The Anchorage

Summary

Escape to one of the most dramatically beautiful islands on Earth; the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, or Western Isles, now connected to mainland Scotland by a famously toll-free road bridge.

The Anchorage is a self-catering cottage right on the foreshore of one of the best locations on the island. This is a place for seaside-loving, mountain-walking, wildlife-watching, peace-searching people who love wilderness beaches, gastronomic delights and a touch of the Celtic - summer or winter.

The Anchorage is an old seaside cottage which overlooks a sea-loch (Loch Alsh) and the heather clad mountains of the Highlands beyond. A family of otters that lives close by can often be seen frolicking in the crystal clear water outside the house, as can herons and other sea birds.

A gate leads from the garden right on to the high tide line, from where one can fish or just sit and watch the yachts, naval and fishing boats come and go, including the occasional submarine or cruise liner. Opposite the house is the lighthouse-keeper`s cottage where Gavin Maxwell (author of Ring of Bright Water) lived.

Kyleakin (pronounced Kylakken) is perfectly situated on Skye, just a few minutes from the bridge and within easy reach of the varied attractions of all parts of the island. Although very peaceful, there is always something going in the channel or the fishing harbour and marina round the corner.

Accommodation

The house is cosy enough to accommodate either one or two couples but spacious enough for a larger family. The sleeping arrangements are particularly flexible although we prefer to accommodate parties of no more than 6 people on a self-catering basis. We recommend that additional guests or visiting friends stay at the White Heather Hotel which is comfortable, very friendly, and within a minute's walk of the house (www.whiteheatherhotel.co.uk)

The Anchorage is primarily designed for our own use and we have recently refurbished, and furnished it accordingly, with everything one could need for a stress-free self-catering holiday. So of course there is a washing machine and dishwasher as well as a fridge-freezer - all new. There is also an Aga, plus convector cooker/microwave and hob. We want our guests to enjoy the house as we do, so don't worry about TV/video, hairdryer, iron, bedding - they are all provided (except towels). The house has central heating throughout and a solid fuel stove in the sitting room. All rooms overlook the sea. There is a pretty garden and parking for one car.

Ground Floor: Entrance Lobby with plenty of room for coats, wellies, etc., Sitting Room with solid fuel stove and sofa bed, Family Room/Playroom/Guestroom with sofa bed, Kitchen/Breakfast room with Aga, Microwave/Convector Cooker, Porcelain sink, Washing Machine/Tumble Dryer, Dishwasher.

First Floor: Principal bedroom with double bed, Second bedroom with double divan, bunk beds and wash basin, Bathroom with bath, power shower, WC and wash basin.

Outside: Well-stocked garden leading right on to the foreshore - great for crabbing, fishing, diving, windsurfing and boating. Larger craft can be launched from the harbour which is within a minute's walk of the house. The passing ship in the picture above is the Hebridean Princess, a luxury liner which is a regular sight from the house, along with numerous fishing and other boats.

Visiting Kyleakin & Exploring the Isle of Skye

Kyleakin is a charming village arranged around a small harbour and marina (pictured below) which houses several working fishing boats and pleasure craft. The Viking Castle Moil is a prominent landmark (also pictured) and the views from the top are well worth the short walk around the cove. The village has a small post office/general store, a cafe and a couple of unpretentious restaurants. More extensive facilities can be found over the bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh five minutes away, Broadford, ten minutes away or Portree, Skye's capital 30 minutes away.

Rates: £950 to £2500 per week depending on season.
Maximum of 4 people.
Sorry no pets.
Wi-Fi internet access.
Children welcome over 10.

Please note that map locations may be approximate.