The Bothy/Old Schoolhouse

• Sleeps: 2 or 4
• Bedrooms: 1 or 2
• Bathrooms: 1 or 2
• Minimum stay: 5 nights

If your weary soul yearns to escape from hectic daily life, the remote shores of Loch Nevis – the ‘Lake of Heaven’ in Gaelic – offer a dreamlike sanctuary in the form of Kylesmorar, a former crofting township where no roads run and no tourists roam.

Nestled by the water’s edge and just below the soaring North Morar mountains, The Old Schoolhouse and Bothy are cosy, beautifully renovated buildings that showcase these incredible surroundings to perfection. Only accessible by boat or on foot, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into an enchanting new world that’s all your own.

Just take the ferry from nearby Mallaig – or bring your own boat! – to reach the historic buildings, which sleep 2-4 guests as a combined retreat (up to three well-behaved dogs are also permitted to stay). Expertly restored by local craftspeople from local materials, the atmosphere is instantly welcoming.

Once a humble stone croft outbuilding, the Bothy now boasts an incredible open plan lounge, kitchen and diner with a stone floor, exposed wooden beams, and an oil-fired stove to keep you nice and toasty. Opening out onto the beautiful garden, you can sit back and breathe in that pure Highland air… bliss.

The well-equipped kitchen area features bespoke timber units and gas oven and hob, with plenty of appliances and utensils for you to cook up a storm. There’s also an elegant and spacious twin or kingsize bedroom to curl up in, and a bathroom with a separate bath and shower.

You’ll find a second bedroom and bathroom in the former Old Schoolhouse; now a sumptuously romantic space with bespoke furniture, a real log fire, and ultra-luxurious bedding… ideal for snuggling up and watching the sun rise over the Cuillins of Skye over morning coffee.

What to do once you’ve settled in? Take the dogs for a long, windswept stroll along the deserted beach, perhaps collecting shellfish for supper at low tide. If you’re feeling particularly active, lace up your hiking boots and tackle a Munro or two!

At a glance

• Two historic buildings on the remote shores of Loch Nevis, beautifully-restored to create a single retreat for 2-4 guests.
• Kylesmorar is only accessible by boat or on foot. Take the ferry from nearby Mallaig, or make use of the jetty and visitor mooring and bring your own boat.
• The Bothy is home to an open-plan living, kitchen and dining space and a kingsize or twin bedroom. The Old Schoolhouse boasts a romantic double bedroom and its own bathroom.
• There are no shops and the nearest pub is 10 miles away by boat, so please bring any provisions with you.
• There is plenty to keep you occupied, from beach strolls and mountain hikes to helping out on the estate, gardening or feeding the animals. Kayaks can be hired and you can fish on the loch.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Seaside Breaks

More information

You could also go fishing on the estate (guided fishing trips are available too), or hire a kayak and get up close and personal with your shimmering surroundings. Join the estate boat on its scheduled weekly trip if you’d rather be chauffeured; the islands in the loch make particularly wonderful picnic-and-wildlife-watching spots.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty to do on the Kylesmorar estate itself, if you’re in the mood to get involved. Tend the kitchen garden or feed the resident animals, feeling like an established local all the while.

Refreshingly, you won’t find any shops, pubs, or restaurants on the estate – with the nearest pub 10 miles away by boat, you’ll have to bring your own provisions along with you. There’s also no TV reception and next to no mobile coverage, though you’ll be provided with estate walkie-talkies in case of any emergencies.

That just leaves these breath-taking natural surroundings to get deliriously lost in, as part of a unique escape that promises to leave you feeling perfectly revived and restored.

Things to note

Up to 3 well-behaved dogs are welcome to stay as the estate, please ensure they are kept under control at all times (working croft with livestock). The ferry service involves travelling from Mallaig to Tarbet, where you will reach the island by an estate boat. There is limited to no mobile reception on the estate, you will be provided with walkie-talkies to contact the owners in case of emergencies.