Scotland, Portree – Skeabost Hotel B&B

Lovingly restored and stunningly refurbished, this iconic hotel is an idyllic retreat in a jaw-dropping location on one of the world’s favourite islands. Steeped in history, Skeabost is the third and latest in the small group of boutique hotels owned and run by Anne Gracie whose accolades include Scottish Hotelier of the Year and a Gold Laurel as two of Scotland’s ‘most visionary entrepreneur.’

It is the only hotel on Skye with its golf course - a nine-hole 18 tee shoreline challenge. The fast flowing River Snizort which runs through the grounds provides excellent salmon and trout fishing. The 18 bedroom Skeabost, acquired by Anne in 2015, is situated in 23 acres of woodland on the edge of a loch, with views out to sea and crofting hamlets.

The current building began life as a hunting lodge in 1871, but there has been a home of some sort at Skeabost since Viking times when the name meant The Sheltered House. On an island in the river are the ruins of two small chapels associated with St Columba, the first Christian missionary to Scotland. Skeabost has its own chapel, now a stunning private dining room. The renovation has artistically blended original features with contemporary furniture and fabrics, including tweeds in eye-catching colours, to create an enchanting ambience which oozes luxury, style and Victorian grandeur.

Public areas provide surroundings to match any occasion, from sitting by the fire in the drawing room, reading a novel in the bright morning room, or sipping pre-dinner cocktails in the cosy whisky bar.

Location

This elegant country hotel is at the southern tip of Loch Snizort, 6 miles from Portree and 26km from Dunvegan Castle.