We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
The minimum stay for this property changes depending on the dates selected
21 Shoregate is an 18th century cottage located a stone’s throw from the picturesque harbour in Crail. It is cosy and stylishly decorated, with a secluded elevated cottage garden overlooking tumbling rooftops below and on to the harbour, the open sea and the Isle of May - perfect for sea and star gazing. There are sea views from the living-room, and also from the master bedroom... leave your bedroom windows ajar and wake to to the sound of waves lapping the shore below. The second bedroom overlooks picturesque Castle Terrace.
The cottage sleeps up to 4 people. The master bedroom has a superking-sized bed. The second bedroom has two full-sized twin beds. The bedrooms are upstairs beside the bathroom which has a bath with a Grohe rain-shower. Downstairs there is a living room with cosy woo...21 Shoregate is an 18th century cottage located a stone’s throw from the picturesque harbour in Crail. It is cosy and stylishly decorated, with a secluded elevated cottage garden overlooking tumbling rooftops below and on to the harbour, the open sea and the Isle of May - perfect for sea and star gazing. There are sea views from the living-room, and also from the master bedroom... leave your bedroom windows ajar and wake to to the sound of waves lapping the shore below. The second bedroom overlooks picturesque Castle Terrace.
The cottage sleeps up to 4 people. The master bedroom has a superking-sized bed. The second bedroom has two full-sized twin beds. The bedrooms are upstairs beside the bathroom which has a bath with a Grohe rain-shower. Downstairs there is a living room with cosy wood-burning Charnwood stove and an open plan dining area and well-equipped kitchen.
Short breaks for a minimum of four nights are available in low season only. There is a minimum rental of seven nights at all other times. Changeover day in high and mid-season is Friday. We are more flexible in low season - get in touch to find out if we can accommodate your dates.
Due to its interior design, the cottage is suitable only for children over the age of six.
We love dogs and welcome one well-behaved dog.
EPC RATING: D (66)
For more details please visit our own website which is the address of the cottage, 21 Shoregate.
House Rules
Pet-friendlyKid friendlyNo smoking
Children over the age of 6 are welcome at the cottage.
One well-behaved dog is welcome at the cottage.
Ideal location in Crail with lovely views. We were there for 5 days over New Year period and enjoyed seeing in 2022 out on the garden decking, listening to pipes being played and fireworks going off. What a great start to the year.
We have visited Crail often over the years but generally to go to the Pottery and the Harbour. This time we were in no rush and enjoyed walking and exploring the beautiful houses that make up Crail, then to catch up with the local history books in abundance back at house in front of log fire…..with a glass of wine.
Very comfortable house, everything there at our finger tips. We had fabulous fish and chips from 2 mins up the road and a lovely lunch at The Dory in Pittenweem, our 3rd time there. Susan was a perfect Host and our Welcome Basket was very much appreciated, such a nice touch. Will be difficult passing No 21 and not actually staying there.
Visited December 2021
Written February 23, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanA5925NY
Thank you for this delightful review. Love the picture in my head of our New Year guests enjoying a glass of wine in front of the wood-burning stove and listening to the pipes bringing in the year from the garden. Must have been mild indeed!
Written March 7, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trek03394375938
Oban, United Kingdom2 contributions
A little bit of heaven in Crail
We absolutely love 21 Shoregate, we stayed there for the second time last week for a long weekend. it is such a beautiful, tastefully done house, cosy and comfortable especially a this time of year, and the wood stove just made it perfect. There is a stunning main bedroom with superb views and a unique patio/balcony area looking out over the sea and Isle of May.
The kitchen is fully equipped for any cuisine, also a utility room which hold lots of useful items such as folding chairs etc. and washing machine and tumble dryer.
We have booked again for October next year, the house books up really quickly and we have taken the only available breaks which were in December in the past.
Excellent for a superbly comfortable holiday in a lovely traditional little town, and very interesting coastal area.
Visited December 2019
Written December 20, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanA5925NY
Fantastic to kick off 2020 with your wonderfully evocative review - thank you so much. Looking forward to welcoming you back in October.
Written January 14, 2020. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MandJReid
9 contributions
Crail Heaven
Have just returned from a wonderful week in Crail staying at 21 Shoregate. The cottage is beautifully decorated, spotless, comfortable,cosy and superbly equipped. The welcome basket and flowers were a special touch as was the box of doggie goodies. The sun shone almost all week so we enjoyed sitting in the garden taking in the beautiful views. The cottage is very handy for everything in the village so early morning walks to the harbour and round the castle were a must. Very hard to leave on a bright sunny morning but we will definitely return! As my husband put it ... at least 11 put of 10!!!
