FAQs Castaway

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

📌 Booking & Capacity

How many guests can Castaway Cottage sleep?

The cottage comfortably sleeps up to 6 guests. The layout is ideally designed to accommodate 4 adults and 2 children.

What is the exact bedroom and bathroom layout?

The cottage features three beautifully appointed bedrooms and two bathrooms:

Bedroom 1: King-sized bed with a private en-suite bathroom.
Bedroom 2: King-sized bed.
Bedroom 3: Dedicated children's bedroom equipped with sturdy bunk beds.
Family Shower Room: Located right next to the second bedroom and bunk room, featuring a WC, sink, and a large, family-sized walk-in shower.

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a full refund if you cancel at least 30 days before your arrival date. Cancellations made between 14 and 30 days before arrival will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 14 days of arrival are non-refundable. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your holiday.

When is payment due?

A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your dates. The remaining 75% balance is due 60 days before your arrival. If your booking is made within 60 days of arrival, the full amount is due immediately.

Is there a security deposit?

Yes, we require a fully refundable security deposit to cover any accidental damage. This is held 2 days before your arrival and released within 7 days of your departure, following a successful property inspection.

🔑 Arrival, Departure & Parking

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in: From 4:00 PM onwards.
Check-out: By 10:00 AM.

These times ensure our housekeeping team has enough time to prepare the cottage to our high standards for the next families.

How do I collect the keys?

We use a secure, keyless self-check-in system. You will receive a unique digital access code via email 48 hours before your arrival, along with detailed directions to the cottage.

Can I request an early check-in or late check-out?

We do our best to accommodate these requests, but they depend entirely on whether another family is arriving or departing on the same day. Please contact us 48 hours in advance to check availability.

How do luggage drop-off and parking work?

You can drive directly up to the cottage to drop off your family and luggage first. Once unpacked, you have two excellent, free local parking options nearby:

Temple Beach Car Park: Located at the east end of Main Street (KY8 6JH). It is free, council-owned, features public toilets, has no height restrictions, and fits 30 to 40 cars.
Harbour Wynd Car Park: Located just a 5-minute walk away, offering a larger capacity of around 80 spaces.

Is there an EV charging point nearby?

Yes, the Temple Beach car park features a 22 kW dual-socket AC charging unit located at the rear of the car park. It is part of the ChargePlace Scotland network, accessible 24/7, and operates on a pay-per-use basis (approx. £0.40/kWh). You will need to bring your own compatible charging cable to use this station.

🛒 Food, Drinks & Dining

Where is the nearest grocery shop?

You have great options both on your doorstep and nearby for stocking up:

Local Essentials: There is a handy, well-stocked local convenience store just a 1-minute walk from the cottage for your everyday essentials.
In Leven (approx. 5–10 mins away): You will find a large Sainsbury's, Aldi, and B&M.
In St Andrews (approx. 20–25 mins away): There is a Marks & Spencer (M&S), Morrisons, and Tesco.

What are the best local places to eat and drink?

Lower Largo has two fantastic, historic spots within easy walking distance:

The Crusoe

A fantastic waterfront venue right on the harbour front. It offers top-tier dining with a nautical-themed restaurant, excellent fresh local seafood, stunning beach views, and a cosy, dog-friendly seating area. Reservations for lunch and dinner are highly recommended. [1]

The Railway Inn

A wonderfully traditional and friendly village pub established in 1749. Nestled under the iconic viaduct, it features a spacious covered beer garden, bar games, an excellent selection of real ales, and classic, budget-friendly pub bites like toasties and steak pies. It is entirely dog-friendly but operates on a walk-in basis with no reservations. [1]

🐕 Property Policies

Is Castaway Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes! We welcome up to two well-behaved dogs. We just ask that they stay off the furniture and beds, and are never left unattended in the cottage. A small additional pet cleaning fee applies per stay.

Is smoking or vaping allowed?

No. Castaway Cottage is strictly a smoke-free and vape-free property. Smoking is only permitted outdoors in designated garden areas, and all cigarette ends must be disposed of safely.

Are parties or large gatherings permitted?

To respect our local community and neighbours, we do not allow parties, hen or stag groups, or gatherings that exceed our maximum occupancy of 6 guests.

🛜 Amenities & Kids' Essentials

Do you provide children's equipment?

Yes! To make packing lighter for young families, we provide a high chair at the cottage for your use.

Is Wi-Fi provided?

Yes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the cottage—perfect for streaming films for the kids or catching up on remote work. You will find the network name and password inside your welcome guide.

What essentials are included in the cottage?

We provide all premium bed linen, bath towels, a starter supply of tea, coffee, milk, sugar, toilet rolls, hand soap, and basic cleaning supplies.

Is the kitchen fully equipped for cooking family meals?

Absolutely. The kitchen features modern appliances including an oven, hob, microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, and washing machine. It is fully stocked with pots, pans, crockery, glassware, and utensils for family home cooking.