Stunning guest house, right on the beach, named the best B&B in Scotland
A stunning seafront guest house has been voted Best in Scotland at the prestigious AA B&B Awards.
At the prestigious award, a team of AA inspectors selected eight B&Bs across the country in recognition of their “outstanding hospitality, service and commitment to quality” and Scotland won two.
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Crusoe, a hidden gem set directly on a beautiful beach in the beautiful village of Lower Largo in Fife’s East Neuk, won the coveted title aa Guest Accommodation of the Year for Scotland.
It has been praised for the “luxurious touches” in its rooms, which offer stunning views over the water, and has been described as a “newly renovated inn with a great location and excellent food”.
The AA Inspector said: “The Crusoe was originally built in 1824 and overlooks the harbor with stunning views of the Forth at Lower Largo, birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, the ‘real’ Robinson Crusoe.
“After an extensive refurbishment program, it reopened in 2022 with great success. The beach and sea extend to some of the bedrooms, all of which are extremely well appointed with many luxury extras as standard.
“Award winning food is served in the wonderful restaurant or downstairs in the bar and courtyard area overlooking the harbour.
“Local ingredients are prepared with care, thought and imagination and served with a wonderful breakfast to give guests the best possible start to the day.”
Rachel Bucknall, Director of The Crusoe said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our team at The Crusoe and we are very proud to receive this award.”
“Having faced The Crusoe in the summer of 2021, during lockdown and after a really tough 18 months, this recognition really means a lot. We are very proud of this recognition from AA and it is a privilege to work at our site and showcase our incredible local food and beverage suppliers.”
The Craigadam Country House Hotel in Castle Douglas, Dumfries-shire, took home the award for Breakfast of the Year in Scotland.
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It has been recognized for its ‘friendly and relaxed environment’ and has been described as ‘a characterful house set in spacious grounds with many thoughtful touches’.
Much of the breakfast produce that guests eat is organically grown by owner Richard Pickup
The AA Inspector added: ‘This elegant country house offers comfortable living in a relaxed setting. The large bedrooms, mostly arranged around an inner courtyard, are strikingly individually designed.
“Communal areas include a billiards room and the paneled dining room with a sumptuous table seating 15 is the setting for Celia Pickup’s delicious meals. A licensed bar offers a wide range of wines, spirits and beers.”
Celia Pickup, who runs Craigadam with husband Richard, said: “We were delighted to win this award. It was really a surprise and completely out of the blue. We both love to cook and have guests in our home. Thank you for the nomination.”
The Punch Bowl Inn in Crosthwaite, Cumbria was named AA Inn of the Year and the Fylde International in Blackpool was named AA Friendliest B&B of the Year.
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Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, which operates the AA quality rating systems, said: “This year we have witnessed an extraordinary level of individuality, which is evident in the inherent essence of charm and character of our winners.
THE WINNERS
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year (Scotland) – The Crusoe, Leven
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year (Wales) – Parc Le Breos House, Parkmill
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year (England) – Market Cross Guest House, Belford
AA Breakfast of the Year (Scotland) – Craigadam, Castle Douglas
AA Breakfast of the Year (Wales) – The Old Vicarage, Corris
AA Breakfast of the Year (England) – The Holcombe, Holcombe
AA Friendliest B&B of the Year – The Fylde International, Blackpool
AA Inn of the Year – The Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite
Discover all the top B&Bs in the UK and see the AA B&B 2023 Awards here: