A family-run bed and breakfast, converted from an old farmhouse, has received a four-star gold grading from VisitScotland.

Knockhill Farm B&B, located four miles outside St Andrews, was upgraded from four stars by the national tourism organisation’s Quality Assurance (QA) Scheme in recognition of its outstanding customer service. The gold star award was introduced to highlight establishments within the QA Scheme that strive to exceed customer expectations, while taking an innovative and proactive approach to customer care.

Owned and run by Linda and Peter Wood, Knockhill is a working farm and has been home to the couple, and their family, since 1996 when they moved to Fife in search of pastures new. They instantly fell in love with the region’s stunning scenery and St Andrews.

After many years living on the farm with daughters Lauren, Jen and Kathryn, as well as family dog Spangle, the hard-working Woods decided they wanted an additional project. Seeing that an old barn and smithy had fallen into disrepair, a massive renovation took place to turn the derelict buildings into luxury accommodation.

Six apartments were opened in July 2014 and guests are able to wander around the farm, spot wildlife and get an insight into the idyllic, rural life enjoyed by the family.

Linda Wood said: “We are delighted to receive this award from VisitScotland. There’s been a lot of hard work over the last three years and it’s great to see it has paid off. Knockhill Farm is the perfect place to get away and enjoy Fife’s beautiful scenery. We do our upmost to ensure guests have the best stay possible so it’s great to get this recognition.”

Manuela Calchini, regional director for VisitScotland said: “Congratulations to Peter and Linda, as well as the rest of the family, on achieving this four-star gold award. Knockhill offers guests an exceptional standard of accommodation and welcome in one of Scotland’s most beautiful areas – their gold award is well deserved.

“Our Quality Assurance Scheme is world-leading and provides a trusted, independent and impartial source of information for visitors. It is about much more than just a star rating – it is about the entire visitor experience and investing in the business to make it as economically sustainable, and profitable, as it can be.”

VisitScotland’s QA Schemes can open the door to new customers. It is a powerful marketing tool and works well with online review sites in using an independent perspective to measure visitor experience against tried and tested criteria, so visitors know exactly what to expect.

For more information on Knockhill Farm B&B, go to www.knockhillfarm.co.uk

For more information on VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme, go to www.visitscotland.org