If spacious accommodation and incredible loch views are on the holiday wishlist then Portnahaile is the perfect fit, in an enviable situation on the shore of Loch Gairloch with an incredible outlook of the water, only 5 minutes’ drive from Gairloch (1.5 miles).

With the scene outside ever-changing as light dances on the water the views may well distract from the cosy interior, which is very elegantly presented throughout. The estate workers who originally lived here would certainly be impressed by the transformation that it has undergone during its refurbishment. At its heart the welcoming sitting room is kept toasty by a wood-burning stove that the seating is centred around and the kitchen is roomy and bright with a chic dining area and more of those lovely views.

The rope handrail up the staircase continues the smart, nautical theme and leads up to a sunny landing that the two bedrooms lead off from. The stylish double bedroom and cheerful twin bedroom both have window seats to make the most of the fabulous outlook towards the loch and there is another to be found in the shower room that lies in between the two.

Everything really is spread out immediately in front of the door with the incredible vista of the water and mountains beyond being enough to take one’s breath away. The open front garden is an idyllic spot to pull up a chair and take it all in no matter what time of day and there is direct access right down to the loch shore (care should be taken, particularly with children).

Parking is just to the side of the house and a little footpath leads down to the wonderful sands of Gairloch beach only ¼ of a mile away that is sure to be one of the first places to explore. This glorious long stretch of sheltered beach is particularly picturesque at sunset when the sky becomes an absolute riot of colour.