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Sandaig Cottage property Knoydart

Sandaig cottage is a family owned and rented rebuilt traditional Sheppard's cottage property, which accommodates 6-10 people. It is located 7m from Scottish Loch Nevis in the bay of 'one of the worlds 50 best beaches' on the secluded and remote peninsular of Knoydart in the highlands on the Scottish west coast off the foot of Skye.

The cottage with its Islands, Land Rover, Boats and lands can be rented as explained in our website.

The peninsular of Knoydart is 'the last wilderness in the British isles'. Its unique location, scenery and lack of road or rail link have all aided in this by maintaining the untouched originality of this beautiful place.

The Cottage itself is positioned in 400acres of private land. Our neighbour (1/2mile) is the only other house to share Sandaig Bay, which is quoted to be 'one of the worlds 50 best beaches'. The cottage is powered by a personal hydroelectric power supply.

Knoydart is unforgettable for its remote seclusion, mountains, water and unforgettable sunsets; or its running deer, wild birds and porpoise, which can be seen just outside.

Between 1991 and 1993 we completely rebuilt Torr na h'Innse Cottage from a ruined shepherd's cottage into a fully insulated sanctuary. Now the Sandaig Cottage provides comfortable accommodation for six people in three double bedrooms, as well as an additional two single beds and 4 single mattresses in the open-plan attic bedroom.

The house is surrounded by its own land consisting of 400 acres, a lake, burn, waterfalls and over a mile of open coastline and two islands. Furthermore with 55 square miles of open Knoydart available there is no shortage of space.

As can be seen from the plans below (please click to enlarge) the house contains a large open plan living kitchen and dining room with views over the sea-loch at the front and over the field and moor at the back.

* The kitchen has a Rayburn oil fired range as well as a two ring stove with grill as extra and backup.

* Since the hydroelectric system is now producing power at a reliable rate a fridge should now be working full time as well as a sound system and heating.

The staircase leads up from the hall to the extensive attic bedroom, which stretches over 2/3rds of the house's length and has a window at one end as well as 2 large Velux windows with views over the water. This area has always provided a brilliant space and a great 'Den'.

* All the bedrooms have views directly onto the sea and have fitted cupboards, radiators and window seats.

* The large porch has plenty of space for hanging coats and outdoor gear as well as housing a washer dryer.

* An airing cupboard is also available containing the hot water tank which is heated by the Rayburn.

* A telephone is connected and is available.

* Duvets and pillows are provided. And you can rent linen from us at £6/person if you wish.

We have used the best materials and equipment available, including Amtico flooring, double glazed windows and new internal walls within the original stone, to provide good insulation. All aimed at combating the dreaded Highland Damp as well as loss of energy which has always been scarce.

Vehicles:
There is a long wheelbase 110 diesel Landrover and a 9 ft sailing dinghy with oars both of which are included in the rental of the house. There is also a Drascombe Lugger, which is an 18 ft open sailing day boat, as well as a 16 ft Cornish cobble sailing day boat (extra charge, price on request.) ;( However we are reluctant to provide these two boats unless experience is clearly sufficient).

Power and Water:
As mentioned earlier the cottage has until now been solely powered by a 7kW diesel generator, however with the installation of a Micro hydro system the power should now be free to run, and environmentally clean, as is extensively described in the above link. The generator and Rayburn each run off separate 600 gallon tanks of diesel and fuel oil respectively. These have being tastefully hidden from view behind a 30 foot long boatshed which houses the boats, tools, outboards engines etc. Fresh water is sourced via a pipe above the house from the Sandaig Burn waterfall.

Eating Out and Post:
In Inverie (Knoydart's only village), there is a post office, a pub (The old forge: 'remotest pub in mainland Britain') which serves food, and the 'Pier House' which serves excellent seafood platters and teas. A restaurant is also available around the coast at Doune although this does require a sea voyage or short moor crossing.

Food:
Due to having no shops on Knoydart supplies have to be shipped over. Thus before arriving there is two options;
At Fort William there is a large Morrisons supermarket by the railway station; which is very useful for large scale stocking up prior to arrival.
Alternatively; groceries and meat may be bought at the main Ben Nevis(Mace/Mclennan) store and butcher in Mallaig before you take the ferry, most other necessities can also be found in the Mallaig Co-op.
After arriving you may telephone Mace or the Co-op, from the telephone in our house, and they are efficient at sending over your orders, on the ferry for you to pick up at Inverie.

If you require any more information regarding this please do contact us.

The peninsular of Knoydart is 'the last wilderness in the British isles'. Its unique location, scenery and lack of road or rail link have all aided in this by maintaining the untouched originality of this beautiful place.

The Cottage itself is positioned in 400acres of private land. Our neighbour (1/2mile) is the only other house to share Sandaig Bay which is quoted to be 'one of the worlds 50 best beaches'. The cottage is powered by a personal hydroelectric power supply.

Knoydart is unforgettable for its remote seclusion, mountains, water and unforgettable sunsets; or its running deer, wild birds and porpoise which can be seen just outside.

Knoydart

Lying between the deep sea lochs of Heaven and Hell ( Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn), lies the spectacular rugged landscape of Knoydart, one of the most remote areas of the Scottish mainland.

Of all the peninsulas that thrust out from the western seaboard of Scotland, Knoydart is without doubt the grandest. The great mountains, Ladhar Bheinn, which is the most westerly Munro, Luinne Bheinn and Meall Buidhe dominate, whilst other high mountains make up the landward barrier. Knoydart has been described as the last wilderness in the British Isles.

The name Knoydart is believed to be of Norse origin, meaning Knuts Bay as in King Canute - commander of the waves, a reminder of the Vikings' raids and pillage.

Being virtually an island, although actually a peninsula, Knoydart is unspoilt in its natural wild beauty.