Is a most beautiful West Highland Estate about 20 miles south of Kyle of Lochalsh on Scotland's north-west (mainland) coast. It stretches many miles along the shores of The Sound of Sleat opposite the southern end of the Island of Skye, and faces west across 3 miles of sea towards the dramatic peaks of The Cuillin Mountains on Skye and south to the Islands of Eigg, Rhum and Muck. Drive on the A87 from Loch Ness to Shiel Bridge on Loch Duich, and then follow 9 miles of road that climbs and winds up Mam Ratagan (glorious views of The Five Sisters of Kintail) to arrive at the village of Glenelg (hotel/restaurant,PO,well-stocked General Store). The Eilanreach Estate starts one further mile south with the 'main road' (single-track with passing places!) continuing eight miles down the coast to peter out at the hamlets of Arnisdale and Corran on the shores of Loch Hourn opposite Knoydart.
This is magnificent scenery on a grand scale with 3,000ft mountains round about. There are woodlands, a spectacular waterfall into the shallow River Glenbeag and two Pictish brochs to explore, wonderful walks, masses of quiet spots with stunning views to picnic in - and a good pub/restaurant in Glenelg. The coast is mainly rugged, but at Arnisdale and Sandaig Bay there are sandy/light-shingle beaches, and it was at Sandaig Bay that Gavin Maxwell, author of 'Ring of Bright Water', spent twenty years in a lonely cottage on the shore called Camusfearna and wrote vividly of his life with the otters and other animals. From April to September you can get across to the Island of Skye very easily by a 6-car turntable-ferry which crosses the narrow strait between Glenelg and Kylerhea (Forestry Commission otter-haven); and once on Skye you have a whole multitude of museums, restaurants, tourist attractions of all kinds, to visit.
North Cottage is one of three holiday cottages altogether at Eilanreach, which are in a little gathering of houses about 1/4 mile from the shore of The Sound of Sleat. It is a most attractive and comfortable house, with a spacious sitting room with open fire, and a large, well-equipped kitchen/dining room. There is one twin bedroom on the ground floor, and a further double and twin bedroom upstairs. The large enclosed porch is ideal for shedding and storing coats and muddy boots. (Not that it ever rains in this part of the world.....!) A pleasant and enclosed front garden has delightful views of the sound and the mountains beyond.
North Cottage shares a communal laundry-room with South Cottage next door, where there is a coin-operated automatic washing-machine, tumble-drier, and deep-freeze, for tenants' use.
Heating is by electric and night store heaters and open-fire (initial supply of coal included).
Bed-linen and towels can be hired. Pets are welcome.
