Kinlochfollart, Skye - self catering rental Scotland

Kinlochfollart
By Dunvegan
Isle of Skye

Sleeping 8(10)

A beautiful, gracious house in a quite stunning location. That sums up Kinlochfollart, situated right on the shore of Loch Dunvegan on the west coast of Skye and within walking distance of the village itself.

Reached by a short drive from the single track road, it has a secluded situation in several acres of its own garden grounds with extensive loch frontage beyond, a solid, white, Victorian house which was once the local manse.

The manses of those days were large and spacious, not just because the ministers tended to have large families, but also because they were duty bound to give overnight accommodation to any poor unfortunate turning up at the door in need of it. (You may be glad to hear that that is not a custom which is likely to trouble tenants today!) Kinlochfollart (Loch Follart was the old name for Loch Dunvegan) is no exception and will sleep eight adults and two children in considerable comfort.

On the ground floor is an elegant sitting room with open fire, a fine baby grand piano (care, please!), and sliding doors to a dining room, which in turn gives on to a delightful conservatory, perfect for enjoying the sun in midge-free comfort. On this floor too is a large breakfasting kitchen, most excellently equipped, a library/TV room which also has a small pool table and is sure to be a focal point in less pleasant weather, a shower room and a utility room. On the first floor are two double (ziplink) bedrooms, both en suite, a single bedroom and additional bathroom, while on the second floor are a further double bedroom, and three single bedrooms, plus a further bathroom. The accommodation is therefore extensive and very versatile.

Dunvegan village has a small supermarket and a bakery, and several hotels. For 'foodies', the legendary Three Chimneys Restaurant is just a couple of miles up the road. However, if you don't feel like pushing the boat out quite that far, The Schoolhouse restaurant in the village is also highly regarded.

The local must-sees are, of course, Dunvegan Castle, ancient seat of the Clan MacLeod, and the Coral Beaches. The flat-topped hills behind the house are known as MacLeod's Tables and offer excellent hill walking, if you don't feel quite up to tackling the mighty Cuillins further south.

Dunvegan also benefits from excellent road connections to the other attractions of this wonderful island. Portree, the 'capital' is within a half hour drive, from where there are all sorts of boat trips to be enjoyed. You can cross the Trotternish peninsula and visit Staffin, famous for its fossils and the dinosaur bone that was found on the beach there, climb up to the Old Man of Storr, and perhaps come back via the amazing rock formations of the Quiraing, and Uig, where the ferries leave for the Hebrides.

You may be entranced, too, by the amazing wildlife which Skye has to offer - otters, deer, porpoises, seals, even the occasional whale in the surrounding waters and, in the sky, look out for the sea eagles which have now been re-introduced here.

Heating is by gas CH (£150 included). Please note that any extra will be payable at the end of your stay by meter reading (average weekly usage in cold weather £180). Electricity, bed linen and towels are included. Up to two well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement but should sleep in the utility room. Smoking is not permitted in the house. Telephone. Wi-Fi is available, subject to provider (Charge). There is an additional charge for ninth and tenth party members.