The Blackhouse sits in Camus Croise, part of Isleornsay on Skye’s Sleat peninsula. This part of the island is gentler than the rugged peaks of central Skye, but the view from the front of the house is dramatic, looking across the Sound of Sleat to Knoydart — often called Scotland’s last wilderness.

Most people reach Skye via the Kyle of Lochalsh bridge, but you can still cross the water on the charming little ferry from Kylerhea (16 miles away) to Glenelg. This was once the main route to the island, and today the Glenachulish is the world’s last manually operated turntable ferry. Otters are often seen here — Gavin Maxwell wrote Ring of Bright Water just a few miles away.

Another scenic option is the Mallaig–Armadale ferry, which docks only eight miles from The Blackhouse. It can be a real time-saver but gets busy in summer, so booking ahead is advised.

Wildlife abounds in this part of Skye. Otters, whales and dolphins are often spotted offshore, while red squirrels and pine martens inhabit the local woods. Seabirds are a constant presence, with herons, sandpipers and oystercatchers seen on the shore. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse a white-tailed sea eagle — reintroduced after being hunted to extinction in the 1920s.

Sleat has become something of a foodie destination, with excellent restaurants close by. These include Toravaig House (3.5 miles), Duisdale House (2 miles), and Hotel Eilean Iarmain (1 mile). Kinloch Lodge (4 miles), founded by Lady Claire Macdonald, is still among the island’s finest places to eat.

Skye offers walking for all abilities. There are coastal paths nearby, or more adventurous routes in the island’s 12 Munros — mountains over 3,000 feet. The Cuillin Ridge is legendary but should only be attempted by experienced climbers, and always with a close eye on the weather.

Sleat’s sheltered bays are perfect for kayaking, and local operators run wildlife and fishing trips. The longest-established is Bella Jane Boat Trips in Elgol (23 miles). Whisky lovers can tour nearby Torabhaig Distillery (4 miles), which has a café and shop. Talisker Distillery in Carbost, with its visitor centre and restaurant, is around 45 minutes away.

For essentials, the An Crubh Community Hub (1.5 miles) has an excellent café, well-stocked shop and Post Office. There’s a petrol station with a small shop in Armadale, and another in Ardvasar (3 miles). A larger supermarket and fuel station are in Broadford (13 miles), with more shops in Portree (34 miles) or Kyle of Lochalsh (15 miles) on the mainland.