Eabost West, Struan, Isle of Skye

This fantastic Scottish stone house lies on the shores of Loch Bracadale, on the north-western tip of the Isle of Skye. Its century-old bones have been sensitively restored to bring warmth and a sense of craft to the interiors, artfully blending both traditional and modern design touches. A studio in the private gardens is a wonderfully quiet space for working or resting, with spectacular views of the Loch and the vast surrounding landscape.

The Tour

The oldest parts of the house predate 1910 and are thought to have been built originally as a gamekeeper's cottage for nearby Dunvegan Castle. Set off a well-kept main road, the entrance is tucked beneath a timber-clad porchway, with a generous log store and undercover space for chopping wood.

On entering, there is plenty of cloakroom space in the entrance hall, which leads through to the beautifully light open-plan living and dining areas; placed at the heart of the house, this space is beautifully finished in natural materials and soft colours. Stained floorboards run underfoot and decorative tiling defines the central hearth. A wood-burning stove brings a welcoming warmth while double or triple-glazed windows ensure good insulation year-round.

The kitchen has been designed with the practicalities of daily life in mind: ply-lined cabinetry forms a generous provision of storage space and marmoleum countertops provide plenty of surface space for cooking. A separate utility space houses the appliances and leads through to the shower room. On the west side of the plan is a cosy living space with a log burner and brilliant views across the Loch.

One of the three bedrooms is positioned on the ground floor level, a quiet and peaceful room with an excellent quality of natural light. The family bathroom is also on this level and has a bathtub. Upstairs are two double bedrooms, each decorated in light, earthy tones, and with north westerly views which catch brilliant sunsets.

Outside Space

The timber-framed garden studio and workshop, added in 2016, provides a brilliant hideaway for reading, writing, making or resting. It is fully insulated, has a power and light supply, and is fitted with storage space and workshop cabinetry, well suited for carpentry.

The gardens, extending to around a quarter of an acre, are split over two levels and laid mostly to lawn with natural grasses that blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape. The biomass boiler which heats the radiators is housed in a small external storage area. There is also a gravel driveway to the front with parking for several vehicles.

The Area

Eabost West is a small crofting hamlet on the shoreline of Loch Bracadale, located on the northwest coast of Skye. For local amenities, Struan village shop, post office, local restaurant and the jetty can be reached by bicycle or by car in around 10 minutes. The popular cafe and bookshop, Bog Myrtle, is also a short cycle or drive away. For local produce, West Coast Organics are just across the loch in Roag, and are currently growing organic vegetables for around 55 households on Skye, and can deliver a weekly organic veg box.

The larger village of Dunvegan is around seven miles to the north and has several grocery stores, bars, restaurants, petrol stations, medical facilities and the historic Dunvegan Castle.

The bustling main town on Skye, Portree, can be reached in around 30 minutes. Along with supermarkets and a good selection of independent shops, there is a cinema and several restaurants, such as Lower Deck Seafood and Sea Breezes, serving up delicious locally caught seafood. Staffin Dinosaur Museum is dedicated to the many species identified on the island. Staffin also has a café and restaurant and is 45 minutes away by car.

The island’s geology dates to the Jurassic period, when interesting rock formations, including the elaborate Quiraing, were created. These ancient landscapes are an arresting backdrop for many outdoor pursuits like walking, fishing, kayaking, whale watching and sunset watching. Fossil hunting is a regular pastime as well. The area is also renowned for a Bortle 'grade two' night sky: Aurora Borealis, The Milky Way and noctilucent clouds make regular and spectacular appearances. The tip of the island is a haven for birds of prey including golden and white-tailed eagles, otters, and pine martens.

Uig, a 45-minute drive north, has a ferry terminal serving the Western Isles and is a gateway to the isles of Harris, Lewis and the Uists. Inverness, with regular rail services and flights to London and other UK and European destinations, lies 120 miles to the east.

For more on the varied delights of Skye see our Resident’s Guide.

Council Tax Band: C