Welcome to Ceòl a' Chuain Longhouse, Isle Ornsay, Sleat, Isle of Skye
Ceòl a' Chuain Longhouse is a modern, architect-designed house sitting on the shores of the Sound of Sleat, with stunning views to the hills of Knoydart on the mainland. It was designed by award-winning Skye-based architects Dualchas, who believe in building traditional style homes which are appropriate to their surroundings, but which are modern both in terms of their interior design and in their use of energy-harnessing technology. The house is incredibly sunny, tracking the passage of the sun throughout the day and year. The combination of oil-fired central heating and wood-burning stove together with modern insulation keeps the house cosy regardless of conditions outside.
Accommodation
The house has three double bedrooms; a double and a twin at each end of the ground floor and a twin up a steep flight of stairs on the first floor. One of the bedrooms is en-suite, with a bath and shower. There is a second shower room downstairs, which has a wet-room style shower.
The open plan living and dining area has wooden flooring throughout and with floor to ceiling glass doors, it allows constant views across the Sound of Sleat to the Knoydart Peninsular. The doors open out onto a long deck and the garden, perfect for relaxing on Skye’s sunny days or for stargazing at night. The living room has double-height ceilings to give a strong sense of spaciousness, with a small galley above containing exercise mats and yoga ball. The living area has a wood-burning stove, a Sony computer/video player and Freesat TV and DVD player. The dining table can comfortably seat up to eight people.
The galley-style kitchen is well stocked with appliances, pans and utensils, with a large Smeg gas hob and electric oven, a fridge/freezer and a dishwasher. A microwave is separately located in the hall utility cupboard, where a washer/dryer is also available. The entrance hall has plenty of hanging space for jackets and coats.
The house comes with a supply of firewood and coal. Sheets, duvets and towels are all included, as are electricity charges. There is a phone which you may use for local calls only, please.
 Dining Area |
 Double Bedroom |
 Twin Bedroom |
 Lounge |
 Bathroom |
 Kitchen |
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1x Double bedroom (with en-suite).
2x Twin bedded rooms.
1x Bathroom (with bath and shower).
1x Shower room.
1x Galley-style Kitchen.
1x Lounge/dining area.
1x Galley.
1x Decked area at front.
1x Garden with barbecue.
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Users should note the house is not suitable for children under 9 for safety reasons.
No smoking indoors. Unfortunately, we do not allow dogs or any other pets in the house.
Tariff/Prices
Ceòl a' Chuain Longhouse Rent 2012 (per week)
Low Season: January 7th - March 23rd £650
Mid Season: March 24th - April 27th £750 (except Easter week £850)
High Season: April 28th - August 31st £850
Mid Season: September 1st - October 26th £750
Low Season: October 27th - December 19th £650
High Season: December 20th - January 4th £950
Deposit £120 on booking, balance 6 weeks before start date.
Season
Open all year round.
Activities
Skye is an ideal destination for many activities, including:
- Bird watching, with the chance to see Golden Eagles, Sea Eagles and Buzzards together with a host of sea birds.
- Walking and climbing, whether on the famous Cuillins or elsewhere on the island, notable for its interesting geology.
- Boat trips and sea kayaking including whale watching and seal trips, between mid-June and the end of September, is your best chance to see humpbacks, minkes, basking sharks, bottlenose dolphins and even killer whales. Trips leave from nearby Armadale.
- Deer stalking, shooting and fishing which can be organised through the Estate Office next to the Isle Ornsay hotel.
- Seal and otter spotting, especially in the Rubha Phoil Forest trail near Armadale or visit the Bright Water Visitor Centre in Kyleakin, where you can learn more about the life of Gavin Maxwell, the naturalist and author of Ring of Bright Water.
- Outdoor swimming, including the Fairy Pools at Glenbrittle, in the heart of the Cuillin range outdoor swimming at its very best.
