One of Scotland’s first agri-tourism businesses, Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort in Kingsbarns, is celebrating its 35th anniversary with the announcement of plans for a wellness hub and additional accommodation at the award-winning self-catering destination.
The idyllic, rural resort, located six miles from St Andrews and nestled in 150 acres of farmland which still produces annual crops, has 16 holiday homes, ranging from one to four-bedroom studios, cottages and houses with stunning countryside and sea views.
These include 10 in the original farm steading, dating back to the 18th century, which were converted into courtyard cottages in 1988, ahead of the resort launch in 1990. An additional six luxury, contemporary properties, four holiday houses and two studio apartments, were built in 2012 as part of the first major expansion plan.
Owner and Managing Director of the resort Eilidh Smith, who is also the captain for Great Britain on the Masters World tennis circuit, has been involved in the family business since 2007 and bought it over in 2018.
Over the years she has continued to expand the offering, including the leisure facilities which now include a swimming pool, sauna, gym, games hub and indoor and outdoor tennis courts, where guests can also book coaching sessions with Eilidh.
Additionally at Morton of Pitmilly, which won the Best Self-Catering Accommodation Experience in Scotland at the Scottish Thistle Awards in 2023, there is a children’s play park, miles of nature trails, putting green, lawn games, event space which is popular for weddings, a food pop-up with regular themed nights and a shop.
The resort has just received a Green Tourism Award for its commitment to sustainability, which continues to be a priority for Eilidh and her team who planted over 27 acres of hardwood trees on site and miles of hedgerows to protect wildlife, insects and bird habitats. A 1.5-acre fruit and vegetable garden has also been created for the local community to grow their own produce.
Sustainable and biodiversity initiatives will continue to be a key focus in the growth plans within the next 18 months, which includes expanding the accommodation offering and creating a yoga studio and wellness hub.
Eilidh said: “This is a really exciting time for us at Morton of Pitmilly as we celebrate 35years in business, in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, thanks to the incredible team we have on board and all our customers, many who have been coming since we first opened.
“Our award-winning resort, with stunning sea and countryside views, is ideal for everyone from families and golfing and wedding groups to couples and solo travellers. It provides the ideal combination of a tranquil countryside holiday with a diverse range of leisure facilities, within close proximity to the home of golf in St Andrews, the Fife Coastal Path and surrounding spectacular beaches.
“Despite going through some difficult times, including the pandemic, we are still very much here and thriving with lots of exciting plans afoot which will further enhance our existing offering, including more accommodation and the creation of a yoga studio and wellness hub which will utilise our tranquil, idyllic location even more.
“We are also delighted and very proud as a team to be recognised for our sustainability achievements recently in our Green Tourism Award which will continue to be a top priority for us, alongside ensuring every guest who visits us feels warmly welcomed and enjoys a relaxing and memorable holiday in a beautiful countryside haven.”