Entire home

The Cottar; an ancestral & traditional house just 2m from the sea.

Photo gallery for The Cottar; an ancestral & traditional house just 2m from the sea.

A window with a view of a coastal landscape, a stone wall, and a wooden bench with a book.
A garden with potted plants, a stone wall, and a view of a lake.
A coastal view with two white houses on a rocky shoreline, a clear blue sea, and a hill in the background.
A stone wall with potted plants and a view of a lake.
A fireplace with a mantel, framed pictures, and a rustic wooden tool.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Balcony or patio
  • On beach
  • Refrigerator
  • Dryer
  • Onsite parking available
  • Microwave

Explore the area

View in a map
Dunan, highland region
  • Place, Isle of Skye Market Square
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Giant MacAskill Museum
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Skye Bridge
    ‪23 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

About this property

The Cottar; an ancestral & traditional house just 2m from the sea.

The Cottar is a former 200 year old fisherman's cottage, being part of the nearby, now disused, Herring Station which is currently being lovingly restored by myself, located just five minutes' stroll in a southerly direction along the shore.

The Cottar was originally a 'black house', "tigh dubh" in Gaelic. Again, following the ancient method of construction, The Cottar has no rear wall, being built into a cliff face.

The front of The Cottar is served by a broad, long terrace along the shore, providing a seating and dining area with panoramic views up and down the Loch na Cairaidh.

There is an abundancy of wildlife on display, seals, otters, porpoises, dolphins, and too many birds to mention.

The interior of The Cottar, as befits a two hundred year old cottage, is furnished entirely with original 19th Century furniture. If you expect enveloping, suffocating, marshmallow suites, The Cottar is not the place for you.

All the pictures and artifacts, some are museum pieces, are chosen for their relation to the sea and working the land. I would like to think I am helping my guests understand and be immersed in the culture of the island and it's peoples.

Please note, the bed is an 1830's Scottish galleried sleigh bed, known as a Scottish three-quarter, being some 4'6"x6' (137cm x 183cm).

In addition, there is a metamorphic chaise longue available too.

Should you wish, I can provide a cultural tour; an amble around an original Viking Settlement, with examples of Pictish foundations upon which subsequent buildings were positioned.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number FS-Case-549525846
Property # 11224308
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Dunan

Located in Strath, this holiday home is on the beach. Raasay House Activities Centre and Raasay Pictish Stone are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Raasay Ferry and Portree Harbour. Isle of Skye Market Square and Aros Centre are also worth visiting. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including wildlife walks.
View more Holiday homes in DunanOpens in a new window
Map
Dunan, highland region

What's nearby

  • Isle of Skye Market Square - 9 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Giant MacAskill Museum - 10 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Skye Bridge - 23 min drive - 25.6 km
  • Skye Bridge - 23 min drive - 25.6 km
  • Talisker Distillery - 33 min drive - 38.6 km

Getting around

  • Kyle Of Lochalsh Station - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Market Kitchen - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Siaway Fish & Chips - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Sprig - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Claymore Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Harbour Restaurant - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Cottar; an ancestral & traditional house just 2m from the sea. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Cottar; an ancestral & traditional house just 2m from the sea.?

As of 21 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Cottar; an ancestral & traditional house just 2m from the sea. on 22 Oct 2026 start from £492, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Cottar; an ancestral & traditional house just 2m from the sea.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Cottar; an ancestral & traditional house just 2m from the sea.?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Cottar; an ancestral & traditional house just 2m from the sea.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Cottar; an ancestral & traditional house just 2m from the sea. located?

This Strath holiday home is on the beach, 4.9 mi (7.9 km) from Isle of Skye Market Square, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Raasay Ferry and Giant MacAskill Museum. Raasay House Activities Centre and Raasay Pictish Stone are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A perfect location, relaxing and peaceful.Eoin is an amazing host with lots of knowledge of the area.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had s wonderful time in The Cottar. Eoin was an excellent host, who gave us recommandations for our day trips, which we really enjoyed!The Cottar is a great place to relax and dream. It has everything you need for cooking and living. For us it was a perfect stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Staying at Eion's place was more than just a sleep over.Unlike any other interior design, the place is full of hints at history and traditions that are so important to our host. Also it was an authentic immersion into nature with the visit of a seal in front of our window every morning. We very much appreciated Eion's warm welcome and the house has all you need to feel confortable and enjoy a perfect Scottish atmosphere.We felt very priviledged.So many thanks Eion !
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice host
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Eoin is such a wonderful host! This cottage is a perfect escape and a great place to lay your head after exploring the isle all day. You can fish right off the front of the cottage, the beach is lovely and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean is heaven.You are going to be “unplugged” in a sense; no TV, no internet but trust me it’s amazing. The perfect amount of modern conveniences mixed with beautiful historic home.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May 2026
Thank you for leaving The Cottar so beautifully.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location next to sea loch. Amiable host recommended activities and best places to see and eat locally. Although the bed was noted as a smaller size, it was the fact it was against the wall that my husband found tricky. Not being able to stretch out lengthwise, something we will bear in mind for the future. There were many chairs supplied, but as photos portray, most were quite upright, so if you like to stretch out, or lounge on a comfy sofa this property is not for you. However the amazing location, and epic landscapes throughout the Isle of Skye will be remembered by us both for a very long time.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jul 2026
Re your review. When you arrived you made no comment on the roaring log fire I had put on for you. Nor did you comment, thank me, for your £27.00 gift. The bed sizes are quite clearly written in the listing for The Cottar. The photos quite clearly show the bed against the wall?? Where did you expect it to be? Re the furniture, what part of " if you want marshmallow suits and suffocating sofas The Cotttar is not for you", did you not understand?? The chaise longue , sofa to you, is made for relaxing. Your comments are akin to the character that went into the sea then ran out complaining it was wet. Without exception in the past three years I have offered guests a free Cultural Tour of the Viking Settlement I am partially restoring. You were the exception I didn't offer you a tour, it would have been unbearable. Draw what you will from that. The disappointment was mutual.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible stay and experience

