Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage

The Lighthouse Cottage is a traditional lighthouse keepers’ cottage, full of character, which has recently been transformed into a luxurious four bedroom cottage on its own private island, with state-of-the-art facilities, stylishly decorated with sublime furnishings and exceptional ocean views.

Luxurious four bedroom cottage on its own private Island

Located on its own private island, this cottage is reached by a short boat ride from the picturesque Isleornsay Pier. The adventure of this stay starts from here as you meet the skipper, get kitted up with waterproofs, life jackets etc. and embark on the ten minute boat ride to your island. You will soon feel the waves lapping up the side of the boat, leaving your cares and worries behind.

Surrounded by silvery seas and rocky outcrops, sea birds, seals and otters often enjoy this area too. Situated in such a unique position, you will be able to enjoy spectacular seascapes from all directions. This ground level cottage provides a real flow and sense of harmony with the ocean and skies surrounding. As you move through the cottage you will find that each window view provides even better than the previous – all of which are spectacular!

Located on this island and offering total privacy, hidden from all but nature, next to a Stevenson Lighthouse, this cottage offers luxury accommodation for eight people, in style and comfort (4 bedrooms). The Ornsay Lighthouse was established in 1857 and automated in 1962. Since the private sale of the cottages in 1966, the cottage has been enjoyed by people wishing to escape from it all and experience life on their very own island.

Interiors and furnishings are exceptional

Refurbished by the owner in recent years, the cottage interiors and furnishings are exceptional. It has the charm and vibe of traditional lighthouse cottage with contemporary styling and superb facilities, including a roll top bath in the master bedroom and en-suite facilities from all four bedrooms.

The cottage boasts a delightful open plan kitchen, excellent WIFI, abundance of books and family board games.

Located the south east coast of the isle of Skye, you are spoilt for choice of activities, walking, climbing, cycling, sea kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing are all close at hand from the mainland.

On arrival we received a warm welcome from Gus the skipper at the local pub where we enjoyed a tasty lunch before setting sail to the island. We were assisted with our luggage, both on and off the boat, and felt safe in the capable hands of Gus.

Ailsa, who manages the cottage, travelled on the boat with us and was able to explain the workings of the home and show us round the fantastic kitchen. Activity bookings on the Isle of Skye can be arranged for you remotely by Ailsa.

There was plenty of storage space for all our island supplies! Within the kitchen there is a washing machine and dryer, microwave and a fabulous induction cooker.

We needn’t have worried if we needed a shop as we now had a phone number for our new friend Gus the skipper. He would come for us should we require a ride to the mainland.

This leads into my favorite room in the house, the kitchen. Our newfound love of induction cooking was made even more delightful with underfloor heating and a view from kitchen window for the sous chef. The excellent range of cooking appliances (SMEG) includes an induction cooker, microwave, dishwasher and all of the equipment required to make life easy. There was even a provision of teas and coffee as well as a thoughtful selection of spices!

Tremendous views out to sea

From here leading into the gorgeous dining room, is a large dining table which seats 8 comfortably. This elegant and practical dining space has yet another tremendous view out to sea. The flagstone flooring is covered with a simply stated ornate rug and walls are decorated in a mature shade of claret with some fantastic works or art adorning the walls. The furnishings within are tastefully appointed and have a real feeling of authenticity in keeping with the lighthouse cottage life. This room is known to have provided an inspirational scene in a particular novel – The Ice Twins, S.K. Tremayne.

Adjoining the dining room is a warm and cosy living space with a woodburning stove and some simply stated comfortable sofas, chairs, cushions, blankets and reading lamps. This wonderful room plays host to shelves of a library of books to inspire any book lover. The books are carefully selected and relevant to the locality, lighthouses, history and some well-known authors. Gavin Maxwell, famed for novel Ring of Bright Water, was once an owner of this cottage. Select a book and relax whilst marvelling four hours over the ocean view from this space. Books are provided in each of the bedrooms for you to enjoy.

Endless ocean views by day and stars by night!

From this central point of the cottage leads access to each of the four fantastic bedrooms. The large, stunning master bedroom is spacious and tranquil, with a super comfortable king size bed and sumptuous bedding. You can enjoy endless ocean views by day from this room and stars by night.

Double-ended roll top freestanding bath

The highlight however, is the sensational en-suite bathroom. It’s huge and the double-ended roll top freestanding bath has to be experienced. There’s a table next to it with wine glasses to enjoy something while you soak away the day’s exertions. The outlook from the bath over the ocean is second to none.

There’s also a selection of lovely soaps, shower gels and lotions from Highland Fine Soaps. This bathroom also offers a large walk-in shower, while underfloor heating completes the five-star experience. Also, next to the master bedroom is an additional toilet, separate to the master bathroom.

A wonderful space with fantastic en-suite bathroom with underfloor heating

At opposite sides of the living room, past the woodburning stove, there is another striking bedroom. Again, it has a super king and super comfy bed with a fantastic view to over the sea to the Isle of Skye. It’s a wonderful space with another fantastic en-suite bathroom with underfloor heating.

The third large bedroom with a super comfy bed provides views on the other side of the cottage, facing the south towards Mallaig and with Knoydart to the east. It boasts another fantastic en-suite with underfloor heating. Across from this room is a fourth bedroom which is works best as a single for adults or a pull out double sleeping two children. The view from here is south facing and is with another fantastic en-suite bathroom.

The Lighthouse Cottage is a marvelous, remote and special holiday house. Set on its very own island with an iconic lighthouse. It’s such a relaxing, warm and comfortable house which oozes a sense of wellbeing and tranquility.

Perfect Days

Just chill…The Lighthouse Cottage is an an ideal base for a secluded getaway and to enjoy the tranquility of life by the ocean. Relax with a good book by the fire!

Grap the binoculars and find the perfect spot to look at the sea…birds, otters, seals and the occasional porpoise.

Explore the island and enjoy a scramble on the rocks and search the rock pools for sea creatures and treasures.

Make a picnic and find a secluded spot to appreciate the tranquility, or check tide times and walk off the island and over to the pub for refreshment. The Eilean Iarmain Hotel and Am Praban bar are our nearest neighbour. The hotel here offers tasting of its own whisky and gin.

Get active with some biking, walking, paddle boarding, sea kayaking or deep sea fishing arranged via Ailsa.

Book a table and spoil yourself with some fine dining at one of the most special restaurants in the area – Kinloch Lodge or Duisdale Hotel are close by.

Experienced hillwalkers may want to access the awesome Cuillin Mountains for some of the UK’s most spectacular and challenging mountains.

Enjoy a visit the local village shop at An Crubh – this is also a fantastic architect designed café with stunning views over the Sound of Sleat and offers tasty breakfast, brunch and lunc