- Sightseeing. The history and culture of Skye can be experienced in numerous places, including the Clan Donald Centre in nearby Armadale which has a small museum and comprehensive library, the Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Scotland’s Gaelic college which is 10 minutes drive to the South or one of Skye’s many museums, including the Museum of Island Life which has seven thatched cottages, recreating life on the island as it was in former times. Interesting castles to visit include Dunvegan, seat of the MacLeods for nearly 800 years, which is the oldest inhabited castle in the UK and is open to visitors all year round, Eilean Donan, just south of Kyle and numerous ruined castles, including the picturesque Dunsgaith Castle 20 minutes away in Tokavaig.
- Enjoying the food and drink. Enjoying the food and drink. There are plenty of options: Just 10 minutes walk away is the excellent pub and restaurant in the Eilean Iarmain hotel and Am Praban bar at Isle Ornsay. Otherwise Skye has the famous Three Chimneys restaurant in Colbost or somewhat closer is Clare MacDonald's restaurant at Kinloch Loch, just 10 minutes drive away. Or jump on a boat to the Old Forge at Inverie on Knoydart, the remotest pub on the British mainland. Talisker is the island's only single malt distillery. For beer drinkers, there's the award winning range from the Isle of Skye Brewing Company, including Red and Black Cuillin and Blaven.
- Shopping. Skye has a wealth of interesting things to buy, including wood engravings from the Raven Press gallery in Colbost, stunning photographs from the Three Herons Studio on Broadford, knitwear from the famous Ragamuffin in Armadale and fantastic soaps from Skye Soaps in Portree.
Location - How to Find Us
The longhouse is on the Sleat Peninsula in Camuscross Bay on Isle Ornsay 9 miles south of Broadford (main shops, hotels, restaurants), 15 miles south of the Skye Bridge. Skye can be reached by car over the Skye bridge, or by train either from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh or Fort William to Mallaig, followed by ferry to Armadale, 8 miles south of the longhouse. If you are coming from London, there is an overnight sleeper from Euston to Inverness. The house is just a short walk from the hamlet of Isle Ornsay (award winning restaurant, pub, shop, whisky tasting centre).
By Road
To get there via the Skye Bridge, cross the bridge and turn right at the roundabout. Travel north on the A87 towards Broadford for about 7 miles. At the junction with the A851 turn left for Armadale. After around 9 miles turn left signposted for Isle Ornsay and Camuscross. At the T-junction by the letter box turn right and continue for half a mile. When the road forks at the next letter box, take the left-hand fork down to the bay. The house is the first drive on the right.
By Boat
If you come via the Mallaig-Armadale ferry, travel up the A851 towards Broadford. After about 6 miles turn right signposted for Isle Ornsay and Camuscross. At the T-junction by the letter box turn right and continue for half a mile. When the road forks at the next letter box, take the left-hand fork down to the bay. The house is the first drive on the right.
From Easter to October you can take a small car ferry from Glenelg on the mainland to Kylerhea on Skye. It might not be the quickest route, but the drive over to Glenelg is beautiful, and the ferry crossing is a magical way to start a trip to Skye.
By Train
Whether you travel from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, or from Fort William to Mallaig, you will experience a fantastic train journey. The Jacobite Steam Train runs to Mallaig from May to October, a thrill for steam enthusiasts and Harry Potter fans alike (the train puffs over the Glenfinnan viaduct, used in the Harry Potter movies).
By Air
The nearest airport to Skye is at Inverness, about a two and a half hour drive away. Inverness is served by carriers from all over the UK, and car rental is available at the airport.
Car Rental
There are several local car rental firms, which can pick you up at either Kyleakin or Armadale.
Map
Map showing location of Ceòl a' Chuain Longhouse.
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service.
Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and
Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
The View & Locality
 Looking across to Mainland |
 View from the Cottage |
 Cuillins |
 Eilean Donan Castle |
 Highland Cow |
 Waterstein Head |
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Enquiries
If you would like to make an enquiry or would like more information, then please use the form below. You can also email.
