Ceòl a' Chuain Longhouse was designed by award-winning Skye-based architects Dualchas, who believe in building traditional style homes which are appropriate to their surroundings, but which are modern both in terms of their interior design and in their use of energy-harnessing technology.

Its position directly facing the Sound of Sleat exploits the views to the hills of Knoydart on the mainland, and tracks the passage of the sun throughout the day and year, thus maximising passive solar gain, whilst the double glazing and insulation minimize heat loss. The combination of oil-fired central heating and wood-burning stove keeps the house cosy regardless of conditions outside.

The house has three double bedrooms: a double and a twin at each end of the ground floor and a twin up a steep flight of stairs on the first floor. One of the bedrooms is en-suite, with a bath and shower. There is a second shower room downstairs, which has a wet-room style shower.

The open plan living and dining area has wooden flooring, a wood-burning stove, a SONY computer and DVD/CD player with BOSE sound dock. Users should note there is no TV reception or satellite. The dining table can comfortably seat up to eight people. The room has high ceilings to give a strong sense of spaciousness. The floor to ceiling glass doors allow constant views of across the Sound of Sleat to the Knoydart Peninsular and open out onto a long deck and the garden, perfect for relaxing on Skye’s sunny days or for stargazing at night.

Although small the kitchen is well stocked with appliances, pans and utensils, with a large SMEG gas hob and electric oven, a fridge/freezer and a dishwasher. A microwave is separately located in the hall utility cupboard. The entrance hall has plenty of hanging space for jackets and coats. There is also a washer/dryer in the hall cupboard.

The house comes with a supply of firewood. Sheets, duvets and towels are all included, as are electricity charges. There is a phone which you may use for local calls.

Users should note the house is not suitable for children under 9 for safety reasons, and there is no television. We regret that no pets are allowed.

Location:

The longhouse is on the Sleat Peninsula in Camuscross Bay on Isle Ornsay – 9 miles south of Broadford (main shops, hotels, restaurants), 15miles south of the Skye Bridge. Skye can be reached by car over the Skye bridge, or by train either from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh or Fort William to Mallaig, followed by ferry to Armadale, 8 miles south of the longhouse. If you are coming from London, there is an overnight sleeper from Euston to Inverness. The house is just a short walk from the hamlet of Isle Ornsay (award winning restaurant, pub, shop, whisky tasting centre),

Activities:

Skye is an ideal destination for many activities, including:

• bird-watching, with the chance to see Golden Eagles, Sea Eagles and Buzzards together with a host of sea birds.

• walking and climbing, whether on the famous Cuillins or elsewhere on the island, notable for its interesting geology

• Boat trips and sea kayaking including Whale watching and seal trips – between mid-June and the end of September is your best chance to see humpbacks, minkes, basking sharks, bottlenose dolphins and even killer whales. Trips leave from nearby Armadale.

• Deer stalking, shooting and fishing which can be organised through the Estate Office next to the Isle Ornsay hotel• seal and otter spotting, especially in the Rubha Phoil Forest trail near Armadale or visit the Bright Water Visitor Centre in Kyleakin, where you can learn more about the life of Gavin Maxwell, the naturalist and author of Ring of Bright Water.

• Outdoor swimming – including the Fairy Pools at Glenbrittle, in the heart of the Cuillin range – outdoor swimming at its very best.

• sightseeing. The history and culture of Skye can be experienced in numerous places, including the Clan Donald Centre in nearby Armadale which has a small museum and comprehensive library, the Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Scotland’s Gaelic college which is 10 minutes drive to the South or one of Skye’s many museums, including the Museum of Island Life which has seven thatched cottages, recreating life on the island as it was in former times. Interesting castles to visit include Dunvegan, seat of the MacLeods for nearly 800 years, which is the oldest inhabited castle in the UK and is open to visitors all year round, Eilean Donan, just south of Kyle and numerous ruined castles, including the picturesque Dunsgaith Castle 20 minutes away in Tokavaig.

• enjoying the food and drink. Skye has the famous Three Chimneys restaurant and Clare MacDonald’s restaurant at Kinloch Loch, just 10 minutes drive away. Or jump on a boat to the Old Forge at Inverie on Knoydart, the remotest pub on the British mainland, which serves fantastic fresh food at reasonable prices. Talisker is the island’s only single malt distillery. For beer drinkers, there’s the award winning range from the Isle of Skye Brewing Company, including Red and Black Cuillin and Blaven.

• Shopping. Skye has a wealth of interesting things to buy, including wood engravings from the Raven Press gallery in Colbost, stunning photographs from the Three Herons Studio on Broadford, knitwear from the famous Ragamuffin in Armadale and fantastic soaps from Skye Soaps in Portree.