The Wooden House, Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides

Set in a remarkable rural location on Skye, The Wooden House is an utterly sublime home designed by architectural practice Rural Design. Its contemporary timber and patinated aluminium silhouette hints at the finishes within, where glazing runs along each aspect, and fine bespoke furniture has been crafted to facilitate easy modern living. A garden of just under three acres surrounds the house, its naturalistic look blurring with the undulating landscape beyond.



Additional land is available by separate negotiation.



The Architects



Rural Design is a practice based on the Isle of Skye. It works on residential, commercial and community projects throughout Scotland and occasionally abroad. Founded in 2003, it takes inspiration from the landscape and its traditions and materials, blending a variety of influences, from the area’s raw agricultural vernacular through to Scandinavian modernism.



The Tour



A quiet country road winds up to The Wooden House, which sits in a beautifully peaceful setting, surrounded by grasses and hardy plants that sway in the coastal breeze. The home is lined with timber and crowned by a milled-finish aluminium roof, which has gained a rich patina.



There are several points of entry: the primary is from the front, via a gorse-yellow door, to a porch with space for coats and shoes. Throughout, the material and paint palette takes its cue from the surrounding landscape, creating the illusion of seamlessness between inside and out.



Most of the rest of the ground floor is taken up by an extraordinary set of living spaces, subtly delineated but with clear lines of sight and a sense of cohesiveness. Windows punctuate the north-westerly side, currently used as a sitting and dining room, framing breathtaking vistas out across the water and drawing in an ethereal natural light. Underfloor heating warms from below, and a log-burner is a cosy focal point on cold Hebridean nights.



Tucked behind, the kitchen is formed of pale-blue cabinetry and a thick oak woodblock counter. A cut-out above the cabinetry ensures the view is not obscured, and windows on the opposite side draw in additional light. Next to the kitchen is a laundry cupboard and another door to the outdoors.



The house has four bedrooms, the first of which lies on the ground floor. Double-aspect windows here look out to the mesmerising surroundings. In the living room, an open-tread staircase has spaced balustrades that create a permeable feel. Upstairs are a further three bedrooms, including the generous principal, all with skylights and serene schemes that amplify brightness. The principal also has a walk-in wardrobe.



There is a smart shower room upstairs and a bathroom downstairs; both are thoughtfully composed spaces with built-in storage. There is plenty of additional storage on the upstairs landing.



Outdoor Space



Approximately 2.94 acres surround the house, largely left as is, with heathers and other hardy plants. From the dining room, a door opens to a decked terrace - an unparalleled viewing point for overlooking the water.



There is also space to park two or three cars on the west side of the house.



The Area



The house overlooks the crystal-clear waters of Loch Pooltiel and a striking beach of black, volcanic sands. On one side is one of Skye’s tallest cliffs with its waterfall cascades, while the Outer Hebrides are visible on the horizon. It is not uncommon to spot the Northern Lights here at various points throughout the year.



There are excellent amenities locally, including a well-stocked shop in Glendale village, which is less than 10 minutes away. The wonderful Three Chimneys is a 15-minute drive away, while the Michelin-starred Loch Bay is 35 minutes by car.



Skye's bustling main town, Portree, is around an hour’s drive away and has an additional offering of shops and restaurants.



Set in a traditional Highland crofting community, the area is rich in wildlife, such as otters, whales and dolphins, and the tip of the island is a haven for birds of prey, like golden and white-tailed eagles. The island’s geology dates to the Jurassic period, which established interesting rock formations, including the elaborate Quiraing. The evocative Neist Point Lighthouse and Waterstein Head are also close by.



These ancient landscapes are an arresting backdrop for outdoor pursuits like walking, fishing, kayaking, whale watching, fossil hunting and sunset admiring. For more of Skye's brilliance, look to our residents' guide.



Dunvegan Primary School is a 24-minute drive away from the house, and there is a secondary school in Portree. The closest airport is in Inverness, around 3.5 hours’ drive away. The cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh can be reached in around six hours by car.



Council Tax Band: N/A; The Wooden House currently pays business rates