JUST north of the city of Dunfermline, tucked away up a winding tree-lined drive, is Balmule House, where my wife, Jacinta, and I stayed. It’s a smashing little boutique hotel with a few claims to fame.

It was built for one of Fife’s most prominent families, the Wardlaws, who had been members of King Malcolm’s court in the 12th Century and had played a key role in establishing St Andrew’s University in the 15th century. It was also owned by Stuart Adamson – once of punk band The Skids and founder of the rock band Big Country – who used one of the outbuildings as a recording studio.

Dating back to the 16th Century, no expense has been spared on renovation work by the current owner.

Balmule House recently won a number one rating for hotels in Fife from Trip Advisor. We wouldn’t disagree.

Apart from the master suite, there are another seven bedrooms, decorated with a colour as a theme. We were in the Yellow Room, which glowed with opulence. Enormous bed, beautiful furniture and views out to the walled garden and grounds…and what a bathroom!

Next day, fortified by the hearty Scottish breakfast provided by Franc Jeffrey and his team at Balmule, we set off into the city for our right royal history lesson.

Dunfermline is one of the jewels in the Kingdom of Fife, just across the Firth of Forth. Once over the Forth Road Bridge, you are almost there.

The city’s history stretches back well over 900 years, with the ruined abbey and palace in the centre still a monument to all those great Scottish monarchs. There is also a shrine to Queen Margaret, wife of King Malcolm, who became Scotland’s only female saint. We spent a good couple of hours taking in the atmosphere of the abbey and its guest house that became the palace of Queen Anna of Denmark, gifted by her husband James VI, before his departure to claim the English throne in 1603. The palace was where their son, the future Charles I was born.

We also visited the Abbey Church where the brass-covered tomb of famous king, Robert the Bruce, is surrounded by memorials to distinguished late monarchs, royal princes and princesses.

Dunfermline is also the birthplace of the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who made a fortune through the steel industry in the United States and proceeded to give away about 90 per cent of it – the equivalent of billions of dollars in today’s money – to deserving causes. There is a birthplace museum and many other references to the great benefactor all over the city.

Fife’s attractions include golf, with the region boasting many fine courses including St Andrew’s, the home of the game. On its coast are beautiful little fishing villages in the cosy corner they call East Neuk. These include Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem and Elie, each a little gem for visitors.

TRAVEL FACTS

Balmule House offers bed and breakfast ranging from £90 per room per night to £200 for the master suite, all with i-pod docks, flatscreen TV and wifi. The hotel can be hired for weddings or other family functions. 

Contact: Balmule House, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 0RZ, call 01383-432999 or visit balmule.co.uk.