What an incredible experience staying at the Cottar. Our host Eion was fantastic and gave us great recommendations while we were on Skye. The place is beautiful and the history behind it is truly once in a lifetime.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jul 2025
Garrick I am so sincerely sorry. I left the wrong comments on your appraisal. VRBO sent me the invite to leave a review without mentioning any names. I got mixed up and thought it was for my other holiday let To anyone reading this I would highly recommend Garrick.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved the hospitality and the history is amazing. Such a unique stay. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Beautiful property with an amazing view! Property owner was very helpful and gave great suggestions for things to do on the island.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cosy cabin

Amazing cosy cabin on the lake. Host was very welcoming and gave us great tips for some amazing scenery.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dunan hideaway

Wonderful place filled with special family artifacts
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place to stay

The Cottar is beautiful and rich with history. It’s very comfortable and is right on the water, in a great location. If you want a place with true character and ties to Skye, this is the place for you. Eoin the host is a really nice guy and very knowledgeable, highly recommend having a chat with him. Overall one of the best places I’ve ever stayed for accommodation.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful cottage

We loved this cottage! The location is great, great area of Isle of Skye, and the view can’t be beat. Kitchen was well furnished for cooking. Host was very pleasant to communicate with!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Eoin was a wonderful owner. He met us up the road and took us to his rental. He gave us a lot of history information about the area. He was a joy to talk with. Great place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
A great host with a good meet and greet. Lovely to have the fire going on arrival! Cute historic building with sea views. Very inviting.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming !

We felt privileged to stay in a traditional Skye cottage, full of history et charm... Thanks to Eoin for his hospitality and his knowledge of the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Yes, the kitchen was adequately equipped, and we were warm with the fire and space heaters for our days and nights. We had to move some items to have spaces for our belongings, however, the antiques and pictures gave a wonderful sense of former times and lives of seafarers. Thank you Eoin for your loving craftsmanship and care, Frederica.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were blown away by the location of The Cottar…. We knew we’d have a water view, but this is mere steps from waves, rolling breezes, and the gorgeous water. The house is off a main road but felt very secluded and private. All communications with the host were friendly, and his responses were timely and kind. Additionally, he helped direct us to a good restaurant and some amazing sightseeing we would have missed otherwise. We had the best time!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous and quaint

Absolutely stunning property with such a wonderful host. Helpful with island information, had a fire already burning for us, and some wine and goodies waiting for us. The views were stunning!!! Cannot recommend enough!!! Fully equipped!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Apr 2024
Madainn Mhath Catharine agus Seamus My sincere apologies for the time taken to respond to your so kind review, it really was so good of you. I have been flat out lambing, a bit of a lull just now. It was a pleasure meeting you both and many thanks for your visit, my first Texans. How did your son do in Glasgow? Moran taing Slainte mhath mhor Eoin
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Quiet Gem

The Cottar is filled with so many treasures. From the rustic decor to the breathtaking view. It was the perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Our host was lovely. He gave us great ideas for travel to see the sights that are off the beaten path.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
What a wonderful property and a fantastic stay. It was great meeting the owner who met us upon arrival. The cottage had been prepared with a bottle of wine and a warm fire. Along with the electric heaters - this is a very quiet, cozy cabin to base day trips to surrounding Isle of Skye sights. Thanks for all the sightseeing recommendations Eoin! It was great to meet you.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Isle of Skye cottage

Eoin's cottage was on the shores of the Inner Sound with great views of Scalpay and the Isle of Raasay. The cottage has been in Eoin's family for 250+ years and its rustic feel is perfect for a remote Isle of Skye adventure. Located close to Broadford and Portree, the cottage is a good home base to explore all that Skye has to offer!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful to be able to stay here for more than a couple of days. Very relaxing, quiet, great to watch the tides go in an out. The space is cozy, the kitchen has everything you need to cook for yourself for a week, and it was nice to be able to do laundry! No wifi but cell service is strong. The place was perfect for us, hot water on demand. Only thing to watch is if you're over 5'6" the bed might be too small for you (it wasn't for us). Eoin is a terrific host, and shared some of the Pictish and other archaeological elements on his property. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. Thank you Eoin!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
What a unique property! If you are looking for solitude, rustic but totally unique accommodation, and a delightful and informative host, this place will suit you. No TV, no neighbors, just the tranquility of the lake! Great cooking facilities. Parking is tough but doable. Thanks for 2 great nights and the hike you recommended- superb!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint & character filled with a welcoming host.

The Cotter was located on the sea side with beautiful views. Eoin, our host welcomed us personally, and freely shared his experiences and knowledge of Skye. The Cotter was quaint and character filled, and thoughtfully equipped and furnished. It was quiet and secluded. The bonus was an open log fire and a supply of wood. Thank you Eoin for a wonderful few days.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Eoin

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