Duart Cottage
Kyleakin
Isle of Skye

Sleeping 6 (8)

'Over the sea to Skye' nowadays means an easy crossing of the curving sweep of the new, toll-free bridge.

The little village of Kyleakin used to be the docking point for the ferry from the mainland, but today it is bypassed by the bridge and consequently wonderfully calm and peaceful. On the road leading to the harbour and bordering the sea shore stands Duart Cottage, a neat, traditional, whitewashed Highland house. The garden (furniture) is about a quarter of an acre and the interior of the house has been renovated to a high standard. The snug sitting room has a multi-fuel stove, (and a wide-ranging selection of videos for wet days), the kitchen is modern, there is a separate dining room and upstairs, double, twin and (small) bunk bedrooms. A second sitting room which also has a double sofa bed gives access to yet another twin bedroom.

Duart is ideally situated for easy access to this delightful area. Kyleakin itself has a shop and hotel, while across the sound in Kyle of Lochalsh (2m) there is a selection of shops, places to eat, leisure centre etc. Within a 15 minute drive you come to the scenic village of Plockton on the mainland (the TV series 'Hamish Macbeth' was filmed here) where you have a choice of excellent restaurants. If you have something special to celebrate the renowned Kinloch Lodge ( hostess here is Lady Claire MacDonald) is 10 miles away on the road to Armadale.

Walkers and climbers are spoilt for choice. On Skye there are the famous Cuillins while the mountains of Wester Ross and Torridon are just about as close. There is now a marina in Kyleakin to the delight of sailing enthusiasts. Eilean Ban, in the middle of the Sound is home to the Ring of Bright Water Visitor Centre. Once upon a time this was where Gavin Maxwell, author and naturalist, lived and is now a sanctuary for wildlife, in particular for otters. A little further down the coast at Kylerhea there is another otter hide while in the opposite direction on the island you can spot sea eagles, dolphins and the occasional whale.

Golf courses are to be found at Sconser (21m) and Portree (33m), the island's capital which also offers riding.

From Armadale, to the south, you can also catch the ferry to Mallaig or visit the gardens at the castle there.

Heating by night storage heaters and multi-fuel stove, all electricity, coal for the stove, bed linen and towels are included. Up to two well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement.

Accommodation (sleeps 6/8):

Downstairs:

• Sitting room with TV, VCR, DVD, Play Station 2 and games library, and multi-fuel stove (coal included).
• Dining room.
• Kitchen with electric cooker, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge-freezer etc.
• Bathroom with bath/shower, WC and wash basin.

Upstairs:

• Double bedroom with king size bed.
• Sitting room with double bed settee giving access to twin bedroom.
• Twin bedroom.
• Very small bedroom with two bunk beds (2ft 6in x 6ft 3in).
• WC with wash basin.

Accommodation availability:

Duart Cottage: