The Eilanreach Estate
The Sound of Sleat,
Western Invernessshire

Keeper's Cottage sleeping 6 >>
South Cottage sleeping 4 >>
North Cottage sleeping 6 >>

The beautiful Eilanreach Estate in the West Highlands of Scotland encompasses rugged mountains which, in places, rise to over 3000 ft, rushing streams, woodland, a dramatic waterfall and a rocky coastline which stretches for 10 miles. Situated 20 miles south of Kyle of Lochalsh, it borders the Sound of Sleat, facing westwards over 3 miles of sea to the spectacular peaks of the Cuillin Mountains on the island of Skye and southwards to the smaller islands of Eigg, Rhum and Muck.

Although it may appear remote the Estate is easily accessed by car from the A87 at Shiel Bridge on Loch Duich by following the 9 miles of road which winds up and around Mam Ratagan (look out for wonderful views of the Five Sisters of Kintail) to Glenelg (hotel-restaurant, PO and well-provisioned general store) before continuing on for a final mile to Eilanreach. At this point the road divides: one fork runs for 4 miles alongside the shallow river Glenelg through Glenbeag past the remains of two well-preserved Pictish brochs ending up at a croft which stands at the foot of the hills: the other 'main' road (single-track with passing places) twists and turns for about 8 more miles down the coast and finally finishes at the villages of Arnisdale and Corran on the shores of Loch Hourn opposite Knoydart.

The coast for the most part is rocky but there are sandy/shingle beaches at Arnisdale and Sandaig Bay. Gavin Maxwell, author of Ring of Bright Water, rented a cottage for 20 years at Sandaig Bay. He called this isolated home Camusfearna and from it he wrote colourful descriptions of his life with the otters and other wild animals. From April to September a 6-car turntable-ferry operates the narrow crossing between Glenelg and Kylerhea (a Forestry Commission otter haven) on the Isle of Skye. Once on Skye you have a wide range of museums, restaurants and tourist attractions on offer.

At Eilanreach three of the Estate cottages are grouped together about a quarter of a mile from the shore of the Sound of Sleat. They have all been renovated and refurbished by their owners and now have excellent modern kitchens and are comfortably snug all year round. Tenants have use of a coin-operated automatic washing machine, tumble drier and freezer.

Heating is by electric and night store heaters and open-fire (initial supply of coal included). Bed-linen and towels can be hired. Pets are welcome.

Accommodation, 3 Cottages:

Keeper's Cottage, sleeping 4 (6)

Keeper's Cottage is a solid, detached stone house standing securely within its private grassy garden with views over woodland and fields to the Isle of Skye.

Downstairs:

• Dining room.
• Small kitchen with electric cooker, dishwasher, fridge and microwave, etc.
• Sitting room with TV/DVD and open fire plus double-bed settee.

Upstairs:

• Twin-bed room.
• Double-bed room.
• Bathroom with bath, shower, WC and basin.

Accommodation availability:

Keeper's Cottage:

South and North Cottages

South and North Cottages are the most charming and the oldest of all the Estate cottages. They have been thoroughly renovated and modernised inside and are now very much in demand as holiday homes.

South Cottage, sleeping 4

Downstairs:

• Kitchen/Dining Room with electric cooker, and microwave oven.
• Sitting-room with open-fire and TV/DVD.
• Bathroom with WC, bath, basin and shower.

Right; South Cottage.

Upstairs:

• Twin bedroom.
• Double bedroom.

Accommodation availability:

South Cottage:

North Cottage, sleeping 6

Downstairs:

• Sitting room with open fire and TV/DVD.
• Twin bed-room.
• Kitchen/dining room with electric cooker, microwave oven and dishwasher.
• Bathroom/shower.

Right; South and North cottages.

Upstairs:

• Twin bedroom.
• Double bedroom.

Right; North Cottage.

Accommodation availability:

North Cottage: