Beachcomber Cottage

We had a lovely getaway in early November. The cottage is cosy and sensibly furnished, and the kitchen had everything we needed, including a little bottle of wine to welcome us. The bedrooms and bathroom were just as good. Wi-Fi came in handy when planning our days. It’s right at the end of the track from Waternish to the bay, in a row of cottages with the wonderful Loch Bay restaurant next door. The road into Waternish is the usual Skye single-track kind, so keep your eyes open for sheep and stay alert.

We spent a very relaxing week at Henderson house, with amazing views from this quiet location. The cottage was warm, clean, and nicely designed, with everything we needed. The bed was comfortable, and its heater was just what we needed in January. We’ve stayed in lots of UK cottages, but this was the first time one felt like home. We’ve already booked for our next trip to Skye.

We had a feast after buying a lobster directly from the fisherman on the quay. The cottage is a short drive from Edinbane Lodge and The Three Chimneys, and just a 50-yard stroll from the Stein Inn, which serves fantastic seafood. It’s next door to the Michelin-starred Loch Bay restaurant, so it’s a foodie paradise. The place is called Beachcomber Cottage now; it was Henderson House about 20 years ago. Cosy and well equipped, in a beautiful, peaceful setting that isn’t totally remote. Perfect for us.

The place was clean and tidy, with a country-style feel throughout and a high standard of finish. It had everything we needed: a working kitchen, washing machine, Wi-Fi, shower, LCD TV, OS maps of Skye, a Cicerone guide, and local books about Skye and Scotland. There was a fireplace too, though we didn’t need it because the central heating worked so well. The garden is out front and runs down to the pebble shore. It’s right beside Loch Bay restaurant and on the same road as the Stein Inn, in a quiet one-street neighbourhood. We felt pampered and cosy, away from the busy towns but still part of a neighbourhood.