Tigh a Chruic self catering rental accommodation Scotland

Tigh a Chruic
Sleat
Isle of Skye
Scotland

Sleeping 6

Tigh a Chruic is an imposing, traditional 18th century farmhouse set in a beautifully tranquil spot high above Knock Bay on the Sleat peninsula on the lovely island of Skye. The house, which has been completely renovated to provide a large and comfortable holiday home, enjoys superb views over the sea to the hills of Morar on the Scottish mainland.

Tigh a Chruic is only a few miles from the Armadale-Mallaig car ferry and within half an hour of the Skye bridge. It stands at the end of a short driveway and has a gravelled area around it providing ample parking space. At the front of the house there is a small garden (furniture, barbecue) where you can drink in the view across the bay and, at the back, there is a large grassed area with some trees and bushes perfect for children and pets to play in safety. Take the short path down to the rocky shore and see the ruins of the 15th century castle (Camus) which dominates the bay. Close by there is Torr Sitheig (the Knoll of the Fairies) a magical spot according to local myths. If you are lucky you will catch glimpses of seals and otters in the water while bird-lovers will find lots to interest them. This all combines to create an ideal family holiday destination where adults, children and pets can thoroughly enjoy the freedom on offer. (There is a working farm in the vicinity so dogs will have to be supervised in the immediate area).

The inside of the house is very well furbished in a comfortable but modest style which completely reflects its character. The spacious dining/kitchen is typical of a farmhouse, with its oil-fired Aga, and a large open fire in the sitting room creates a welcoming atmosphere. There is a four-poster bed in the double bedroom upstairs and there are bathrooms on both first and second floors, the one on the second floor being a full-size room and boasting a freestanding roll-top bath and two wash basins!

From Tigh a Chruic you can easily explore the rest of the island. In fact, the road down the peninsula has recently been improved. The nearest attraction, a few miles south, is Armadale Castle and gardens. Should you wish to explore off-shore, boat trips are available from Ardvasar for watching seals, porpoises and the occasional Minke whale. If you head north towards Broadford there is a little road which runs round to the west of the peninsula and here you have every chance of spotting deer as well as finding some excellent picnic sites beside the sea shore ( keep an eye out for seals) with magnificent views across the water to the distant Cuillins. When it comes to gourmet dining you are in luck as there are several options close by. The award-winning Eilean Iarmain Hotel is only 2 miles up the road and here you can choose to eat in the two rosette restaurant or relax in its warm and snug bar. Kinloch House, where the hostess is Lady Claire MacDonald, is also on the road to Broadford.

Another trip could be to take the picturesque little road over to Kylerhea and see the otter hide there. In summer, a little turntable ferry sails back and forth to Glenelg on the mainland. Otters are one of the great attractions in this part of the island and it is here, on Eilean Ban, the island below the Skye Bridge, that the author Gavin Maxwell (the author of Ring of Bright Water) lived. His house is now the Ring of Bright Water Visitor Centre and a visit there will be enjoyed by all the family.

Broadford is about 20 minutes away by car and here you will find a supermarket and petrol. Ardvasar, in the opposite direction, has a small shop and hotel. From Broadford you can drive up to visit the rest of the island – Portree, Dunvegan, Elgol – wherever you wish. Sconser has a golf course and a ferry to the island of Raasay – a good day trip. It goes without saying that the opportunites for walking and climbing on Skye are first class and the Estate can organise fishing and shooting in season.

Bedlinen, towels, central heating and electricity are all included. Pets are welcome by arrangement but should not be allowed upstairs.