Meet the team

Pittenweem Properties is a small family run business

About Pittenweem Properties

Pittenweem Properties is a small family run business that was originally started in early 2014. With Gillian on maternity leave from her teaching role with baby number four, an offer to help a friend out with their holiday rental evolved into the successful company it is today. Starting with one house and Gillian and Kenny doing all that was involved, they were delighted to grow the Pittenweem Properties portfolio through recommendations and, when it hit double figures, started getting seasonal staff signed up- many of whom were family and friends willing to help out- as both directors still had full time jobs outside of the business.

Fast forward to 2020 and both Kenny and Gillian had resigned from their other positions to grow the business further and had secured a great team to support them. The biggest change came in April 2021 when Pittenweem Properties moved to premises on East Green, Anstruther and allowed the team and portfolio to grow even more. If you pop by the office you’ll always get a friendly welcome and time for a chat (we’re a sociable bunch!).

The ethos has never changed- the aim is still to provide a personal and professional service to owners and guests alike, and the whole team take great delight in sharing our love for the East Neuk to ensure that guests have a great experience and hopefully visit us again! Supporting other local businesses is integral to what we do and we are heavily involved in local community events and initiatives too- the East Neuk is a wonderful place to both visit and live and community is at the heart of that.

Designed to make the most of the sea views

Kenny

Director

​Kenny is a west coaster, but has lived in the East Neuk since 2009 and wouldn’t choose anywhere else to live. Dad of four kids and two dogs (he’s always complaining that the dogs are the only ones who listen to him!) he can usually be found driving one of the vans on endless visits to houses, sorting out maintenance at properties, trying not to get frustrated at technology and in the height of summer spends hours in the laundry keeping the machines going! He’ll watch any sport going and has recently taken up running.

My favourite spot in the East Neuk: The view from the War memorial at Cellardyke, looking out over the tidal pool towards the Isle of May. It’s a great spot to sit and watch the sun rise on the early morning dog walks.

Top tip for guests: If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself then plan well ahead and book lunch or dinner at the Cellar Restaurant which is just across the road from our office. The very best of locally sourced ingredients at Michelin star standards!

Designed to make the most of the sea views

Gillian

Director

Gillian grew up in St Monans and her family go back many generations in the area. After doing her teacher training and several years as a primary teacher in Glasgow, the arrival of their second daughter heightened the need to go ‘home’. Two sons followed shortly after and although she continued teaching once back in Fife, she now only does the odd day of supply. Meeting owners, administrative tasks, taking endless photos for social media, overseeing the team and changeovers and generally being a living filing cabinet of information (some more useful than others!) is what fills Gillian’s day..

My favourite spot in the East Neuk: Growing up we would spend summer days on our ‘secret beach’ and it’s still one of my favourite spots to take our kids and walk the dogs. Quieter than its neighbour, Elie, Ardoss beach (just beyond Ardross Farm Shop) is the perfect mix of coastal walk, sandy beach and rockpools for guddling in.

Top tip for guests: No trip to the East Neuk would be complete without trying the award winning Cheese and Leek loaf from Barnetts bakers, many of our guests take them home to freeze and enjoy later! Don’t forget to bring your camera, there are so many Instagram worthy spots. The Auld Kirk and the blocks (breakwater by the harbour) in St Monans make for great shots.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also three tidal pools you can take a dip in—very refreshing and something you should try at least once!

Designed to make the most of the sea views

Trisha

Operations Manager

Trisha grew up in Anstruther and after some years in Edinburgh is back in West Anstruther with her husband, son, cat and two dogs. A flair for art, she is now forever tasked with our office window displays after making the mistake of doing our first festive one so beautifully! Trisha joined the team officially in 2017 and takes on most roles including training our new team members, all administrative duties and trying to keep Gillian’s desk organized. If you’re passing our window when on a dog walk, don’t be surprised if Trisha suddenly appears with dog treats in return for canine cuddles.

 My favourite spot in the East Neuk: As a family we love spending time at Billowness Beach. From blustery dog walks to picnics and rock pooling, it’s worth exploring all year round. Snugly nestled between Anstruther and Pittenweem along the coastal path it boasts stunning views and an array of wildlife.

Top tip for guests: Stepping into the Cocoa Tree, Pittenweem you’ll instantly be welcomed by a friendly team and the magical aroma of chocolate and cinnamon. Think Chocolat meets Narnia in this cosy artisan chocolatier and café. We even take the dogs!

Designed to make the most of the sea views

Laura

Housekeeper

Laura joined us in late 2021 and has quickly become a valued member of our team. Laura and her family live in Crail so she knows the area very well, especially as her passion for running has her clocking up 100 miles of local streets each month. An eye for detail, she’s always going the extra mile to make sure everything is perfect for guests.

My favourite spot in the East Neuk: Elie; the beach there is great for family fun. There’s also the chain walk- I normally start with the chain walk then head back along the tops of the cliffs for amazing views and on sunny days the sea is crystal clear. Elie has some lovely independent shops on the High Street.

Top tip for guests: If like me you are a keen runner then there is a local Jog Scotland running/walking group called the Anster Allsorts. Anyone can come run with us as we welcome all abilities—our usual session is at the Waid Sports Centre on a Tuesday evening, check their Facebook page for more details.

Designed to make the most of the sea views

Yvonne

Housekeeper

Yvonne joined Pittenweem Properties in 2022 and is the adrenalin junkie of the team! Aerial assault courses, bungee jumps and swimming with sharks are just a few of the activities she’s ticked off her bucket list and there’s undoubtedly more to come. Yvonne has spent time living across the UK as well as abroad but has settled back home in the East Neuk with her three boys.

My favourite spot in the East Neuk: Various points along the chain walk at Elie- an adventurous 0.5km walk/climb/scramble along the coastline which offers incredible views. Suitable for older children and adults, a head for heights, some agility and decent footwear are required but you’ll be rewarded with a great sense of achievement when you’re finished. There’s some caves to explore on the route but do remember to check tide times and plan your walk before setting off.

Top Tip for Guests: There’s lots of lovely cafes to get a cooked breakfast or lunch when visiting the villages. One of my favourites is the Clock Tower Café in Pittenweem where you can try local smoked salmon salads, homemade soups, tasty toasties or some sweet treats to refuel before your next adventure.