It has to be one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Scotland, if not on earth! The island of Raasay is situated between the Isle of Skye and the Applecross peninsula on Scotland's lovely north west coast. Reaching it by a 15 minute ferry from Sconser on Skye, you will find yourself transported to a peaceful paradise, far, far away from the cares of the everyday world.
The tiny population is mainly centred round the village of Inverarish (excellent shop, who, if you email them, will organise a box of supplies to be waiting for you on arrival at the cottage, hotel, outdoor centre). Towards the north of the island it is even more tranquil. It is here that you will find the Old Schoolhouse, 500 metres beyond the end of the island's only road (Calum's Road, named after the islander who single-handedly laboured to build it), situated on a wide, sheltered bay with wonderful views across the Sound of Raasay to the mountains of Skye.
The house is a substantial Victorian villa, converted from the school which once flourished here. It has a lovely, bright, open plan living area - the old schoolroom - with a gas range in the kitchen area and an open fire in the seating area. On the ground floor there are three double bedrooms and bathroom and upstairs, a twin and bunk bedroom and a shower room. The house is ideal for eight, though two extra children can be accommodated at an extra charge per person.
As the road stops short of the house, luggage and supplies are brought in by quad bike along a coastal track at the beginning and end of your stay, a most suitable way to commence this adventure. For daily comings and goings, however, it is just a half mile stroll back to where you will have parked the car.
Families will just love the total freedom which this place offers. There is a lovely picnic area down by the sea in front of the house for outdoor lunches, and stunning walks both along the coast (where you may well come across the remains of the villages that used to be here) and inland, with lots of opportunities too for swimming and foraging. For more organized entertainment, there are frequent - often quite impromptu - concerts and ceilidhs in season in Inverarish (25 minute drive from the Schoolhouse), while the Centre at Raasay House there offers courses for adults and children in climbing, kayaking, diving and sailing. (For independent divers, bottles can be filled at the top of the track.)
Serious climbers can take the ferry across to 'mainland' Skye (multi-crossing tickets are available) where it is only a short drive from Sconser to the foot of the Red Cuillin.
Background oil central heating and electricity (powered by a hydro turbine in the local burn) are INCLUDED. Bedlinen and towels are available for hire. Drinking water from private spring.
Up to two well behaved dogs are welcome by arrangements. Smoking is not permitted within the house. There is a landline telephone in the house.
