| 5
Star Luxury Cottage on the Isle of Skye 
•Sleeps
up to 2 •1 bedrooms •1 bathrooms •Dishwasher •Washing machine •Satellite TV •Telephone
•Beach nearby •Shops nearby •TV •Close to River •Restaurants nearby •Internet
access •Microwave •Lake nearby •Golf CEUD
MILE FAILTE - Welcome to Skye Crofters Cottage, Balmeanach, Struan, Isle of Skye.
We hope you enjoy looking through our website and discovering what this lovely
cottage and island has to offer.
A traditionally built crofters cottage on the isle of Skye with spectacular views
surrounded by wildlife in abundance. Skye Crofters Cottage is an exceptionally
luxurious property, built and furnished to a high specification. Graded 5 stars
by Visit Scotland, the Scottish Tourist Board. Ideal as a romantic hideaway, it
sits on a secluded spot at the top of a hill, with spectacular views of Loch Caroy
and the hills. All this can be seen from every window of the cottage. It
provides a perfect opportunity for a quiet break with excellent accessibility
for exploring Skye and its wildlife. Our aim has been to combine the luxury of
a 5 star hotel with the comforts of home. . The
house has been built in the style of a traditional Blackhouse using stone sourced
from blackhouse ruins around the Bracadale area. The stone walls were built by
a local stonemason, who carry’s out the repairs at Dunvegan Castle. As you walk
about the cottage, you'll feel lovely warmth underfoot. This is due to our unique
under floor heating system. When
excavating the foundations of the cottage, we were digging what we felt for miles
under the soil, to reach a natural underground spring water well that my father
found over 50 years ago. After connecting to the well and with the help of modern
technology, we've used the water to heat the house, and if we're blessed with
a warm summer, it can be used to cool the cottage down also. Having our own spring
water supply meant that we wouldn't have to use the mains water supply and our
guests would be able to enjoy drinking fresh Skye water without the use of chemicals.
Ideal with a dram of Talisker! The
roof of the cottage is traditional in style but not in materials. I flew all the
way to Norway to view this product and decided to go for it due to its lasting
properties, but also the cottage is very exposed on the croft hill and I wouldn't
want the roof to blow off on a stormy night! 
Living Rooms
The comfortable Italian leather sofa, quality soft furnishings and fuel burning
stove will ensure a cosy night relaxing after a day’s activities. Kindling and
peat are provided. Sky television is connected and we have a selection of DVD’s
for you to enjoy.
There
is also our very own webcam which is linked to the bird table on the hill, so
you can view close-up the many species of birds which visit. Binoculars are provided
to view the spectacular scenery from the cottage and should you require a telescope,
we would be happy to supply one for your holiday duration. There are also a selection
of books, games, maps and CD’s, plus an IPOD docking station which is part of
the CD/Radio player, should you wish to listen to your own choice of music. 
Kitchen The
kitchen is professionally equipped with washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer,
built in cooker and microwave. In the cupboards, you will find everything you
need if you would prefer to cook for yourselves. Even down to a fish kettle, should
you be fortunate enough to catch your own supper! A selection of crockery is available
for every day dining, however, if you would prefer to create a more fine dining
experience, china, crystal, tablecloths, etc, are all provided. All we ask is
that you do the cooking!
Bedrooms The
sumptuous King Size bed has been dressed with the finest linen and the quilts
and pillows are hypo-allergenic and of the highest quality. The perfect place
to relax or read after a day’s walking. There is a flat screen television with
satellite and a reading area for you to choose from. There is ample storage with
‘his and her’ chest of drawers, hairdryer, safe, dressing table and writing desk.
WI-Fi is provided for those who would like to keep in touch with the big, wide
world.
Bathroom The
bathroom of the cottage is spacious and luxurious in design. Every detail has
been thought of and it boasts a large free standing bath and sit down steam shower.
You’ll find the Steam/Shower cubicle an extra luxury during your stay. Either
for a refreshing shower, or unwind your muscles using the steam function.
