Seal Skerry Lodge sits in an elevated position and enjoys panoramic views across Loch Pooltiel and to the Outer Hebrides. The house was purpose designed for the rigours of the Highlands and Islands by the award winning Rural Design Architects. The design follows the lines of a traditional steading, and offers a stylish and contemporary property, ideal for those guests looking for something more unusual than the more traditional holiday cottages that are often found on the island.
This modern property is spacious, light and airy and the windows are positioned to take full advantage of the outstanding views. Tastefully and stylishly furnished throughout Seal Skerry Lodge is equipped to a high standard and wifi is available. The house incorporates the latest technology and this together with the wood burning stove, ensures that the property is warm no matter what time of year you visit.
The accommodation is located over two levels, with the downstairs featuring an open plan living area, with floor to ceiling windows, oak flooring and a beautiful wood burner. A chaise lounge is ideally positioned to enjoy the views and a telescope is available for those interested in a bit of star gazing or wildlife watching. Further facilities on this level included a well equipped kitchen complete with a range cooker, a utility room and a shower room.
The bedrooms are located on the first floor, a master with a king size bed and a twin, the bedrooms feature quality cotton bed linen and enjoy views to the sea loch below. A fabulous bathroom with its stand alone bath and twin wash basins, completes the facilities on this level. Outside the property has an area of decking with garden furniture, ideal for a bit of alfresco dining after a day exploring, and the garden is fully enclosed making it ideal for the dog owner.
Glendale is a large community-owned estate with an inspiring history. In the 1800s, the people of Glendale suffered from high rents and extreme restrictions placed upon them by the landowners. Fed up with the status quo, the crofters began to protest, resulting in the arrest and imprisonment of three men. A monument to the “Glendale Martyrs” is atop a hill near Colbost. The crofters’ fight resulted in law reform and the community's purchase of the estate.
Glendale Village is a small settlement of white-walled cottages. Stop at Cafe Lephin for a light lunch, home bakes or a taste of local ales. Just across the road, the Glendale shop is a handy spot to make purchases of basic supplies. To stock up on bigger food shop, you may need to visit the village of Dunvegan or the supermarkets in the island’s largest villages of Portree and Broadford.
A trip to the westernmost tip of Skye is an unmissable experience. Neist Point is a finger of land made of undulating cliffs, jutting out into the sea. Made from basalt, the rock is shaped like columns, reminiscent of the Giants Causeway. At the cliff edge sits the lighthouse, an excellent subject for breathtaking photos. You’d better bring your binoculars as this rugged place is home to all kinds of animals. Seals, whales, dolphins, porpoises and otters inhabit the sea, while many bird species swoop overhead. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of sea eagles!
Foodies won’t be disappointed by this remote corner of Skye. One of Scotland’s most famous restaurants is only a 15-minute drive away! The Three Chimneys has won over 30 awards and attracts diners from all over the world. Another popular restaurant is Chidashaka, which pairs innovative vegetarian dishes with rare teas. For hearty home-cooked grub, head to the Old School Restaurant in Dunvegan.
Dunvegan is also home to Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle. Spend the day exploring the castle’s excellently preserved rooms, decorated in the 19th century. Wander around the leafy gardens and feel your worries melt away. In summer, boat tours depart from the castle jetty to the Loch Dunvegan seal colony, where you will get the opportunity to see hundreds of these adorable animals.
Facilities - Ground Floor
Facilities - First Floor
Included in the rent
Other Facilities
Pets Welcome
One pet is allowed at the property and the garden is enclosed.
Mobile Phone Reception
Mobile phone reception is available at the property as is Wifi internet.
Good Housekeeping Deposit
A Good Housekeeping Deposit of £75.00 is required at this property.
Best Features
STL Licence No: HI-31324-F EPC Rating: Pending
Guests rate Seal Skerry Lodge: Excellent from 81 reviews About Reviews
We all really enjoyed a really relaxing, special week at Seal Skerry Lodge and highly recommend it to anyone wanting a wonderful escape from it all. We were a family of four (with two adult children) and were there to celebrate a 60th birthday and 24th birthday, and we couldn't have chosen a more beautiful location!
The house has spectacular views to the sea and Outer Hebridean islands, and we all loved the open-plan aspect of the kitchen/dining area/lounge. I'd say the pictures don't quite do it justice! The bedrooms were comfy, with high quality bedding, and the 2 bathrooms were both good - particularly the lovely deep bath upstairs (a small shelf for toiletries to be added near the bath would be very helpful!).
