Drone image of Woodside Luxury Lodges

Why autumn is a good time to explore holiday home ownership near St Andrews

October 30, 2026•8 min read

When you’re thinking about buying a holiday home, it can be tempting to picture long summer days, sunshine on the decking and evenings spent outdoors. But autumn can be just as good a time to explore holiday home ownership, particularly if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy throughout the year.

As the seasons change, the countryside around Woodside Luxury Lodges takes on a different character. The days become cooler, the landscape changes colour and the pace of life feels a little slower. It’s an opportunity to experience the park in a different season, explore the available lodges and start thinking about how your own holiday home could fit into your lifestyle.

Located around four miles from St Andrews in Fife, Woodside offers a peaceful countryside setting overlooking the Eden Estuary, with the town, coastline and wider Scottish countryside close by.

But why is autumn such a good time to start exploring holiday lodge ownership, and what should you consider before making a decision?

At a glance: Why explore holiday home ownership in autumn?

  • Experience the park in a different season - see how the landscape and surroundings change as summer gives way to autumn.

  • Explore year-round holiday opportunities - think beyond summer breaks and consider how you could enjoy your lodge throughout the year.

  • Find your dream lodge - compare available holiday homes, layouts, features and pitches within the park.

  • Enjoy the local area in autumn - discover St Andrews, the Fife coast and the surrounding countryside at a different time of year.

  • Plan ahead for winter and beyond - start exploring your options now and understand what ownership could look like for you.

  • Take your time with the decision - visit the park, ask questions and get a feel for the setting before deciding whether it’s right for you.


More than just a summer getaway

Owning a holiday home at Woodside means having somewhere special to return to throughout the year, not just during the summer months. From long summer days spent relaxing on the decking to crisp autumn dog walks and cosy winter weekends, every season offers a different way to enjoy your own lodge. Set within around 40 acres of countryside overlooking the Eden Estuary, Woodside provides a peaceful setting for spontaneous escapes, family get-togethers and time away from everyday routines.

With St Andrews on your doorstep, there’s always the opportunity to explore the town, enjoy the coastline or a spot of golf, or discover more of the surrounding Fife countryside. Visiting Woodside in autumn is a great way to experience the park at a different time of year and start picturing how you could make the most of your own holiday home, from a quiet weekend away to longer breaks with family and friends.


Explore the lodges and find the right fit

Choosing a holiday home involves more than finding a lodge you like the look of. The layout, number of bedrooms, outdoor space and position within the park can all influence how much you enjoy your time there.

Autumn is an ideal opportunity to explore the available options and start comparing what each lodge has to offer.

At Woodside, there is a selection of luxury lodges to discover, with different designs, layouts and features to suit a range of preferences. You might be drawn to an open-plan kitchen and lounge where everyone can spend time together, a spacious decking area for enjoying the sunsets and views or cosy bedrooms for lazy mornings and restful nights.

It’s worth considering how you imagine spending time in your lodge, who you plan to share it with and which features matter most to you.

You can browse the available luxury lodges at Woodside before arranging a visit to see your favourites in person. When you visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the lodges, get a better feel for their size and layout, and compare them before deciding which one appeals to you most.


Enjoy St Andrews and the Fife coast in a quieter season

Autumn is also a lovely, peaceful time to explore the area around Woodside.

St Andrews, the Home of Golf, is known for its world-famous golf courses, historic streets, independent shops, restaurants and beautiful beaches. Beyond the town, the Fife coast and surrounding countryside offer plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and discover somewhere new.

Whether you enjoy walking, golf, exploring local places to eat or simply taking in the scenery, there are plenty of ways to spend your time here beyond the summer months.

Woodside is 3.5 miles from St Andrews, making it a convenient base for exploring the town while enjoying a private countryside setting of your own.

You can find more inspiration in our guide to exploring St Andrews and the surrounding area.


Start planning ahead for winter

If you’re considering buying a holiday home at Woodside, autumn can be a great time to begin exploring your options before the winter months and festive season arrive.

Rather than waiting until spring or summer to start looking, you can use the autumn to visit the park, compare available lodges, ask questions about the purchase process, understand the costs involved and consider how holiday home ownership fits with your lifestyle.

At Woodside, arranging a personal park tour allows you to explore the grounds, view the lodges for sale and talk through any questions you have with Peter and Linda.

If you find a lodge that feels right and the purchase process and availability allow, you may be able to enjoy your own holiday home over the winter period! Even if you’re still at the early stages of researching holiday home ownership, an autumn visit can be a helpful first step towards making an informed decision.


Get to know the people behind Woodside

Choosing where to own a holiday home is about more than the lodge itself. The setting, the atmosphere of the park and the people who look after it all contribute to the overall ownership experience.

Woodside Luxury Lodges is a family-owned and run park, with Peter and Linda Wood personally involved in its day-to-day care.

Having lived at Knockhill Farm for almost 30 years, they have a strong connection to the place. They regularly walk the park, keep an eye on the grounds and take a hands-on approach to looking after Woodside.

As an owners-only park, Woodside offers a safe setting where owners can return to their own holiday homes and get to know familiar faces over time.


Is autumn the right time to buy a holiday lodge?

There’s no single best time of year to buy a holiday home. The right timing depends on your circumstances, budget, the lodges available and how you plan to use your holiday home.

However, autumn can be an excellent time to start exploring. You can experience the park in a different season, compare available lodges and begin planning ahead for the months to come.

It’s also a reminder that holiday home ownership isn’t just about summer holidays. Having your own lodge means having somewhere to return to for different occasions, whether that’s a weekend away with loved ones or a longer stay where you can explore further afield.

At Woodside Luxury Lodges, the combination of a countryside setting, views across the Eden Estuary and proximity to St Andrews makes it possible to enjoy a different kind of break whenever you choose to visit.


Come and explore Woodside this autumn

You can browse our available luxury lodges online and start thinking about what would suit you best. But nothing quite replaces a visit.

Come and walk around the park, take in the views across the Eden Estuary and step inside the lodges that have caught your eye. You can explore the different pitches, meet Peter and Linda and ask any questions you have about holiday home ownership.

Whether you’re ready to find your ideal lodge or simply beginning to explore the possibilities, we’d be delighted to welcome you to Woodside.

If you’re considering buying a luxury holiday lodge near St Andrews, arrange a personal park tour and discover what makes Woodside special. You can also contact the team at [email protected] to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is autumn a good time to explore holiday home ownership?

Yes. Autumn is a good time to visit Woodside in a quieter season, explore the local area, compare available lodges and start planning ahead for winter and the following year. It also gives you an opportunity to consider how you would use your holiday home throughout the year.

Can I use my holiday lodge at Woodside throughout the year?

Yes. Owners at Woodside Luxury Lodges can use their holiday homes throughout the year, making it possible to enjoy breaks in every season. However, holiday homes cannot be used as permanent residence.

What costs should I consider when buying a luxury holiday lodge?

Alongside the purchase price, you should consider ongoing site fees, utility costs, insurance, maintenance and any other costs associated with owning and running your holiday home.

What should I look for when viewing a holiday lodge in autumn?

Look beyond the lodge’s interior and consider its position within the park, the views from your decking and how the layout suits your needs. Think about how you would use the lodge (and who with) in different seasons, including the outdoor space, storage and features that would make cooler-weather breaks comfortable.

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Linda Wood

Linda and Peter have owned Knockhill Farm for over 25 years, and are excited to share the peaceful wonder this scenic Scottish location has to offer. From the surrounding natural beauty of Scotland, to the heart of St Andrews. They want others to experience the magic they love – a slower pace of life, filled with stunning views, wildlife, and moments of stillness.

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