Tinhouse, Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides

This exquisite house lies in a peaceful position on the Isle of Skye, with breathtaking views out to sea. It was designed by the esteemed Rural Design, a practice based on the island that works across the Highlands. Its material and colour palette takes inspiration from the surrounding landscape: greens echo the ferns and moss outside, while exposed wood anchors the home in the natural world. The house has received several awards and was shortlisted for the prestigious Doolan Prize for RIAS Scotland's best building.



Tinhouse has been successfully let as a holiday home in recent years; more information is available on request. 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



Set in a secluded and private position, Tinhouse emerges amid a largely unchanged landscape, where heather and grasses sway in the coastal breeze and mesmerising views stretch over the water.



The home’s milled aluminium silhouette rises with a steep pitch, hinting at the dramatic volume within. Entry is via a sliding storm door on the south side, opening to a smart porch with gorse-yellow panelling. There is a laundry cupboard with a washing machine, as well as space for coats and shoes.



On the left, a sliding door reveals the open-plan living space, an exquisite and airy room open to the roofline, with white-painted panelled walls, concrete floor tiles and a cream wood-burner with a metallic flue that reaches up to the room’s pitch. Timber-framed horizontal windows wrap around two sides, capturing unparalleled views across the water, while large skylights enhance the room’s bright feel.



The room is largely flexible, save for the kitchen, which has been beautifully crafted using plywood cabinetry from Birkwood, a Perthshire company. A Silestone countertop extends beneath a rich blue glass splashback; appliances are integrated and include an oven, hob, fridge/freezer and a dishwasher. Along one side is useful built-in storage.



Located on the other side of the entrance porch, the bedroom is marvellous, with large timber-framed doors that again look out across the water. Bespoke joinery along one wall creates a handy shelving nook, while fitted wardrobes on the other provide generous hanging space.



Thoughtfully appointed, the bathroom has white and green tiles chosen to resonate with the landscape outside. A bath has been positioned beneath a window, while a walk-in shower nook has been created to one side.



An attic provides additional storage space.



Outdoor Space



A sloping garden surrounds the house, enhancing its sense of privacy. There are also two terraces: one accessed from the living area, the other from the bedroom. Both have space for a table and chairs for dining against a spectacular backdrop.



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; Tinhouse currently pays business rates