About Your Hosts
Meet Your Hosts – The Picken Family at Priorletham Farm
Your warm and welcoming hosts at St Andrews Coach Houses are John, Maggie, and Claire Picken, who live on-site at Priorletham Farm, just minutes from St Andrews. As a proud family-run business, we’re here to ensure every part of your self-catering farm stay is as relaxing, comfortable, and memorable as possible.
Local Knowledge & Personal Touch
Maggie has lived at Priorletham for over 30 years and is a fountain of local knowledge. Whether you're looking for the best restaurants in St Andrews, scenic walks, or unique local activities, she’s always happy to offer recommendations to help you make the most of your stay.
John, whose family has farmed this land for over 80 years, was born right here in the farmhouse (though he won’t reveal the exact year!). With a lifelong passion for farming, John continues to care for the land and animals with the same dedication passed down through generations.
Their daughter Claire, now a “farmer in training,” has joined the family business and helps keep the farm running smoothly – often seen managing the farm in her trusty boiler suit or tending to our friendly Zwartbles sheep.
Life on the Farm
Our working farm grows oats (perfect for your morning porridge!) and wheat – even used in local Scottish gins and vodkas. We also keep a small flock of striking pedigree Zwartbles sheep, known for their black fleece and charming white markings.
Guests love watching these friendly sheep roam across the fields in front of the Coach Houses – it’s a peaceful, ever-changing view that adds to the magic of staying here.
A True Labour of Love
The Coach Houses are part of a historic listed building, once home to stables and farm outbuildings. In 2008, we took a leap of faith and transformed them into luxury self-catering cottages, designed to offer a peaceful retreat with all the comfort of home and the beauty of the countryside.
Thanks to the stunning rural views, thoughtfully designed interiors, and the warm welcome from our family, we’re proud that so many guests return year after year.
Always Here to Help
As we live on-site, we're always nearby to assist with any questions, local tips, or anything else you might need. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, we look forward to making your stay at St Andrews Coach Houses feel like coming home.
The farm mainly grows oats (for your porridge) and wheat for very important items like gin and vodka! We also have a small flock of pedigree Zwartbles sheep that are mainly black but have white stripes on their faces and white socks.
All our guests comment on the stunning views from the cottages and love the constantly evolving scene in the fields in front of the Coach Houses of our pedigree black sheep wandering past. The guests also love the peace and tranquility and return home refreshed and rejuvenated.
The Coach Houses are part of a listed building situated at the edge of our working farm. With their stunning outlook we decided that they would be ideal for converting into luxury self catered holiday homes.
Although the conversion from an old stable and outbuildings in 2008 was a leap of faith we are thrilled that our guests enjoy the Coach Houses every bit as much as we hoped and we are delighted to welcome back many repeat guests.
