People from all over the world – including celebrities – come to eat at the famous Three Chimneys restaurant on the north west of the Isle of Skye. Whilst this restaurant – which is regularly voted as being in the top 5 in the world - is amazing, it's really the awe-inspiring views that draw people from across the globe. So just imagine the delight of our guests at 'Rhundunan' who arrive to realise that the views from this stylish house (built by the previous owners of the Three Chimneys) are even more delicious, nestling as it does on the hillside just above its celebrated neighbour.
Whilst this three bedroom property (sleeping 6) blends with the crofting architecture of the area, the interior is a beautiful blend of the traditional and contemporary. Rhundunan features a double height vaulted ceiling with balcony area in the lounge, large cathedral style windows, a well equipped kitchen, a master bedroom with king-size bed (which guests have described as “like sleeping on a cloud”) with an en-suite bathroom, two additional bedrooms, family bathroom, a dining kitchen and utility room.
It's a rarity to find such a stylish holiday home in such a rugged landscape. Rhundunan, with its two double bedrooms and a twin/bunk room, has everything you need for a family holiday, a friends get-together or maybe just a romantic, get-away-from-it-all trip for two.
The property is equipped and furnished to an extremely high standard. The kitchen features granite worktops (all mod cons including a dishwasher) and a big oak table which seats up to 6 people for convivial dining.
The living room is a cosy retreat with stylish furniture, luxury fabrics (including tartan named after the island) and a colour palette which takes its inspiration from the surrounding romantic moorland. It is a boutique but super-comfortable space, with views from every angle…though you may also choose to close the curtains on the world and curl up in front of the fire.
The main bedroom (with en-suite), is accessed via the upper balcony, and will guarantee a heavenly night's sleep. The bright downstairs double bedroom is freshly decorated in neutral and coastal tones designed to connect you with the outdoors, whilst the twin, bunk-bedded room is fun at any age!
Whilst it would be tempting to stay and enjoy the luxuries indoors, the scenery is such that it would be hard not to be tempted out into the great outdoors.
From its elevated position, there are panoramic views from windows throughout the house, over to the peaks of Harris and North Uist, Loch Dunvegan with its many islands, and uninterrupted views to the Cuillin mountains. There are also views over the easier-walking, flat top peaks of 'Macleod's Tables'. In other words, there are literally too many stunning views to drink in at once. Perhaps this is why there is an illicit still, where islanders would brew their own whisky at the side of the house, next to the Colbost Croft Museum! Nowadays, the island has its own distillery – Talisker – one of the best known and best regarded Scottish whiskies.
There's certainly no better way to relax and enjoy the 'water of life' than in front of the cosy, living flame gas fire of the lounge at Rhundunan, with views dramatically framed by the cathedral style windows. From here, you can pick up the binoculars and watch the seals basking on the islands or bobbing about in the loch; the prolific birdlife, including sea eagles and golden eagles; or, if you're lucky, the dolphins playing in the bay or even a basking shark or whale. Or you can just check out which hills to tackle the next day.
If a more relaxing day is on the cards, a large, sheltered garden is accessed via the French doors from the lounge (with picnic table for al fresco dining) or take the picnic rug and stroll down to the shoreline to enjoy a bottle of wine as the sun sets. If you wind your way up the path behind the house, you will be rewarded with a bench to sit and enjoy yet another perspective of the panoramic views for miles around.
Whatever activities you decide to indulge in, Rhundunan – which enjoys the most commanding position in the crofting settlement of Colbost (which runs along the side of Loch Dunvegan) - is the ideal base for exploring the stunning Isle of Skye. One of the best spots on the coastline is Neist Point complete with its lighthouse, the views from here are spectacular and on a clear day the islands of the Outer Hebrides are clearly visible. Dunvegan Castle and Gardens are just a few miles away where you can also take a boat trip and visit the seal islands. You will be naturally lured to walk along the wonderful white coral beaches, just north of Dunvegan, as soon as you glimpse them from the windows of Rhundunan.
The main population town on the island of Portree, 25 miles away, has a good range of cafés, restaurants and shops selling locally made clothing, crafts and jewellery, together with larger supermarkets for all your holiday needs. Portree is also home to the Aros Centre with its cinema and restaurant. But the more local village of Dunvegan, 2 miles away, also has everything you could need including another popular restaurant, The Old School, two pubs and a local supermarket, bakery and cafés.
Further details indoors
3 lovely bedrooms, kingsize bed, double bed and 3rd bedroom has bunk beds.
Lounge is equipped with a real gas fire.
42" HD TV has FreeSAT.
Cot and highchair available if required.
Further details outdoors
Garden table and chairs and wooden bench for viewing the wonderful sunsets
