The vendors have added a timber building to the East side of the house, which is used as a compressed dive air bottle filling station as well as workshop and store. During lockdown they also added an attractive wood-fired bread oven just outside the dining room patio doors. There are various permutations available for the development of the business. It may also be possible to increase the trade by placing a number of “shepherds huts” on the land behind the property, all of which could be controlled from the main building.
The current setup offers an independent and easy-to-operate proposition, making this a true lifestyle business. The business benefits from spacious and easily maintained grounds extending to around 0.65 acres. There is a small shed on site which is currently used to store materials and tools.
The business is presented to the market in turnkey condition and is ready to operate with no requirement for additional significant capital investment. The sale of Otter Lodge represents an exceptional opportunity for new vendors to own a lovely property and operate a charming lifestyle business on the main route through Skye.
REASON FOR SELLING
The vendors have successfully operated Otter Lodge since 2012 It is their intention to retire from hospitality, due to a change in personal circumstances, that brings this exciting opportunity to the market.
TRADE
The vendors trade the business just below the VAT threshold on a part year basis, income being generated during the period from April to October. They operate at nearly 100% occupancy during most of the main tourist season. A 3-night minimum stay is in place, thus simplifying the operation of the business. The business has been positioned to cater for those wishing to enjoy the many outdoor pursuits available in Skye. Consequently, the business has an equipment drying facility and the availability of dive bottle filling, one of the few on the island. The property is an ideal base for exploring the wider region. Catering for groups, families and single travellers, the business has a well-maintained and presented website. A variety of tourists are attracted including mountaineers, walkers, divers, kayakers, cyclists or those just enjoying a more leisurely holiday taking advantage of the natural beauty of the Island of Skye. The current owners have achieved high occupancy rates from direct, commission-free bookings through their website. The business has scored an outstanding 4.9 with both TripAdvisor and Google reviews.
The vendors trade below the VAT threshold. New owners could, if so desired, drive the business more fully by extending the open period and developing the land around the property.
THE PROPERTY
The property is clearly signed from the main route through Skye, the A87, and accessed via the large parking area, finished with white marble chips, making the entrance immaculate and appealing. The current property has been on the site since the late 1970s.
OTTER LODGE
This is a charming and deceptively large, detached storey and a half house set over 2 floors. The ground floor is used by the owners to run the B&B; accommodation includes a drying room, storage, kitchen, utility room, breakfast room etc, with a guest bedroom wing to the West. All are accessible from the main reception hallway, making it very easy to run the B&B. The breakfast room is spacious and welcoming, enjoying stunning views spanning from the inner sound to the mainland mountains behind. On the 1st floor the West End of the building is dedicated to guest bedrooms and East End is the owner’s sleeping accommodation. The outside of the building is finished with white painted rendered with a tile roof. The windows are all double glazed.
There are currently 7 bedrooms, 5 of which are let to guests and 2 which are used by the owners. However, the layout offers a great deal of flexibility in how these rooms might be utilised in the future, e.g. one could let the three rooms on the ground floor and retain all the upstairs rooms as spacious owner’s accommodation.
All guest rooms at Otter Lodge are comfortable and equipped to an excellent standard, featuring solid wood furniture, quality toiletries and a complimentary hospitality tray with a range of teas, coffee and biscuits. In addition to this, some bedrooms have televisions, there are ironing facilities and all guests have full access to the guest lounge / breakfast room.
The bedroom accommodation is as follows:
1 King size Bed with Ensuite Shower room on the ground floor
2 Twin Bed with Dedicated Shower room on the ground floor
3 Twin Bed with Ensuite Shower room on the ground floor
4 Double Bed with shared Shower/WC and additional shared WC on the 1st floor
5 Twin Bed with shared Shower room on the 1st floor
6 Bedroom/sitting room currently used as owner’s accommodation on the 1st floor. Ensuite bathroom with shower over bath
7 Bedroom on the 1st floor currently used as owners accommodation.
GROUNDS
The entry to the property is well presented; white marble chips have been used for the parking area which set the scene for the building. The impression is smart and clean. The grounds extend to around 0.65 acres and offer more than ample parking and recreational space both for guests and owners. Guests gain access to the house along a drive taking them right back from the main road into a quiet and private location overlooking Broadford Bay. To the front of the main house is the car park area and to the rear is an area of wildflower meadow.
Guests have access to a delightful patio seating area where they can enjoy the views of the southern hills and the start of the Cuillins to the West, whilst enjoying the sun. To the East side of the property the grounds are laid mainly to lawn with a shed (acting as a store), workshop and compressor housing. The ground finishes have been carefully selected to minimise maintenance, while enhancing the experience of staying in this beautiful location.
SERVICES
The subjects benefit from three-phase mains electricity and water with drainage to septic tank. The main house benefits from a pellet biomass-fired central heating. There is WiFi throughout. All accommodation units are double glazed.
