Isle of Skye cottages Scotland Isle of Skye cottages

Isle of Skye cottages Scotland - sleeps 2

Historic stone boathouse on the shore of Loch Snizort, Skye

Isle of Skye cottages just don't get any more romantic than this. Formerly a boathouse this small cottage was rescued from ruins by the present owner and converted beautifully to what it is today.

I have a great fondness for this part of Scotland, I have been here many times as it keeps drawing me back again and again. I have seen it in glorious sunshine and in rain so hard and strong it was horizontal rather than vertical, it is also one of the few places where rainfall in February to May is only between 2-3cm, well below national average and less than the summer months, which means a visit in low season can be a very good choice. But whatever the weather the Isle of Skye is dramatic and memorable at any time.

The sky is broad when you stand at the side of the loch, the breathtaking view up Loch Snizort is astonishing, the sea, lochs and views of distant isles surround you, and this small stone boathouse is just yards from the edge of the loch. The cottage is immensely comfortable and gently stylish. The living room is open plan, shared with the dining area; there's a wood-burning stove (logs provided) and all mod cons, including dishwasher. Over head there is a mezzanine level double (or twin) bedroom with a dramatic steel tied roof. I was particularly impressed by the bathroom, nothing beats a long hot bath after a day's walking and the bath has a window at low level that lets you see the glorious views as you soak your aches away.

It's the sunsets that are so impressive, to have drinks on the terrace and watch the sun set over the Waternish peninsula is beyond description. You just have to do it.

There are many famous restaurants, the Three Chimneys being the foremost, but you need to book months in advance, so when you book a holiday at this boathouse my tip is to book a night at the Three Chimneys at the same time. I didn't, but went to the old Schoolhouse in Dunvegan and had a lovely meal.

I saw plenty of wildlife and loved the hares, the buzzards, I spotted a golden eagle over the loch, where a common sight are the seals that bask on the coast.

I was heavily influenced as a child by the book "Ring of Bright Water". It was based on the story by Gavin Maxwell of an otter called Mijbi (Mij) and I was hoping to see an otter on my visit to Skye and was rewarded late one evening as I caught a glimpse of one. It was just a moment, but to me it was overwhelming, ( soppy old geezer that I am.)

To sum up, the boathouse is possibly the most romantic holiday cottage in Scotland. You will need to book well in advance as this is a very popular accommodation.