Skye Boat Lodge

Imagine sailing over the sea to Skye and spending the night in a beautiful custom-built house that takes take full advantage of its loch-side setting, right down to the timber deck that overhangs the sea. Imagine a luxurious bedroom and being lulled to sleep by the sound of lapping waves and with a sea breeze gently drifting through an open window. But why imagine?

Skye Boat Lodge is a reality, a totally bespoke new house completed in 2010  (designed by EC Architectural Studio and constructed by A&E Developments Skye) to provide luxury accommodation in an outstanding location on the edge of Loch Harport in the Isle of Skye.

Location being everything, this five bedroom lodge in the village of Carbost is right on the waterfront – the only holiday home on Skye with a private 40-metre decked pontoon, a convenient as well as practical floating structure for catching fish or lobsters (lobster pots included). The lodge is only five minutes drive from the Cuillins and Fairy Pools and ten minutes drive to Glenbrittle beach, making it an ideal base for walkers, climbers, boat owners and anyone who simply wants to celebrate a special occasion, honeymoon, or simply be at one with nature in tranquil and idyllic surroundings. The house is not overlooked and has no passing traffic, so privacy, peace and quiet and spectacular views are guaranteed all year round. What is does have is an abundance of wildlife right on the doorstep – seals, otters, sea eagles, cormorants, herons and even the occasional dolphin.

The lodge’s layout and interior is truly magnificent. The main living area incorporates a full-height glass wall overlooking the sea that allows the ever-changing seascape and mountain scenery to be viewed from the comfort of a sofa, or even a bed. The pontoon, which leads off a veranda that surrounds the house, can accommodate large yachts although its main use is generally recreational, as an outdoor dining area, a place for fishing, or simply to relax on and take in the scenery.

Five double bedrooms accommodate up to 12 guests in blissful comfort. The master bedroom has an en suite bath/shower room, two walk-in wardrobes and an east-facing balcony that captures the morning sun rising over the Cuillins. The main bathroom downstairs has a double-size power shower and a large whirlpool spa bath. The kitchen and dining areas are similarly impressive, the former with oak units and black granite worktops.

In this very special property no detail has been overlooked and quality is evident in everything, including the flooring, which comprises solid walnut, black granite and pure wool carpets. The lodge has parking for four cars within the grounds and there is also a children’s play area, while the village has a shop, post office and a traditional pub that serves evening meals and has live music at the weekend. The world-famous Talisker distillery is located nearby and is open to visitors all year round and also has a visitor centre and shop.

Extra-special attention to detail puts this bespoke lodge into a different category. Honeymoon guests arrive to find fresh roses, local sea food and a bottle of wine, while returning lodge parties find a welcome basket of local Skye goodies, including fresh oysters, organic freshly baked bread, and a bottle of Talisker Whisky. Guests can also arrange a private day’s yachting on the loch on board a traditional 45ft sailing boat – with ‘door-to-door’ service from the lodge’s pontoon.

By any means of transport, the island is a joy to explore, a place steeped in history, myths and legends. Wonder at the geological marvel that is Kilt Rock; visit Dunvegan Castle, home of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years; take a boat trip from Elgol right into the heart of the Cuillins. Skye has museums, historic sites, heritage centres, arts and crafts and more. Staying at Skye Boat Lodge could be a holiday of a lifetime.