Delightful Bed and Breakfast and Log Cabin in a Spectacular Coastal Location on the Isle of Skye

DESCRIPTION
This delightful property is located on the West coast of Skye, close to the Cuillins in fact taking its name from one of the local Red Cuillin peaks. Set in stunning coastal countryside with fantastic views to the northwest over the sheltered Loch Harport. Both the house and the lodge are very well equipped and benefit from tasteful modern décor throughout. The owners have taken every opportunity to ensure that guests are very comfortable in the accommodation provided. Marsco is located centrally within the area of Merkdale and is ideally positioned for exploring this stunning island. The location benefits from being in a quiet area but only a very short drive back to the main road infrastructure of the island. The property benefits from private grounds and free private parking. The business has been operating profitably for a number of years.

TRADE
The business generated its income from bed and breakfast clientele in the ever-popular tourist Isle of Skye. The historic business operates by utilising a number of portal websites to drive occupancy. The vender will be happy to provide any trading figures present (and future secured) to support the sale. Given the popularity of the region as a tourist destination, and the well-known shortage of tourist accommodation during the height of the tourist season in the area, there is little doubt that new owners of the business should have access to a great level of income. Whilst the B and B’s website is currently dormant Otter Lodge Log Cabin utilises its own dedicated website through its agent, cottages.com and the owner’s own website. Other automated booking systems, such as freetobook may offer further business development opportunities.

The Bed and Breakfast operated throughout the year and was fully operational until COVID set in. Since then, the owners opted to only operate Otter Lodge in order to limit their exposure to the pandemic and reduce the resulting increase in workload the pandemic brought. However, the winter trade has proven significantly successful with tradesmen booking accommodation throughout these months. The accounts are therefore available which support both two trading options with pre-COVID and post COVID trading model figures being available. It should be noted that the owners originally used the ground floor bedroom and later their touring caravan when the 3 first floor bedrooms of the B&B were let out.

THE PROPERTY
This delightful property was built around 2001 and bought by the current owners in 2007. The property is a timber framed building with white rendered blockwork under a tile roof. The windows and external doors are white PVC double glazed units, which have been recently replaced. The vendors have maintained the buildings to a good standard, making it a walk-in and operate business.

As you enter Marsco through the main door on the seaward side of the building, you pass through a lobby and into a bright hall with access on the right to a spacious, light and airy lounge. In front To the right are stairs to the upper floor and access to the kitchen is ahead on the left. To the left is the fourth bedroom which is currently used as a craft room. Passing the stair heading towards the kitchen you pass the shower room on the left just before entering the kitchen. The kitchen is a lovely large space with segregated dining area to the right-hand side. There is additional access to the lounge from the dining room. These areas are the heart of this home.

Upstairs there are 3 spacious double bedrooms and a bathroom with a shower located over the over the bath. These well-appointed rooms offer a great deal of space and so are ideal from which holiday makers base themselves.

Otter Lodge
The highly insulated solid log cabin was installed in 2010. It is a delightful Nordic design, which the owners imported in kit form to be assembled on site. Warm in all weathers, the cabin is configured as a large lounge / dining / kitchen space with separate double bedroom and shower room. There is a covered deck area to the front overlooking the spectacular views. In 2024, Otter Lodge achieved consistent high feedback scores on Cottages.com, falling into the top 20% of their listed properties, as such they won a Customers’ Choice Award 2024.

GROUNDS
Cars enter the premises via a dedicated drive accessed directly off the B8009. Lodge parking is provided adjacent to the lodge, with B&B parking being close to Marsco. The grounds are very much in keeping with the property’s location, and is mainly laid out with grass and shrubs. The garden offers a restful space for guests to enjoy some quiet time. From the garden there is a right of access which allows guests to enjoy a walk down to the loch from the accommodation.

Within the grounds there are a few useful sheds, a single garage built at the same time as the house and a catio, attached to the East of the property. This could be adapted for other uses.

SERVICES
There is a single point of connection for mains electricity, phone line and water. Foul drainage is handled on site by a septic tank. Separate oil central heating systems are provided to the lodge and house. Whilst the house and lodge benefit from LPG cooking. The property has solar panels and there is also an electric vehicle charging point in the garage. Wi-Fi is available throughout.