The enclosed garden was perfect for our dog who has never been happier than when she was out on the decking, sniffing the wind, admiring the view and barking at the nearby sheep and bunnies!
The isolated location of the house was exactly what we wanted; right at the northern tip of Skye. There are many beautiful walks right from the house, and the hamlet of Glendale (10 mins drive or less away) provides a useful local store (top tip: try the very local Glendale ale!) and wonderful cafe, plus a craft fair on Tuesdays. About 30 minutes away is Dunvegan, with more restaurants, cafes and shops plus the old castle. We fitted a lot into our week - mountain hiking, wild swimming at Coral Beach and in the Torrin pools, shopping in pretty Portree, plus a few essential pub visits.
Much wildlife was spotted on Skye, too. Otters in the sea right by Seal Skerry Lodge, a red deer in the garden one night, seals were also in the water near the house, and numerous birds were spotted when we were out exploring the island, including golden eagles and white-tailed eagles!
All in all, we highly recommend this special house and feel extremely lucky to have stayed there. Thank you!
NB: It was midgy when we were there (June), but deet insect repellant helped a lot and we simply avoided sitting outside at dusk and dawn! Plus, make sure you bring binoculars if you come, and clothes for all seasons!
We had a wonderful stay at Seal Skerry Lodge. The accommodation is modern, beautifully designed, and equipped with everything you could need for a comfortable visit. It was spotlessly clean and very well maintained.
One of the highlights was the stunning large windows, which offer breathtaking views over the bay and make the most of the beautiful surroundings. We also had excellent communication with the property managers, who were friendly, helpful, and easy to reach throughout our stay.
We would definitely recommend Seal Skerry Lodge to anyone looking for a relaxing and comfortable place to stay. We would happily return in the future!
We were looking forward to our week at Seal Skerry Lodge. It is certainly situated in a dramatic location with ever-changing views over the loch and out to Harris. We enjoyed exploring the northern parts of Skye - Neist Point, Dunvegan Castle and the coral beach at Claigan being highlights for us. We did drive down to Torrin one day to visit our favourite coffee spot, Amy's Place, which has superb views to Bla Bheinn and then enjoyed a walk up the access path which has good going at first before it gets more challenging and we retraced our steps.
On our second day we discovered the garden wasn't secure - as we found a lamb had managed to wriggle itself in under part of the fence down towards the main gate where it appears weak - fortunately our dog was inside at the time. Where a lamb can wriggle in, a dog can wriggle out so no off-lead garden wanderings allowed for our boy. My husband (a former farmer) expertly guided the lamb off the property and back to its mum!
As someone else has noted, a mirror in the main bedroom would be a real help, as would a longer lead for the hairdryer and better lighting in the bathroom - small niggles.
The lodge was perhaps a bit too modern for us but that didn't mean we couldn't appreciate its location, style and design. We did wonder how it fares on sunnier/ warmer days as there are no blinds in the main living area (appreciate you don't want to get in the way of the view) but it did get very warm when the sun was blazing through the windows and there was no shade to be had.
Overall a peaceful week in a stunning location.
The shop at Glendale is an absolute delight, and we enjoyed the craft fair which takes place in the community hall on Tuesdays - lots of really interesting crafters.
Wilderness Cottages Replied...
Dear Sally, Thank you for taking the time to send across your feedback, we are delighted to hear your enjoyed your stay. The owners have arranged a local contractor to repair/replace the gate to ensure the garden will be secure, we appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
Absolutely stunning, there could not be a better rental property in the whole of Skye. Location perfect, views endless and inside totally warm and cosy with no need of the log burner. 12/10 scoring
Seal Skerry Lodge was the perfect base for our visit to Skye.
It is so snug - particularly appreciated when there's a gale outside! I realised midweek it was a rare find in that nothing about the house caused irritation or disappointment.
We will miss the incredible views which change as the quickly as the weather. Wonderful peace and quiet.
Thank you!
Seal Skerry Lodge was the perfect accommodation for our Skye holiday. The lodge was situated in a great location with views of the bay from the patio windows.
The lodge was modern, warm and very clean .
The facilities more than adequate.
We did some amazing walks including one from the digs.
We would definitely rent the lodge again and recommend it to friends and family.
