Skye’s the limit at this home in a serene settlement in the Scottish Highlands
Words Lalia Saidy Khan
Pass this home on a winding road in Flodigarry and you’d be forgiven for almost missing it. After all, how could we expect you to take your eyes off the spectacular scenery? Situated at the north tip of the Isle of Skye, the house is in a rural hamlet known for its untainted rolling fields and glistening coastal waters – and it’s this that takes centre stage. Thanks to its sloping roof and simple wooden frame, the structure sinks into the hillside while offering extraordinary views across the island. The best part? It’s on the market, meaning all of this could be yours…The surroundings might make a grand first impression, but this listing – which includes a two-bedroom house, a one-bedroom bothy and a studio – is worth lusting over too. The three recently completed buildings were designed by Dualchas, a family-run architecture firm that champions a context-led approach to design, conceiving projects that complement their sites. In this instance, the practice employed a palette of materials – think larch cladding and zinc roofing – inspired by the vernacular architecture of the Highlands.
Inside the main house, we love the “upside-down” layout. The open-plan living area and contemporary kitchen on the first floor feature extensive glazing that brings views of in seascapes and captivating craggy terrain beyond. The windows are cleverly positioned on sloping ceilings in the main dining room, which might just mean you’ll spend more time admiring the endless sky than focusing on your meal in front of you. If the sun shines, however, we urge you to take a seat on the floating balcony, which offers views of both the Quaring Nature Reserve and the North Atlantic Ocean.
Historically speaking, bothy – or “bothran” in Gaelic – translates to mean a separate lodging for workers on an estate. This part of the home pays homage to tradition in form if not function: it has its own kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, all of which have access to decking that offers views down to the water. We think it makes a lovely guest house, who could refuse the invitation to stay here? The third building, meanwhile, is the office/studio – a place suited for exploring creative pursuits. Whether you have a penchant for painting, poetry or anything in between, we can bet you’ll feel inspired when looking out the window here.
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