interrupted only by bands of trees, beyond which lies the sea.
The second thing you notice is just how peaceful the resort is.
Apart from the odd private helicopter landing at nearby world-famous Kingsbarns Golf Links, Pitmilly is shrouded in serenity.
Sprawling, family-friendly accommodation
It’s an easy self check-in – as soon as you arrive you make yourself at home.
Travelling with two toddlers is anxiety-inducing at the best of times, but Pitmilly couldn’t have been more accommodating.
Our house – the sprawling Beechwood Steading – was already childproofed with stairgates, a comfortable cot and highchair.
You view holidays differently as a parent. Not having to lug travel cots, high chairs and decant the contents of your house into an overnight bag is my idea of luxury.
Beechwood is generously proportioned; it sleeps up to 10 with a king-sized bedroom on the ground floor and a further three en-suite doubles upstairs.
The whole living area is on open plan, with a kitchen and breakfast bar, separate dining table and huge L-shaped sofa.
It’s a vast yet sociable space – you can imagine having a big family or friends get-together here without feeling crowded.
But there’s cosy accommodation too – the old cottages have a homely, rural feel.
Carefully-curated pantry and pastries
Aside from comfortable beds, excellent showers and blackout blinds (another welcome addition for infants), the French doors to the patio and lawn are a highlight.
I enjoyed a quiet cup of tea at sunrise accompanied only by morning birdsong.
Peace was shattered once my toddlers were awake, and we bounded over to the pop-up pastry stand to buy freshly-baked treats.
Pitmilly holds weekly pop-ups – sadly we missed Mexican night – and the invitation to fabulous foodie nights is extended to the local community, not just guests.
Self-catering involves organisation on the food front, but you can pre-order food hampers, and the Pitmilly Pantry provides little extras.
Open 24-hours a day, it’s perfect for a sugar fix once the kids are in bed, or fresh milk (or wine) if you’ve run out.
Lots of space and trails to explore
But this, I came to realise, is typical of Pitmilly – everything is thoughtfully curated.
From aesthetically-pleasing crops near the accommodation (managing director Eilidh Smith doesn’t want guests looking on to tattie furrows), to locally-sourced produce, Eilidh has thought of everything.
Particularly when it comes to families (and pet parents too – dogs are very welcome on site). As well as miles of footpaths there’s an enclosed dog agility pen.
Pitmilly’s secluded trails and magical tree tunnels offer children a freedom they don’t often enjoy these days.
Runners will enjoy pounding the soft, tree-lined tracks, while children will love safely exploring on foot or on bikes.
It is by a working farm, so to encourage biking youngsters away from the farm road, Eilidh’s team built a bike track.
Play park provides hours of fun
Younger guests will love the fantastic play area. It’s the first thing your children spot on arrival – the only downside is they never want to leave.
In addition to a slide and swings, there’s a trampoline, sandpit, a wooden tractor – which makes a sweet photo opportunity – and a playhouse.
But really, the whole resort is ripe for rambling and playing.
There’s a hamper of outdoor toys, balls and garden games to help yourself to.
You can have a kickabout on the football pitch, go putting, play croquet, or tennis on the all-weather court for starters.
But if you want to pootle around Pitmilly at a more leisurely pace, wander past the vegetable garden and the hen coop – something my toddler particularly loved.
A pool with a view
The swimming pool was also a big hit, and knowing we had young children, the thoughtful team left toys in the pool to play with.
The pool, sauna and steam room operate on a booking system and you have it to yourselves.
Although we didn’t use the gym, indoor tennis courts or games room, there is a lot at Pitmilly to keep teenagers and adults occupied too.
Eilidh’s background is in elite sport and it’s easy to see how that drive and determination makes Pitmilly so successful.
There’s no resting on laurels at this multi-award-winning resort – all feedback is encouraged.
Eilidh reads it all, and is constantly looking at new and exciting ideas to diversify – whether that’s creating a community garden or a yoga retreat.
Beach is a stone’s throw from Pitmilly
There’s so much to do on site that you needn’t leave, but a stroll down the country lane to Kingsbarns Beach or Cambo Gardens and Cafe is wonderful.
Wandering down Pitmilly’s quiet farm tracks in the sunshine with fields on all sides and the church tower in the distance has a continental feel.
Glimpsing the red-roofed village in the warmth felt like we were in rural France, not Fife.
The walk to and from Cambo along the main road is doable with a sturdy buggy, but if you prefer to drive, it’s only five minutes away.
With a play park, interactive exhibits, fairy woods and a cafe to accommodate all dietary requirements – including fussy toddlers – it’s a must-visit.
For those who want to venture further, St Andrews, Crail and the coastal trail are within 15 minutes’ drive.
Our toddler still asks to “go back on holidays” – and there’s no opinion more honest than that of a toddler.
We’re already planning our return to Pitmilly – it’s only two hours from Aberdeen but feels like a world away from our daily lives.
Information
Prices vary depending on the accommodation and season. Prices for The Den are £1,210 for seven nights, based on two adults sharing the one-bedroomed apartment in August.
The five-star luxury Beechwood Steading is £4,480 for seven nights, based on eight adults sharing the four-bedroomed boutique house, but a party of 10 can be accommodated for an extra £100.
Keep an eye out for seasonal discounts on the website and last-minute deals regularly appear on Morton of Pitmilly’s social media pages.
Cots are £3 a day to rent, or £15 for the week.
It costs £25 to bring a dog, and £10 to book the dog park.
Indoor sport activities like the gym, tennis and badminton costs £10 per person.
Entry to the walled garden at Cambo Gardens is £7.50 per adult and free for under 16s.
Entry is free to the woodlands and nature play area.