Visited October 2017
Written October 8, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanA5925NY
Thank you for the fabulous review. It's very gratifying for us to see that you appreciate all the little touches at the cottage. And pleased to see that you got sunny autumn weather and were able to sit in the garden.
Written October 11, 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Douglas P
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom32 contributions
I don't need a sentence! Perfection!!
First you see a fantastic site and exterior and then it gets better! The house is beautifully furnished an equipped. The welcome basket was much ... welcomed! All the components of a lovely house seem to have been incorporated. ( I'm not really a bed connoisseur but we never had less than a full nights sleep during our stay.) Crail itself hasn't really changed since my last visit several decades ago but contains all the shops (Coop open until 10.00pm) and services (Buses connecting with St Andrews and Leven) you could wish for. The house has an amazing range of CDs, DVDs and reading matter to fill up any spare time, - should you have any..
Visited September 2017
Written September 27, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanA5925NY
We appreciate it when our guests take the time to give us feedback - and this is wonderful feedback. Glad you mentioned the very comfy superking bed in the master bedroom. Glad too to hear that Crail has not changed in decades - thats the way we like it!
Written October 14, 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alec p
21 contributions
Ticked all the boxes
My wife booked no.21 as a surprise for us inc our Steve the puggle
WOW, what a beautiful location , spotlessly clean , beautifully presented and well worth the 9 hour journey which inc 2 hrs worth of stops
The Fife coastal path walks are a must
We walked both up and down but for us the walk north ending up in Kingsbarns (9.7 miles)was the one
Walking alongside literally Crail golf course and ending up at Kingsbarns which is out of this world to look at
On both walks we caught the no.95 bus back
We stayed for 5 nights but we all said we could have stayed for another week
Coming home after long walks to settle down to good old fashioned board games in the kitchen diner was a perfect end to our busy days
Very well kitted out kitchen and nothing missed off inc torches, spare lamp bulbs which I replaced one of , treats for our puggle, a lovely welcome basket of local treats plus Xmas cake which we brought home to finish off and did so today whilst visiting the inlaws now we're back
Thank you no.21 - a truly great find and surprise, my Emma did us proud !
The puns
Visited December 2016
Written January 1, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanA5925NY
Your review is a great start to the New Year for us at 21 Shoregate: glad to hear you had a go at the board games and enjoyed the Christmas cake - it's made by a friend of our housekeeper's mum in her country kitchen, we love it too. Thank you!
Written January 4, 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bob592
Nanoose Bay, Canada11 contributions
Idyllic seaside cottage, perfect.
My husband and I were fortunate enough to stay at 21 Shoregate for a week in early October 2016. Such a delightful, cozy, beautifully decorated cottage in one of our favourite places, Crail in East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. The whole experience, from booking onwards was a pleasure. The position of 21 Shoregate was amazing and perfect for anytime of the year. It is just a couple of minutes' walk to the charming ancient harbour and right in the centre of Crail. The back garden was a lovely setting to read, have a meal or tea and enjoy the views of the Firth of Forth and the North Sea. The location allows one to easily explore all of Fife, including St. Andrews. Although we live far away from Scotland, we will definitely try to haste ye back. Wish we could give 6 stars.
Visited October 2016 Traveled as a couple
Written November 13, 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanA5925NY
Thank you for the glowing review - we greatly appreciate it and love your comment about 6 stars!
Written November 14, 2016. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janine P
Park City, MT1 contribution
Such a delightful cottage!!
We were looking for a place to stay in Crail and this property was all we could hope for and more. Charming cottage. Would absolutely recommend . Easy access to bus,market, and coastal walking paths.
Visited July 2015 Traveled with friends
Written July 27, 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanA5925NY
So glad to hear you were charmed by the cottage - thank you for the lovely review and haste ye back to bonny Scotland.
Written July 30, 2015. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janice M
2 contributions
Perfect !
This is the perfect home away from home. The location to town and the harbor made it the ideal pkace to stay.
Visited April 2015 Traveled as a couple
Written May 2, 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanA5925NY
Delighted to hear how much you enjoyed the cottage and its location above the harbour - thank you!
Written May 7, 2015. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andy612014
Gourock, United Kingdom5 contributions
East Neuk Heaven
Myself and my wife have just returned from a fabulous short break in 21 Shoregate.