At
the same time, you can tune in to Radio Highland (or Radio 1), put your feet up
and have your feet massaged using the foot massager. What better way to end the
day after a hard days walking. Or if you would prefer, luxuriate in the bath big
enough for 2, surrounded by candles, with a chilled glass of wine. Highland Aromatic
essentials are provided as well as luxury towels and dressing gowns.. Cleaning
& Linen
All linens, towels and dressing gowns are provided and changed weekly. A welcome
pack which includes breakfast, whisky marmalades, home made bread, shortbread
and chocolates, Isle of Skye Whisky and Bailey's miniatures and a supply of hebridean
toileteries are supplied on arrival.The cottage is cleaned weekly. Accomodation
Notes Underfloor heating sourced from peat below ground. Private water supply,
free of chemicals, sourced fro private well on croft. Outside
The cottage is on a 38 acre croft, which guests are free to roam. Outside,
there are picnic tables to enjoy the view. On the shore there is an otter hide
where you can watch the otters play. A webcam is attached to the cottage to view
the eagle activity on the croft. Mountain bikes and fishing rods provided as well
as barbecue. Leisure
Facilities Dunvegan Castle and Gardens The official home of the MacLeod Clan
Chief and is said to be one of the oldest inhabited castles in Scotland.. The
castle can trace its history back to 1200AD. One of the most popular tourist attractions
on the island. From here you can also take a boat trip through Loch Dunvegan to
observe the seal colony at close quarters, This was voted the ‘1 of the Best UK
days out’ by the Sunday Times Travel Magazine Open 1st of April until 15th of
October between the hours of 10am and 5.30pm. !6th October to March – Open by
Appointment www.dunvegancastle.com Armadale
Castle and Gardens Once part of the traditional lands of the Clan Donald and
now houses the Museum of the Isles. Six interconnecting galleries take you through
1500 years of the history and culture of the area once known as the Kingdom of
the Isles. Helped by the warm air from the Gulf Stream, there are 40 acres of
gardens exhibiting exotic trees, flowers and shrubs,. Or if raining, browse the
library, with over 7000 books on Scottish and Island culture to enjoy. Open 6th
of April 2009 to 31st October 2009 between 9.30am and 5.30pm daily www.clandonald.com
The
Skye Museum of Island Life A preservation of a township of 7 traditional Thatched
Black Houses housing dating back to the mid 19th century. Experience the harsh
realities of their living and working conditions and the happy communities that
they lived in. Nearby is the monument to Flora macDonald who helped Bonnie Price
Charlie escape from his enemies.(Easily reached by a short walk along the grassy
headland). Open Easter to October 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday www.skyemuseum.co.uk
Trumpan
Church, Waternish peninsula, NW Skye The MacLeods used to worship here, but
one Sunday in 1578 the MacDonalds of Uist landed on the beach, barred the church
door, and set fire to the building. All the worshippers were burned to death except
for one girl who escaped and warned the MacLeods at Dunvegan Castle. A MacLeod
force, carrying their magic Fairy Flag which guaranteed them victory in battle,
managed to reach the scene in time to set upon the MacDonalds and slaughter them
to a man. Under the church lie the bones of the vanquished MacDonalds.Th Fairy
flag can be seen on display at Dunvegan Castle. . Changeover
day Saturday, however flexible in low season. Local
Information The
Isle of Skye has many art and craft galleries, as you will see as you travel the
Island. Everything from pottery, photography, textiles and sculptures. Artists
are attracted to the island due to its wealth of scenery and inspiration. There
are too many for me to mention, however the Skye and Lochalsh Arts Association
provides a complete overview of the artists and craftspeople living and working
in the area. See the booklet in the Cottage or visit the Aros Centre in Portree,
an award winning visitor centre, where you can shop for local products or visit
their arts and craft gallery. They also have a small cinema, showing recent films.
