Kingsburgh Boathouse Skye

About this listing

A stone-built beautiful lovers boathouse renovation for two on the edge of the spellbinding Loch Snizort – rugged outside and stylish inside with flagstone floors, mesmerising views and total privacy overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the magical Isle of Skye.

A lovers private retreat on Skye

This luxurious historical small private retreat on Skye dating from Jacobite times has been elegantly restored by the current owners using Skye’s pre-eminent craftsmen and offers privacy, tranquility and total relaxation for the soul.The sunsets from the terrace are incredibly romantic and make for an instant relax, with views stretching out across the sea.The self-contained boathouse/cottage is at the coastal end of the Kingsburgh township and was the original boathouse and store for the historic Kingsburgh House where Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed after being rowed ‘over the sea to Skye’ from North Uist with Flora MacDonald in June 1746.Built within the footprint of the original structure, the stonework has been carefully restored giving contemporary elegance and comfort within a sturdy stone cottage, built to withstand the rigours of the Atlantic setting.

A private escape where wildlife abounds

Kingsburgh is a small township located in the northerly Trotternish peninsula of Skye.  Although only 8 miles north of Portree and a mere half mile down a private road from A87 leading to Uig, Kingsburgh is totally secluded – and the boathouse is spectacularly located just a few steps from the private rocky shoreline.  The view southwards is of the whole Cuillin ridge, beyond Skeabost, and to the north, the distant hills of South Harris give shelter to the nearer Ascrib Isles. An ideal spot for mooring a private yacht, or for braving the local tides on surfboards or in kayaks.  Anglers may find some catch from the rocky promontory seaward of the boathouse.  Even if there are no bites, you won’t be disappointed by the wildlife visitors; regulars are the otter, seals and porpoises in the loch and the landward neighbours, the hares and rabbits. The birdlife wont fail to impress with buzzards, heron, grey-lag geese, oyster-catchers, curlews, and the incalculable gannets, shags and terns. You may even catch sight of an eagle, high above in the distant trees.

Step inside the Boathouse

Warm underfoot this two storey cottage has underfloor heating throughout and a solid Scandinavian wood-burning stove set within the original stonework. Relax in the open-plan dual sitting-dining area which has comfy sofas and picture perfect windows looking out across to the Cuillin ridge on the South and to the Outer Isles on the North. The bespoke dining table was hand crafted on Skye and is just one of the special touches you’ll find at Kingsburgh Boathouse. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen and downstairs cloakroom complete with washer/drier. Relax by the cosy fire with a local malt from one of Skye’s distilleries or you can enjoy a film night in on the HDTV.  There is internet connectivity at Kingsburgh suitable for receiving and sending emails. (although may not provide constant streaming). Upstairs there’s a stunning ‘cathedral’ wooden ceiling and an additional sitting area ideal for relaxing with your morning coffee, while you gaze out over the loch and to the Cuillins.  A deluxe King-sized bed awaits you. Down and feather pillows and duvet are provided as standard, but hypo-allergenic are available by request.

An en-suite bathroom adjoins your bedroom with decadent champagne flutes (acrylic glasses for safety in the en-suite) ideal for your evening soak while watching the sunset from the double-ended bathtub. There’s also a large walk-in shower with large fluffy towels. The Kingsburgh Boathouse Skye is baby friendly but for safety reasons babies beyond toddling age cannot be accommodated, as the cliffs to the sea are hazardous. Please kindly note due to crofters’ sheep in the adjacent fields the property cannot accept any dogs.

5 Star Activities

The house couldn’t be better placed for hillwalking / Munro bagging or relaxing rambles, being half an hour from Sligachan and about an hour to Glen Brittle.  Head for the Quiraing, between Uig and Staffin, or westward, at the Coral Beach near Dunvegan. Coastal strolls to Oronsay across the causeway or head for a spot of lunch at the Old School. Nearer Kingsburgh is the ruined Caiseal Uisdean, or Hugh’s Castle, one of the less famous castles of Skye. Its history is interesting and it makes a good destination for a pleasant coastal walk. Much of the route has been made into a vehicle track, so navigation is easy.

Take in the infamous Fairy Glen at Uig, which is believed to be supernatural – there are no roadsigns to point the way but luckily, it isn’t too difficult to find, just a short way off the main A87 south of Uig. The fairies live about a mile up here. You’ll certainly know when you have reached their special place.For a memorable day out you can take a boat trip from Elgol to Loch Coruisk or visit the instantly recognisable and highly instagrammable Eilean Donan Castle at Dornie on the mainland. Head North towards Dunvegan Castle and gardens and view the magical fairy flag.

