SCOTTISH COTTAGE
Jane Manifold returned from a life in Australia to run her grandparent’s farm in Fife, regenerating the land and preserving its legacy for generations to come
She grew up in Australia and spent 15 years in Asia with her husband Jonathan and young family, yet Jane Manifold’s move to Scotland in 2018 felt decidedly nostalgic and familiar. Set on a secluded 700-acre plot in the heart of Fife, Banchory Farm, which they now call home, enjoys striking coastal views out across the Firth of Forth. ‘It was purchased by my Scottish grandfather in 1932, so my dad grew up here, before the scale of farming in Australia encouraged him to emigrate with our family when I was just 18 months old,’ says Jane. ‘Dad would faithfully return with us every other summer to help my grandparents with the harvest, so the farm has always felt like home.’ When Jane’s grandmother passed away, she and Jonathan made the decision to move to the farm during lockdown. Jane now runs the farm and has embarked on a regeneration programme, improving soil quality and instigating reforestation, with 4,550 trees being planted this year.
She is also turning derelict farm cottages into accommodation. The renovation of the first two cottages, built in 1826, began in lockdown. ‘Historically named Drinkbetween East and Drinkbetween West, they were known as an onward resting and watering spot for horses. So, it seems serendipitous that they are gaining a reputation as restorative “slow living” retreats,’ says Jane.
Jane stripped both cottages back to their bones – electrics were replaced, plumbing upgraded with an eco-friendly, air source heat pump, walls insulated, replastered and painted, wooden flooring laid, and new kitchens installed. In Drinkbetween East, partitions were removed to create an open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting area. The vaulted elevations further enhance the feeling of calm and lead to a hallway, a bathroom with roll-top bath and walk-in shower and two bedrooms, layered in linens and blankets. ‘I project-managed the works with local builders and collaborated with interiors expert Ali Heath. Ali worked advising on layout, colours and styling, and the sourcing of old and new furniture, fabrics, lighting, art and handmade finds from independent businesses,’ says Jane. ‘The finished cottages feel luxurious and welcoming, a place where guests can unwind and reconnect, immersed in nature.’
In Drinkbetween East, bespoke seating enhances the old-new appeal. In the sitting room, an oversized linen sofa is paired with antique chairs and a charming 1930s French loveseat, covered in slubby linen and timeless Ian Mankin ticking – all set around a central woodbu
