Welcome to Taigh Mairi Self-Catering Cottage located in Skye. We are based in a great area to explore a variety of different attractions. We are only 6 miles away from Portree, which is the capital of Skye. There you can see the harbour, pier and even have your own expeditions up cliffs. So, if you want a fun-filled experience in Skye, then come to Taigh Mairi Cottage.
Taigh Mairi (Mary`s house) was a family home of one of us-James. His people lived there for generations. The last inhabitant was his aunt , Mary , She (Mairi, dhol-n –Ruaridh-Mary daughter of Donald, son of Iain son of Roderick) was a well- known and much loved figure in the local community. We live on a neighbouring croft. When we inherited her cottage we modernised it sympathetically. There are solid oak floors, warm rugs and craftsman made furniture including a unique coffee table/ chess set. The crockery is Wedgewood or Highland Stonewear. The appliances Bosch the soft furnishes and linen from Anta or the White Company. There is a wonderful Linn Hi-Fi system integrated with the Sky television. There is good selection of CDs to help you relax beside the roaring fire in the evening. There is a range of guide books and maps for those energetic enough to want to explore the wonders of the Skye mountains. We would recommend every guest getting to know Braes- after all Rudyard Kipling said the views from the seas off Braes were the finest in the British Empire.
Braes is a particularly beautiful rural part of the Isle of Skye but fortunately, unlike some other parts of the Island, it is a very quiet area. The cottage looks over the sea and is near to a, usually deserted, sandy beach. There is incredible wildlife nearby. Sea Eagles are often seen, a family of otters live nearby and in summer dolphins are frequent visitors. It is 6 miles to the facilities of the main town on the Island- Portree, with its shops, restaurants, swimming pool, and harbour with a pier for boat trips to other Islands.
Braes is not just beautiful but fascinating. It is a meeting point of several geological epochs. Near the house are the remains on an Iron Age fort and the unexcavated site of (probably) a chapel from St Columba`s time and a Viking farmstead-let your imagination grow in this place! Braes was the site of the last battle (1882) on British soil when the crofters fought for the use of their hill grazing. Just in front of the cottage is the “Sithean” a knoll where the fairies were , and perhaps still are, reputed to live. There are numerous walks around the cottage. We have made a book, for the use of guests, with all the local walks carefully described.
Skye is famous for its numerous world class restaurants. We, and previous guests, give descriptions of most of them in the different guide books provided in the cottage. If you want to cook for yourselves there is a full range of cooking equipment. Skye seafood is superb. You might want to forage for your tea along the shore!
The cottage has got a unique range of books, some are valuable antiquarian volumes. Others provide different information and relaxation. All part of a unique experience. There are numerous art works , the most prominent is a large painting by Mary Morrison that has been used as an illustration in the book “Flora Celtica”
The garden, with flower beds, lawn and shrubs, it is fenced and safe for dogs and children There is a swing-perhaps in the evening with a glass of wine, looking at the sun set over Raasay!.
Our Cottage
You will have a very warm welcome from ourselves. You will have total relaxation in our cottage. We are delighted to welcome many guests on repeat visits. Our cottage sleeps four. Fuel-electricity, logs, peat, coal- and linen, including towels are included in the cost. Smoking is not allowed in the cottage. Dogs are very welcome.
Open plan Kitchen/Dining Area
Kitchen units made by a local craftsman in rare spalted sycamore, sycamore worktops and a modern Belfast type sink. Integrated Bosch appliances-double electric oven, gas hob, fridge, freezer, washing machine/tumble drier.
The crockery is Wedgewood and Highland Stoneware.There is a hardwood dining table and set of dining chairs and a lovely rocking chair beside the Woodwarm Multifuel stove.
Sitting Room
There is a traditional open fire with modern leather 2 and 3 seater sofas. A Linn Hi Fi is integrated with TV , DVD player and Sky system. Unique coffee table with integral “Lewis chess set” . An oak Welsh dresser contains a wide range of books including antiquarian items. There is a full range of maps . We have several books (specially leather bound) prepared for guests to record their encounters with the island –nature and food!
Our Bedrooms
A cast iron spiral staircase leads to the cosy. bedrooms. Artworks decorate the walls. The beds are craftsman made pine beds. The mattresses are new in 2019. The new linen is from the White Company.
Local Area & Attractions
The cottage is in a quiet area but being situated 6 miles from Portree it is very convenient for exploring the Island . Everyone must see the wild magnificence of the Cuillin, (the main mountains of Skye) , The strange majesty of the Trotterish ridge with the weird Old Man of Storr and the ghostly Quirang. We would say a boat trip is essential, either to Loch Coirisk in the Cuillin, by ferry to the magical Isle of Raasay or (a new favourite) a trip to the Isle of Rona with a full seafood lunch on the boat.
There are the famous “fairy pools” near Glenbrittle, now on the World`s bucket list. We confess to prefer wandering around the lovely burns (streams) of Braes. Again the “Dairy Glen” near Uig is on many people`s “to do list”. It is lovely but there are just so many amazing things to see and do in Skye. We haven’t seen it all yet, in a lifetime! There is so much to see near the cottage, sea eagles , otters, whales, flowers—.
Skye has numerous excellent restaurants. Some world famous, like The Three Chimneys or Kinloch Lodge , others more homely and affordable. There is good information in the cottage on our , and our guest`s, recommendations.
You can have as adventurous a time as you want or just relax and watch the waves- Taigh Mairi allows you to do either-or both
