Balmeanach Hideaway, Struan

Isle of Skye. Sleeps up to 8

Balmeanach Hideaway is a delightful, secluded holiday home surrounded by glorious countryside near Balmeanach and Loch Caroy in the north of Skye, 14km from the famous Dunvegan Castle, 15km from the majestic Cuillin hills and across the island from its bustling capital Portree. The house is very comfortable, drowned in natural light and offers generous living spaces, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Balmeanach Hideaway is perfect for families or groups of friends that want to laze or walk on sandy beaches, dive, sail, surf, canoe, cycle, hike, play golf, eat well or just explore this astonishing island.

The Isle of Skye is a truly magical place, the largest of the Inner Hedbrides and home to some of Scotland’s most iconic and dramatic landscapes. Skye is enchanting, captivating and absolutely fascinating. In the north of Skye, you will be near gorgeous villages including Ose, Bracadale, Struan and further norther, Edinbane. Balmeanach is ideally located to explore Skye’s three northerly peninsulas, Trotternish, Waternish and Durinish, which between them offer some of the finest dining in Skye. Portree is 24 km away. With the island only being fifty miles long and twenty-five miles wide, you will get the opportunity to see much of the island though. The majestic Cuillin mountain range boasts twelve munros and a superb range of scenic walks.

The ground floor living spaces enjoy a lovely flow plus there are two bedrooms on the ground floor. The living area is spacious and bright with plenty of glass doors and windows to let in the unique sparkle of the Skye light. Comfy modern sofas and chairs are the perfect resting places after long hikes in the mountains. You can crank up the wood burner if a rural chill descends and to add atmosphere while snuggled up, watching a movie on the large television. The living area leads through to the smart dining area with its modern table, benches and chairs. This is open to a modern kitchen with all the appliances you would hope for for a self-catering break. The downstairs bedrooms are both beautifully appointed doubles with comfy beds, luxury linens, delightful soft furnishings, and a family shower room to share. These rooms are perfect if you have any guests with mobility issues.

Upstairs, you will discover another two calm and peaceful double bedrooms, both with double beds adorned with pretty soft furnishings. One comes with an ensuite shower room and the other with both a bath and shower where you can soak away what’s left of any stress. All of the bathrooms are immaculate and offer the best of fittings.

You will enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and countryside from Balmeanach Hideaway. There is plenty of space outside for family games if you still have any energy! It is a fabulous base for exploring this magical island.

Balmeanach Hideaway enjoys a wonderfully secluded location close to Balmeanach and Loch Caroy in north Skye, 14km from Dunvegan and 24km from Portree.

Dunvegan is great with a good range of shops, cafes and restaurants. It is famous for its eight-hundred-year-old mythical castle and gardens. You can wander around its impressive gardens, grab a bite to eat in the cafe and catch a boat to see the Loch Dunvegan seal colony. The castle has been home to the Clan MacLeod the whole time. Though it may look like one castle, it is actually six buildings that were built in ten stages. The Keep was built in the mid-14th century and is the oldest part still standing. Dunvegan rests in the sea loch between the Waternish and Durinish peninsulas. There are wonderful walks, fishing and the Giant MacAskill Museum. North of Dunvegan, the Claigan coral beaches are perfect for picnics and the Dunvegan bakery is a perfect stop for provisions. The town is rich in eateries from quirky cafes to smart restaurants. Not far from Dunvegan is one of Skye’s most famous Michelin-starred restaurants, The Three Chimneys.

The Isle of Skye offers incredible walks and iconic landscapes. The Waternish peninsula is amazing. You can also explore the fabled ‘Garden of Skye’ on the Sleat peninsula, enjoy action-packed fun on Raasay and taste the finest malt whiskies. Skye’s most majestic geological features include the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and the Cuillin. The island’s varied habitats mean that you could easily see otters, dolphins, golden eagles, white-tailed sea eagles and puffins. The capital of the island is Portree. Other villages in the north worth a stop are Uig and Staffin. Talisker Bay is lovely with a unique panorama. Basalt cliffs rise dramatically on either side of the bay.

Portree is surrounded by hills, Ben Tianavaig to the south, Suidh Fhinn or Fingal’s Seat to the west and the smaller Ben Chrachaig to the north. Further north is the Old Man of Storr. Portree is only about two hundred years old, originally a fishing village created by the then Lord MacDonald. It is brimming with cafes, restaurants, banks, churches, gift shops, a cinema, a swimming pool and a tourist information centre. The town hosts numerous annual events such as the Portree Show, the Isle of Skye half marathon and the island’s largest event, the Skye Highland Games. It is very pretty with rows of colourful cottages lining up.

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