In a lovely peaceful situation high above Knock Bay on the Sleat Peninsula on the beautiful island of Skye, and with commanding views over the sea to the hills of Morar on the mainland, Tigh a Chruic is a substantial, traditional 18th century farmhouse, which has now been fully restored to provide most spacious and comfortable holiday accommodation.
Just a few miles from the Armadale-Mallaig car ferry, and within 30 minutes of the Skye bridge, it stands at the end of a short drive, with a gravel area providing plenty parking round the house. There is a small garden to the front (furniture, barbecue) where you can sit and enjoy the view across the bay, and a large grassy expanse dotted with trees and bushes to the rear, ideal for children to play in safety. A short track leads down to the rocky shore, where you can explore the ruins of the 15th century castle (Camas) which dominates the bay. Nearby too is Torr Sitheig (the Knoll of the Fairies), a mystical spot steeped in local tradition. You may be lucky enough to spot seals and otters in the water, while bird enthusiasts, too, will find plenty to interest them. All of which makes this is a perfect venue for a family holiday where adults, children and pets alike will revel in the freedom it offers. (There is a working farm close by, so dogs will require some supervision in the immediate area.)
Inside, the house is very well appointed in a comfortable and homely style which perfectly complements its character. There is a large farmhouse dining kitchen with oil-fired Aga, and a most welcoming sitting room with a large open fire. The upstairs double bedroom has a four poster bed, and there are bathrooms on both the first and second floors - the one on the second is a full size room, with a freestanding roll-top bath and two wash basins.
Most of the road down the peninsula has recently been improved, so the whole island is readily accessible from Tigh a Chruic. Closest to hand, a few miles to the south is Armadale Castle and gardens. From Ardvasar, you can also take boat trips to see seals, porpoises and maybe even a Minke whale. Heading north towards Broadford, take the little road round to the west of the peninsula, where you are likely to see deer and will find some wonderful shoreside picnic places (look out for seals), with fabulous views across the bay to the far Cuillins. As far as eating places are concerned, you are spoiled for choice, with several possibilities within a short distance. Approximately two miles up the road is the award-winning Eilean Iarmain Hotel, where you have the choice between eating in its two rosette restaurant or its warm and cosy bar. You will also pass Claire MacDonald's Kinloch House on the way to Broadford.
Another possible excursion is to take the very scenic little road over to Kylerhea, where there is an otter hide, and from where, in summer, a little turntable ferry plies back and forth to Glenelg on the mainland. Otters are a great attraction in this part of the island; the house where Gavin Maxwell (the author of Ring of Bright Water) lived on Eilean Ban, the island underneath the Skye Bridge, is now the Ring of Bright Water Visitor Centre, which provides a most interesting day out for all the family.
Twenty minutes or so will take you to Broadford, where there is a supermarket and petrol. (There is also a small shop in the other direction at Ardvasar.) From Broadford, you can head up to Portree, Dunvegan, Elgol - the choice is yours. There is golf at Sconser, from where the ferry also leaves for the island of Raasay - well worth a day trip. The walking and climbing opportunities on this wonderful island are well known, while the Estate can arrange fishing and shooting in season.
Bedlinen, towels, central heating and electricity are all INCLUDED. Pets are welcome by arrangement but should not be allowed upstairs. Sorry, no smoking in the house.
