Imagine having your own private island and staying in the former home of Gavin Maxwell, author of the classic book “Ring of Bright Water”.   Gavin Maxwell Cottage on Eilean Ban situated between Kyleakin on Skye and the Kyle of Lochalsh, on the Scottish mainland, has this unique claim to fame.  After the building of the Skye Bridge this former lighthouse keeper’s cottage is now accessed via a private gate on the side of the Skye Bridge.  Eilean Ban (Gaelic for White Island) is 6 acres of pure heaven.   Small stone paths meander around the island with colourful shrubs, herbs, heathers and wild grasses covering the hillsides.  Gavin Maxwell was one of the foremost authors of wildlife books of the last century, and now his legacy can be enjoyed by all.  The island boasts a wonderful array of wildlife.   There are frequent sightings of otters, seals and pine marten, as well as occasional dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and Minke whales, together with an array of seabirds.  There is a superb, award-winning designed thatched wildlife hide perched on the hillside that provides a wonderful vantage point to watch the rich variety of birdlife, including Eider Ducks and a heronry on the adjoining island.  Visitors are welcome to take an escorted tour of the Stevenson Lighthouse that is situated on the shoreline.  This unique and historic island offers the ultimate retreat, yet is easily accessible, as it is situated on the gateway to Isle of Skye, with all its amazing scenery, historic sites and unspoilt, wild countryside this island has to offer.  The cottage is spacious and well-equipped.  The large farmhouse style kitchen / dining room looks out across the sea to the myriad of small islands dotted along the shoreline.  The cosy sitting-room has a lovely fireplace with wood-burning stove and the two bedrooms are both generous in size and very well presented.  The adjoining Long Room (access is via a separate door) houses the Gavin Maxwell Museum.  Recreated by the actress Virginia McKenna and others, and now run by the Eilean Ban Trust, it is a reconstruction of Gavin’s 40’ living room. This interesting museum is a testament to Maxwell’s fascinating life and contains unique writings and artefacts;

All electricity, bed linen and towels included. First supply of fuel for stove supplied.

Property is situated on Eilean Ban, a six acre island accessed via a private gate on the Isle of Skye Bridge. The island comprises of grassy banks, beautiful meandering paths, herb gardens and colourful shrubberies, a private stony beach, a lighthouse and thatched bird hide. Off road car parking spaces for two cars (designated parking place adjoins private gate with short walk down well maintained stone path to the cottage)

Young children require supervision at all times due to the close proximity to the sea.

Please note: There is an Access statement avilable for this property, if required please call 01228 599 960

Railway Station Distance: 0.5 Mile,  Railway Station: Kyle of Lochalsh,  Pub Distance: 0.5 Mile,  Restaurant Distance: 0.5 Mile,  Shops Distance: 0.5 Mile,  Nearest Town Distance: 0.5 mile,  Nearest Town: Kyle of Lochalsh,  ,  .