According to Norman, (of whom more later) grown men have been known to cry when they have to leave Kylesmorar at the end of their stay here. And you can quite believe it, for Loch Nevis or 'The Loch of Heaven' in Gaelic must surely be one of the most remarkable and unforgettable holiday destinations imaginable.
Accessible only by boat, the estate lies east of Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland, on the remote shores of Loch Nevis, round which no roads run. Once a thriving crofting community, the original inhabitants are long gone but from the former crofting township however, three principal buildings, The Bothy/Schoolhouse and the Old Post Office, have been spectacularly converted into holiday homes using local craftsmen and materials. They now offer most comfortable and beautifully appointed accommodation furnished with great style and originality. Each stands just a few yards from the water's edge, nestling right at the foot of some on Scotland's most majestic mountains.
You reach Kylesmorar via the friendly little ferry from Mallaig. It will drop you at Tarbet (over the side into an estate boat, so you have to be fairly nimble!) and you'll then be taken onward for the 5 minute passage round the headland to Kylesmorar itself. Tenants are also welcome to bring their own boats and make use of the jetty and visitor mooring at Kylesmorar at their own risk.
This is the ultimate place to chill. You can curl up in front of a roaring log fire, take leisurely strolls along the beach, perhaps picking up a few shellfish for lunch as you go, while the resolutely active can tackle some of the Munros in the area. Weather permitting, there will be the chance of a scheduled lift with the Estate boat to one of three spots that serve as the starting points of some lovely walks, or to Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula, where you could have lunch at the local pub or tearoom, before getting the afternoon ferry back to Tarbet.
The Old Post Office has now been completely renovated and refurbished and, just a few yards from the water's edge, has uninterrupted views over Loch Nevis to the Skye Cuillins. Inside this traditonal whitewashed cottage the spacious sitting room has exposed beams, stone walls and a cosy log-burning stove. This room opens on to a farmhouse-style dining kitchen with a large pine table and oil-fired stove, while upstairs there are double and twin bedrooms, both of which face the water. A shower room with power shower completes the accommodation. There is an extra fold-down cabin bed above the staircase!
Please note that there are no shops on Kylesmorar and provisions should be brought in with you. Mobile reception is very patchy indeed; however you will be provided with a two-way radio receiver, so that you can contact your hosts at any time with any queries or problems.
The friendly crew on the ferry which brings you over from Mallaig set the tone for the people you will encounter during your stay, and it only gets better. You will be greeted by Deoné, who looks after your comfort here and tends the thriving vegetable gardens, or Norman, who just seems to know everything and do everything that needs doing in terms of repairs, upkeep of boats and matters mechanical. They are now ably assisted by Tom, who having spent two summers helping Deoné and Norman, now works ont he Estate full-time.. All three are based round the headland at Tarbet, but are happy to help at any time. Your other neighbours will be Babe and Mac, the two magnificent pigs who live on the lochside. Babe usually has a litter of enchanting piglets in tow and is the friendliest animal imaginable, always ready for a chat (yes, really!) and to have her back and ears scratched.
Bed linen, towels, heating and electricity are all INCLUDED in the rental. Water is from a private supply which is UV filtered and tested annually. Pets are welcome by arrangement but should be kept under control on the surrounding croft.
Other holiday cottages on the Kylesmorar Estate -
The Bothy/Old Schoolhouse (Sleeps 2/4)
