MONKSTADT HOUSE, KILMUIR, ISLE OF SKYE

MONKSTADT HOUSE, KILMUIR, ISLE OF SKYE

This magnificent house was originally built as a Laird s house for the Macdonald s of Sleat, using stone and other materials from nearby Duntulm Castle, then occupied by estate tacksmen, the house fell into disrepair in the last century. After the roof was removed in the 1950 s, only a ruinous shell remained. The site of the house is on the Trotternish peninsula amidst the dramatic scenery of the north of the island of Skye. The house has a fascinating history, including a record that Bonnie Prince Charlie was given shelter here by Lady Margaret Macdonald in 1746, when he travelled with Flora Macdonald from Benbecula to Skye. Over the last few years, the house has undergone a programme of restoration which has recently been completed. The owner engaged the leading firm of Scottish architects, Morris Steedman Associates and the work was painstakingly carried out by the owner with the assistance of local tradesman all in terms of the necessary statutory approvals from the Local Authority and Historic Scotland. The result is a substantial traditional house, restored to all its former glory, but with the benefits of modern heating, glazing and insulation. This makes for a comfortable, warm home which is economical to run. The heating is run from a geo thermal heat recovery system which provides under floor heating on the ground floor and radiators upstairs.

MONKSTADT HOUSE The materials used on the exterior are the modern equivalents of the traditional finishes, meaning less maintenance in future. The house occupies a commanding position looking south south east over the surrounding countryside. Long ago the land below the house was a loch; the house would have stood on the shore line. From the upstairs bedrooms there is a glimpse of the sea. The house is in an L shape with the main section a full two storeys, with attics above. On the eastern side there is a section of one and half storeys. The house has a Ballachulish slate roof, crow-step gables and traditional chimney stacks. During the restoration work, many links with the original earlier buildings on the site were uncovered. At the front of the house, a cross-shaped doorway was exposed with marks on the stonework believed to have been made by the Macdonald clansmen sharpening their swords as they left the house to do battle. Behind the screen wall in the forecourt there are three outhouses. These are the three insignificant huts referred to in the records of Boswell and Johnsons Tour of the Hebrides. These are thought to be the cells of the monks who inhabited the original Monkstadt. They have now been fully restored complete with thatched roofs. Inside the house has been completed to local authority Completion certificate standard, but final decoration and fitting out has been left to the discretion of a new owner. With its spacious accommodation, beautiful setting and historical links, this property represents an opportunity for a number of different uses, perhaps combining a business income with life in the Highlands.

The accommodation includes Ground Floor Entrance Hall, cloakroom and stair case Sitting Room Dining room Large family kitchen with space for dining Garden Room Upstairs Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom Second bedroom with ensuite bathroom and dressing room Three further bedrooms and bathrooms Garage, outbuildings and stores Garden ground extending to 0.70 acre Services Mains Water Mains Electricity Private Septic tank drainage A right of access will be granted over the private road subject to payment of a share of the maintenance costs. LOCATION Monkstadt is situated in the township of Kilmuir. It is close to the village of Uig from where the ferry service runs between Skye and the Outer Hebrides. Portree, the main town on the island is 20 miles away and provides secondary schooling and a range of shops, arts centre, restaurants and varied leisure pursuits.

MONKSTADT HOUSE DIRECTIONS From Portree take the road signposted for Uig on the A87. In Uig take the road on the right (A855). At Totescore you will see the sign for Monkstadt, turn left and travel along the private access road for 1 mile the house will be on your right. ENQUIRIES For further information apply to Anderson Shaw & Gilbert, Solicitors and Estate Agents, York House, 20 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1ED. Tel: (01463) 253911. Fax: (01463) 711083. E-MAIL: property@solicitorsinverness.com

Ground Floor

MONKSTADT HOUSE First Floor Second Floor

MONKSTADT HOUSE The Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 The above particulars, although believed to be correct, are not guaranteed, and any measurements stated therein are approximate only. Purchasers should note that the Selling Agents have NOT tested any of the electrical items or mechanical equipment (e.g. oven, central heating system, etc.) included in the sale. Any photographs used are purely illustrative and may demonstrate only the surrounds. They are NOT therefore to be taken as indicative of the extent of the property, or that the photographs are taken from within the boundaries of the property, or what it included in the sale. 43929 Anderson, Shaw & Gilbert York House, 20 Church Street, Inverness Telephone 01463 253911 www.propertyinverness.com