If this is not for you, they have a Sea Eagle Nest cam showing live pictures of
sea-eagles, herons, owls and sparrow hawks from a bird's eye perspective. RSPB
officers are on-hand to answer questions. They also provide 3 hour guided bus
tours of the North of Skye, bookable from the centre. Tel.01478 613649 or visit
www.aros.co.uk
Bright Water Visitor Centre, Kyleakin This interactive centre introduces
you to the local and natural history of the area, particularly otters, and from
there you can arrange to visit the island of Eilean Ban through its entry point
at the "otter gate" on the Bridge. This island was the last home of the author
Gavin Maxwell ("Ring of Bright Water" Fame.) With a local guide:- * Visit the
Gavin Maxwell "longroom” Museum * Climb the Stevenson Lighthouse * Watch the wildlife
from the island hide Tel: 01599 530040 or visit www.eilenban.org Skyeskyns,
Waternish Skyeskyns is Scotland's only traditional exhibition tannery. A family
sheepskin business established in 1983. Visitors can witness time-honoured methods
of making leather, the oldest craft, and see an unparalleled range of finest quality
hand-combed Highland lambskins and leather goods. Tel. 01470 592237 or visit www.skyeskyns.co.uk
Talisker
Distillery, Carbost The only distillery on the Isle of Skye set on the shores
of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. Talisker Distillery was founded
in 1830 by the brothers Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill of Eigg, sons of the doctor
for the Small Isles. Then, as now, Talisker provided employment for local families
but the establishment of the distillery was described by a former parish minister,
and a total abstainer, as "one of the greatest curses, that in the ordinary course
of Providence, could befall it or any other place". Distillery workers were once
paid in specially minted coins with face values equalling the number of days worked.
Employees exchanged the coins, which today can be seen in the Distillery Visitor
Centre, for the necessities of life, such as herring, oatmeal and flour. The provide
sample nosing, tastings and a tour of the distillery, a must for any whisky connoisseur.
Openings: April to October 31st: Mon — Sat: 9.30am — 5.00pm Last Tour: 4.00pm
July & August also open: Sundays: 12.30pm — 5.00pm Last Tour: 4.00pm Tel. 01478
614308 or visit www.discovering-distilleries.com Edinbane
Pottery, Edinbane Founded in 1949, specialists in wood fired and salt glazed
pottery. Their work is greatly influenced by the sea, landscape & wildlife of
Skye. You can see the craftsmen at work, browse the wide variety of pottery for
sale in the Gallery, and take away a unique reminder of Skye. Tel. 01470 582 234
or visit www.edinbane-pottery.co.uk
Skye Serpentarium Reptile World, Broadford Opened in 1991 as an exhibition
and educational centre, over the years has gradually become a refuge for unwanted
and illegally imported reptiles. There are over 50 animals on display from White's
Tree Frogs to Large Green Iguanas. It’s informative and fun. Enjoy watching a
world of snakes, lizards, frogs and tortoises in natural surroundings. Frequent
handling sessions. Tel: 01471 822 209 or visit www.skyeserpentarium.org.uk Isle
of Skye Trekking Centre, between Portree and Dunvegan See some of the stunning
views of the Skye countryside on horseback accompanied experienced members of
staff. The treks cater for anyone over the ages of 4years and no experience is
necessary to take part. Tel: 01470 582419 or visit www.theisleofskyetrekkingcentre.co.uk
Isle of Skye Golf Club, Sconser 9 hole golf course laid out with 18 tees, 4677
yards, par 66. Seaside course, with tearoom and small golf shop. Golf club and
trolley hire. Views of the Red Cuillins, The Isle of Raasay and Ben Tianauaig.
Tel. 01478 650414 or visit www.isleofskyegolfclub.co.uk Skye
Salmon, Loch Snizort The River Snizort is the most celebrated spate river
on The Isle of Skye. Wild brown trout, salmon and sea trout abound throughout
the year. Half day or full day permits can be booked in advance. Tel: 01470 532297
or visit www.skyesalmon.co.uk . Directions
BY ROAD - If you come via the Skye Bridge stay on the A87 for about
20 miles until you reach Sligachan, where there is a hotel (The Sligachan Hotel)
and campsite. Take a left onto the A863 Dunvegan road. Continue along this road
through the village of Struan and onto Ose. One mile past, you will come to Caroy,
there is a sign for the cottage on the main road – the cottage is on the right.
Crofters Cottage 1 Balmeanach Struan Isle of Skye IV56 8FH BY
FERRY - If you come via the Mallaig-Armadale ferry, take the A851 north
from Armadale (signposted Broadford) until it joins the A87. Follow the above
directions thereafter. If you come via the Uig ferry take the A87 for about 11
miles turn left at Borve signposted for Dunvegan) A850. When coming into Dunvegan
turn left for Sligachan A863, continue on this road for around 5 miles until you
see the signpost for the cottage on the right. The cottage is on the left hand
side of the road. For
more information Click
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