The Old Dye House

Waternish, on the northern tip of Skye, is a quiet village where art galleries sit alongside working craft businesses and one of Scotland's oldest inns. The Old Dye House is a detached cottage here, positioned to catch views across the water on clear days. It's a place to settle in rather than rush through—the kind of location where you're as content staying put as you are exploring further afield.

The cottage has one bedroom with a double bed, one bathroom, and a ground-floor layout that brings living, dining and kitchen into a single flowing space. A wood burner anchors the main room; there's a TV and DVD player if you need them, but the sea-facing windows and garden with sitting-out area are the real draw. The kitchen is equipped for proper cooking. Heating, electricity, Wi-Fi and bed linen are all included, as are the initial logs for the stove. One car can park on site, and one well-behaved dog travels free.

The village itself has restaurants including a Michelin-starred option, galleries, and a sheepskin tannery offering tours. Walking routes suit all abilities. Beyond Waternish, Dunvegan Castle and the Trotternish Peninsula's dramatic geology—including the Old Man of Storr—are within an easy drive, as is Portree with its shops and food scene. No smoking inside.