meet the escape owners – balgownie mains farm
Can you tell us a little about you and the name of your escapes?
We are Sandy and Maggie and are the husband and wife team behind Balgownie Mains Farm in Fife, Scotland. Whilst Sandy spends the majority of his time in wellies looking after the cattle and tending to the crops, Maggie looks after the farm’s holiday cottage and bunkhouse, welcoming guests and conducting farm tours.
The Dalgleish family have been farming Balgownie Mains Farm since 1981, it was Arable and Dairy originally but is now Arable and Beef.
We opened Bramble Brae holiday cottage in 2009 and the Bunkhouse in 2021 which has proved very popular with both large groups and smaller groups renting individual rooms. We have enjoyed welcoming many guests from near and far over the years and are very fortunate to be farming in such an idyllic part of central Scotland.
Can you tell us a little more about your escapes?
Bramble Brae and The Bunkhouse are rural properties set in large gardens with spacious open-plan living areas and stunning views over the countryside.
Bramble Brae sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms and sits close to the Dunfermline to Alloa path. It has a beautiful open-plan living space with floor-to-ceiling overlooking the Fife countryside, and is accessible with level access/interior, spacious rooms and an accessible bathroom with step-free shower.
Our guests can enjoy a large decked area, fully enclosed garden with children’s swing and slide, and a double garage games room.
The Bunkhouse is near the Farm and sleeps 12 in 3 bedrooms in mainly full size bunkbeds. Guests can book individual rooms or book all 3 rooms for exclusive use. The Bunkhouse also has beautiful views, open-plan living space, and large decked area and garden.
The bunkhouse has level access/interior, an en-suite accessible wet-room, and two further en-suite bathrooms with step-free showers.
What inspired you to ensure your escapes were accessible?
When taking our elderly father on holiday we found it very difficult to find somewhere suitable, showers in baths was the worst. Both our properties have level access/interior, spacious rooms, and at least one wet-room with step-free shower.
What is unique about your escapes?
The peacefulness and being immersed in the countryside with uninterrupted views.
Do you have a favourite local accessible café, restaurant or pub?
Bessies Bar Café next to Culross Palace (wheelchair-accessible, accessible WC, accessible parking) and The Red Lion Inn in Culross https://redlionculross.co.uk/ (featured in Outlander). We really enjoy sharing our favourite walks, cycles, restaurants, cafes and sights with our guests.
Can you recommend any local accessible attractions or activities?
The Kelpies at Falkirk https://www.thehelix.co.uk/about/access-guide/ (with Changing Places facility, accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible visitor centre and cafe) and a farm tour with us! https://balgowniemainsfarm.co.uk/balgownie-farm-tour
What is the best part about welcoming guests to your accessible escapes?
We love meeting and talking to people, and welcoming them to our special corner of Scotland.
For more details on Bramble Brae and Balgownie Bunkhouse click on the links below:
https://accessibleholidayescapes.co.uk/escapes/balgownie-bunkhouse/
https://accessibleholidayescapes.co.uk/escapes/bramble-brae-at-balgownie-mains-farm/