The cottage is excellent in both decor and location, the east neuk is a special part of Scotland. Highly recommended for enjoying lovely walks, pubs and eateries all on your doorstep.
We will certainly return.
Many thanks Susan the cottage met all our requirements and more !!!!
Visited March 2015
Written March 13, 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanA5925NY
Delighted to hear how much you liked the cottage and the East Neuk of Fife. Thank you!
Written March 14, 2015. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
davey1tom
Durham, United Kingdom40 contributions
21 Shoregate
We have holidayed in Crail for the past 14 years .... And this place was a hidden gem. We've walked past so many times and having stayed here now, we're kicking ourselves!
Everything about 21 Shoregate shouts quality. Fixtures & fittings. Soft furnishings. Nick knacks, ornaments ... etc. all bring a homely welcoming feeling as soon as you step through the front door.
Nothing has been forgotten including a really thoughtful welcome basket. This fisherman's cottage is truly inviting. The bed is super comfy and like the cottage, cosy, warm and and clean. It's a little bit of beautifully decorated heaven.
Thx to Susan for arrangements, ensuring our visit added another Crail memory.
Read the rest of the reviews .... They all embody 21 Shoregate.
Visited August 2014 Traveled with family
Written September 3, 2014. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanA5925NY
Can't believe you walked past the door for 14 years - glad you finally came in! Thanks for your fantastic review. Haste ye back.
Written September 5, 2014. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Crail is one of the best preserved East Neuk fishing villages It has a thriving village community, with a local bakers, butchers, fish and chip shop, whole foods store, and 2 convenience stores.There is a long-established pottery, a local museum and a couple of charming tea shops and also a couple of pubs serving local produce for lunch and dinner. A visitor information office is located in the heart of the village. This is great golfing country. Crail has two stunning courses, Balcomie and Craighead, while the beautiful Kingsbarns links are only three miles away, and the world-famous Old Course at St Andrews is a fifteen-minute drive along the coast.Fresh crab and lobster is available from the harbour over the summer months. There are three small sandy beaches, rock pools and the rocky coastal path to explore. Two of the beaches are within two minutes walk of the cottage
Getting around
Hiring a car is reccommended - we can provide more details on request.
The village is also well-connected by bus. The local Leven to St Andrews bus passes by each way every hour (there's a bus-stop 100 yards from the cottage) linking the villages of the East Neuk and the small university city of St Andrews.
Access
Car advised
How to get there
Crail is 10 miles from St Andrews, the home of golf, in the Kingdom of Fife. Trains from all over the UK stop at Leuchars, which is the train station for St Andrews. You can travel direct from London-Leuchars, 5 1/2 or 6 hrs depending on the train.
Edinburgh Waverley Station is an hour by train from Leuchars.
Edinburgh Airport is an hour and a half drive from the cottage (just under 50 miles). There is also a small airport at Dundee, 45 minutes away with flights to Heathrow and beyond.
The Caledonian sleeper to Aberdeen also stops at Leuchars, so you can get on in London at bedtime and wake up in Fife.
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Golf course (within 15 min walk)Horse riding facilitiesWatersports
Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 4 PM • Check out by 10 AM
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
Notes from owner
SHORT BREAKS IN WINTER SEASON In the low season we offer short breaks for a minimum of four nights, £420, in 2023. Winter season runs from end November until just before the Christmas period and then again from around January 4th or 5th through to end of February.
We only take weekly bookings through Tripadvisor.
To book a short break visit our own website, which is the address of the cottage, 21 Shoregate with 'com' on the end - or contact Susan.
About this property
First, check the Availability tab on this page to see if your dates are available. If they are, contact the owner via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox to confirm availability.
If the owner has provided contact information, you may contact him or her directly. If not, you can contact the owner via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox. This inbox is created after you send your first message or booking request to the owner
This owner may contact you via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox, your personal email, or phone.
You can send another message via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox to check if the property is still available. If the owner has listed a phone number, you can also call to follow up. If you still don't hear from the owner, Tripadvisor recommends that you send inquiries to other properties.
For this property, you may use a credit card to pay via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox; the owner may also offer other payment options.
You must pay via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox if you want to be covered by our Payment Protection. Once the owner approves your stay, he or she will send you a quote, which will include payment instructions.
If you pay online via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox, your payment will be covered by our Payment Protection.
All bookings are direct with the owner 