This is a special place – a thrilling landscape of boundless peace and ever-changing light. You’re surrounded by much wildlife: killer whales, Golden eagles, red grouse, otters, seals on rocks and in the water, snuffling badgers, red deer – around 120 species live here. As for Doune, it sits in a unique spot on the Sound of Sleat with views across to Skye, Rum and Eigg.
You can see it all from the dining room hub, pine-clad from top to toe and hewn from the mottled stone of a former blackhouse, with a stove to keep you warm and games in case it rains. The food is delicious – freshly baked rolls, crab from the bay, roast lamb from the hill, chocolate tart with homemade ice-cream and the best rhubarb cheesecake, plus oatcakes of course.
Once here you’ll be part of a tiny community of happily stranded souls and Martin, Jane and Liz look after you with great generosity. Bedrooms along the veranda are simple; cabins with mezzanine bunks for children, showers and armchairs for watching the weather. The walking is magnificent, swimming sublime and boat trips can be arranged.
What an incredible place! We had constant views across to Skye, Rum and Eigg, wonderful hosts, and fantastic meals, unfussy and just delicious with fresh ingredients including langoustine caught in the bay in front of Doune. We were told it was rare to see otter but saw one just in the bay, playing away, then a family of otter when we hiked further along the stunning coast. The incredible, wild scenery and fabulous animal sightings made this a truly wonderful experience, not least arriving by ferry and being away from it all for several days. Thank you Martin, Jane and Liz.