Marchbank is a trim, detached modern house in a truly stunning location on the shores of Loch Bracadale, between Dunvegan and Sligachan on the west coast of Skye. The view over the water and across to the strange, flat-topped hills known as MacLeod's Tables is simply beautiful and the huge windows and patio doors of the cottage's sitting room are designed to make the most of it.
There is parking right at the door and there is free use of the jetty below the house if you wish to bring your own boat. Essentially, at Marchbank you have your own stretch of seashore, where children can play and adults explore, perhaps catching a glimpse of an elusive otter in the process. Seals and all manner of seabirds are frequently to be seen. You may even be lucky enough to spot a sea eagle. (Do please, however, keep the gate shut or you may have wildlife coming to see you in the form of the nosey local sheep!)
The excellence of the house is on a par with its setting. In addition to the comfortable sitting room, there is a large, well-appointed dining kitchen with every modern convenience, and an additional utility room with washing machine and tumble drier. The large master bedroom with king-size bed has an en suite; there are two further twin bedrooms and a large family bathroom. And as an additional bonus, there is a second, enormous sitting room/play room with wide screen TV/DVD at the top of the spiral staircase, so there is plenty of room to spread.
Historic Dunvegan with shops, restaurants and of course its famous castle and gardens is just 7 miles away. From there, too you can take boat trips to the seal islands. The 'capital' of Skye, Portree, is just a half hour drive from the cottage and the excellent roads in this part of the island mean that much of the island is quite accessible for a day's outing. You can visit the Talisker Distillery at Carbost on Loch Harport (careful, there are two Carbosts on the island!), head into the Red Cuillin from Sligachan, or for some less strenuous exercise, play golf at Sconser (18m). So much to do, though you may well be content just to chill out in the lovely surroundings of Marchbank.
Heating is by electric heaters. Bed linen, towels, and electricity (first £25) are INCLUDED. Sorry, pets are not accepted and smoking is not permitted within the cottage.