There is a range of arts and crafts in Skye and Lochalsh – where you can view and buy paintings, sculptures and hand thrown local pottery as well as beautiful yarns at Waternish.  A favourite is Orbost gallery near Dunvegan, which offers enchanting watercolours, prints and wood engravings. Foodies will be spoiled for choice here on Skye where dining out is an essential part of the Skye experience.  The restaurants are too numerous to mention, The Ferry Inn at Uig is highly recommended and The Three Chimneys for a special occasion is not to be missed. Portree offers a number of good, informal dining spots to suit all budgets. Fresh seafood is in abundance here on Skye, langoustines, hand dived scallops, lobster, mussels and the freshest of fish from local fishmerchants to cook at home or eat out locally.Your base provides the ideal spot to bring bikes or even kayaks. Kayaks can be hired from less than half an hour north of this property and to end on a relaxing note, book a massage or aromatherapy treatment locally just 20 minutes away.

Immerse yourself in the raw beauty surrounding you at every turn. Whether watching the tide from the rocks on a summer evening to taking in the relaxing views from the seaward windows, the loch feels close enough to touch. For the quickest relax and possibly one of the most romantic stays on Skye each season offers something incredibly special for the discerning guest choosing to stay at Kingsburgh.

Rates :

The weekly rate from April to September is £1,540. Winter rates (October to February) are from £1,260 for a week’s stay.

We are able to offer 4 night stays from Monday to Friday or 3 night stays from Friday to Monday. The daily rate of £220 (summer) and £180 (winter) apply.

Getting here:

Crossing the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh on route from from Inverness or the A87 from Fort William. Another stunning route is the road to the isles A830 and onto the Calmac ferry crossing from Mallaig to Armadale. Kingsburgh is an hour’s drive from the Skye Bridge and about 75 minutes from Armadale.

Inverness has flight connections from the south – Gatwick and Bristol – with Easyjet and there are day trains from King’s Cross and sleeper trains from Euston also reach Inverness or Fort William. The famous West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig (with Harry Potter viaduct) and the North Highland Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh are both spectacular journeys.

Car hire is available at Inverness, or at Kyle of Lochalsh or in Skye.  Intrepid visitors trying the no-car option can be met at Portree, from the bus by arrangement.

Guest Comments:

Your house is amazing…. The views and the comfort here are just perfect, and what a lovely surprise to see a bottle of wine to welcome us, THANK YOU so much 

We’re completely blown away by how amazing this place is. So beautiful and the views are amazing. We love it already. And thank you for the wine, we’ll enjoy that! 

Just wanted to say how much Justin and I enjoyed our stay at the Boathouse. It’s an absolutely beautiful property in an absolutely beautiful place, and it was so nice to meet you, albeit briefly. We loved everything about the place especially the decor and the space – that has to be the biggest bathroom we’ve had in a private property!  Thank you for the personal touches (wine, diffuser, lovely local toiletries, robes, candles). It was immaculately clean and private with amazing views.  We loved the top quality towels and bedding and you’ve thought of everything from the facilities point even providing citronella candles (which we didn’t need thanks to the wind) but were there nevertheless. Fabulous is not enough of an adjective for what has to be the best romantic bolthole on Skye. Thank you for allowing us to stay and we will definitely recommend to others and hope to return again ourselves in the future. 

Fulfilled our every expectation – quiet, remote, luxurious’ – Euan and Katrina, Dumfries

‘What better place to come back to after spending our days out exploring the Isle of Skye’ – Andy and Rachel, Yorkshire 

‘Carol – you have set a benchmark for others to aspire to – simply the best place we have ever stayed’ – Jim and Annie,  Perthshire

‘Rain and hail to welcome in the New Year – no better place to be!  White-tailed eagles from the breakfast table!  PS – the Christmas tree was an inspired touch.’ – Frank and Jayne, Derbyshire

‘A week of spectacular winter storms!  The Boathouse was the perfect sanctuary – cosy and welcoming.  No need to go outside’ – Gerry and Xiao, London 

‘We’ve truly had a 5 star stay for our honeymoon – thank you’ – Fiona and Karl,  Angus, Scotland