July 2017 | 103
This luxurious self catering cottage is in an idyllic location , situated only a few metres from the seashore on Broadford Bay , which is one of Scotland�s finest , most unspoilt nature havens . At low water the tide falls back some 100 metres and , as the sea rises to stop at the bottom of the garden , an abundance of birds feed at the water�s edge . The occasional otter which crosses the shore can be viewed at close quarters from the comfort of the lounge , using the giant binoculars . there is a top of the range hot tub being installed in June . It is perfectly positioned to catch the sunset while enjoying a drink .
The cottage has free Wifi throughout and is run by Donald Macphie ( with some help from his mum !) a native of the Isle of Skye . It was run as a highly successful Scottish Tourist Board � star self catering facility by his mum up until 2008 when she retired . It has recently been further upgraded and Donald is continuing the family tradition of crofting plus a trade in the building industry . His forefathers were stonemasons who were brought to the Island by Macleod Estates to work on Dunvegan Castle and other estate properties . Crofting ( small scale farming unique to the Scottish Highlands and Islands ) does not and did not provide sufficient income on its own and has always had to be supplemented by other activities .
Donald enjoys the outdoor life and is actively involved in various extreme sports . Biking is and always has been his main passion – mountain climbing is next on the list ! As a youngster he and his cousin ( the world famous Danny MacAskill � BBC� �The �idge��� spent many happy hours honing their skills around the Island .
Bedroom ( Upstairs )
Wow ! When a King Size bed is not enough try this wonderfully comfortable huge 7 ′ x 7 ′ Emperor bed with sumptuous Egyptian cotton linen . Wake up to a magnificent view over Broadford Bay . �ully equipped with a Wall mounted ��� T� with full Sky Package and a Spotify music link plus a jack plug for your own equipment ( also plays in the ensuite bathroom ).
Ensuite bathroom �oll top �is � �ers baths and �is � �ers washbasins , large walk in power shower , variable mood lighting with music link from the bedroom , bathrobes and �uffy towels with hand crafted �sle of Skye Soaps .
Lounge The comfortable lounge offers many features including an open fire ��as , living �ame� , Bang � Olufsen T� and speakers with stereo and full Sky package , Unlimited Spotify Music link , Piano , Easily controlled mood lighting , �iant binoculars and a Tide clock .
Kitchen An extensively equipped kitchen which includes a generous hospitality pack filled with a variety of local produce , a few local beers and a wee bottle of Taliker Whisky ( and of course some Drambuie ).
Utility / Drying Room Fully equipped with Washing Machine , Tumble �rier and a �ulley .
Reading Room Books and maps and an Exercise Bike . Downstairs Toilet Complete with a copy of the local paper , The West �ighland �ree �ress
Garden Shed
Tandem bicycle , Bicycle helmets , Wellies and backpacks , BB� charcoal , Two luxurious sun lounger chairs , with plenty of room to store bikes .
The cottage is ideally placed in the village of Broadford as it is within easy walking distance of local pubs , eating places , shops and restaurants , while it is set in its own private garden grounds . It has ample parking and a private pathway to the seashore , which is just 15 metres from the property .
It enjoys superb open views over Broadford Bay to the magical Island of Pabay , with the heights of Applecross in the background and the Islands of Scalpay , Longay , Crowlins and Guillamon scattered across the waters leading to the mystical Islands of Raasay and Rona , which can be seen to the north . Boating activities at Broadford Pier can be viewed across the Bay , as can magnificent sunsets .
Eating Places
Whether you decide to eat in , or you choose to eat out , there is plenty of choice nearby . Broadford has a supermarket and a range of small shops , and you will find a list of convenient eating places in the cottage handbook – these range from a Michelin Star restaurant �within � miles� to a take-away fish and chip shop , plus local restaurants and pubs ( within 1 mile ).
Broadford �in �aelic �An t-Ath �eathann� pronounced �n Taa �ayun means �the broad ford�� was formerly a cattle market up until the 19th century and in 1812 Thomas Telford built a road through the village . �t then grew rapidly in the first half of the ��th century with the settlement of Napoleonic veterans . It is the second largest village on Skye and a perfect base from which to explore the island and near mainland as it is ideally placed between the spectacular Red Cuillin and the mainland Torridon mountains .
Dark Sky The �sle of Skye has some of the darkest skies in Europe . Free from the light pollution which blights towns and cities , our inky black skies present the heavens in all their spectacular beauty . There�s plenty to discover , from the bejewelled cluster of the Pleiades or Orion ’ s mighty belt in November , to the magical meteor showers of the Perseids or the graceful constellation of Cygnus the Swan , in August . Nine unique locations throughout the island have been recognised as being perfect for viewing our night sky . All en�oy good access , with firm ground for wheelchairs , and all promise an unforgettable experience on a clear night . One of these locations is less than two miles from the cottage .