Entire home

Eco and back friendly modern house, amazing views from all rooms, by Dunvegan

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Eco and back friendly modern house, amazing views from all rooms, by Dunvegan

Interior
Beach
Miscellaneous
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathrooms145 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Skinidin by Dunvegan, SCT
  • Skye Silver Gift Shop
    2 min drive
  • Macleod's Tables
    5 min drive
  • Dunvegan Castle
    7 min drive
  • Benbecula (BEB)
    212 min drive

Room options

About the area

Glendale

With a stay at this vacation home in Glendale (Skinidin), you'll be steps from Duirinish and a 2-minute drive from Skye Silver Gift Shop. .This vacation home is 2 mi (3.3 km) from Macleod's Tables and 4.6 mi (7.4 km) from Dunvegan Castle.

What's nearby

  • Skye Silver Gift Shop - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Dunvegan Castle - 7 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Neist Point Lighthouse - 9 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Claigan Coral Beach - 30 min drive - 13.1 km
  • Coral Beach - 30 min drive - 13.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Neist Point Lighthouse - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Lephin - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Three Chimneys - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Jann's Cakes - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Old School Restaurant - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Eco and back friendly modern house, amazing views from all rooms, by Dunvegan

An overview.
The house is designed by local award winning architects to comfortably accommodate four, in light, spacious accommodation. It’s a modern wooden construction which blends more and more into its loch side location as time and weather turn the larch cladding to silver. The deck opens the living areas out to make the most of the sea air from sunrise to sunset.
With modern living in mind the furnishings and equipment are to an exceptionally high standard. The influence of a Danish, chiropractic owner is most definitely evident in the overall interior design and quality of all things to sit or lie on - you won't be able to blame us for any bad backs and are more likely to want to know where you can buy things because they're just so comfortable!
On a practical note:
Changeovers are on a SATURDAY therefore the first and last day of your stay must be a Saturday. Minimum 1 week stay (Sat to Sat) and maximum 2 weeks ( Sat to Sat).
You may be able to bring your small/medium well behaved dog subject to prior agreement :) - see below 4 details.
Inside.
Downstairs you’ll find a vaulted open plan space incorporating the living room, dining area and kitchen. The living area combines a designer blend of old and new to provide maximum comfort and enjoyment of the views. Hand selected pieces of Danish teak, funkily re-upholstered furniture and a smattering of new sit happily side by side and enable you to sit comfortably watching TV, the weather or someone else doing the cooking!
The modern kitchen is equipped to the highest standard with NEFF appliances – oven, microwave/oven, induction hob, large fridge and freezer plus a dishwasher so there’s no time wasted washing up. As “foodies” we love to cook so this is a home-from-home kitchen with everything you’ll need to prepare and serve a simple or gourmet meal. From personal experience, our largest pan will easily take 2 of the largest crabs or lobsters if you get your timing right to meet one of the boats landing at Dunvegan Pier! If it’s fresh oysters you’ve bought at The Oyster Shed, then feel free to “shuck” away (we just hope you don’t need to use the first aid kit!).
The large dining table seats four with ease and for hours as you enjoy the Varier chairs which everyone falls in love with.
Also downstairs you’ll find a shower room, storage and hanging space, utility area with washer/dryer and a double bedroom - the bright green Varier Peel Chair is a focal point and if it’s a quiet reading or snoozing spot you want, this is it!
Upstairs will take you to the larger of the bedrooms which is typically a super-king or can be made in to twin beds on request at booking.
The large bathroom houses a rain and wall shower, double sinks and a freestanding deep fill bath. Enjoy a long hot soak but keep your wine bottle cold in the ice bucket standing within arms’ reach.
The Sealy mattresses were chosen by Mette in a professional capacity to ensure you have a great sleep. The lack of light pollution and just nature’s sounds mean you’ll be well rested. If it’s the long summer daylight hours you’re enjoying during your stay, the blackout blinds will be welcomed. At a different time of year, you may just want to leave the blinds up and watch the light show of the Aurora Borealis.
Communication with the outside world!
We have WIFI throughout. Given the rural location, at times it may possibly be slower than what you are used to. It is however the absolute best you can get on a remote Scottish island ;).
Entertainment.
FreeSat TV means you can keep up with what’s going on in the news or with your favourite programmes. Access to catch up streaming channels also enables you to go back and watch some of those you missed.
There’s a good selection of DVD’s spanning a range of genres and ages including recent releases.
The Sony speaker system means you can Bluetooth or plug in any devices to play downloaded music or access your preferred subscription live streaming services.
Environmental and Allergen friendly.
The Backrest has been built to incorporate the latest Eco-technology - heating and hot water is provided by an air source heat pump powering the underfloor heating. The log burning stove can be used for back up heating or to create a cosy atmosphere - 'Hygge' as we say in Denmark :)
Non-allergenic washing and cleaning products are used throughout. The ground floor is tiled and upstairs a combination of tiles and oak flooring is used.
Options on bedding also ensure we take every care to cater for guests with allergies (if you are allergic to down/feather and require a synthetic duvet please make us aware when you book).
Completed in December 2014, our location is respectful of the local environment. We've taken great care to preserve the remains and integrity of those who lived here before us out of respect for the Glendale crofters whose efforts helped persuade Prime Minister William Gladstone to establish a commission that would transform the lives of thousands of people working the land.
Outside.
The plot is fenced, gated and been left to its natural vegetation so a combination of grass and the hardy wildflowers that withstand the Skye weather. Just a couple of metres away from the house are the remaining walls of the original "winter croft", now covered in foliage and inhabited by our resident rabbits.
The visible life on the shore loch always brings a smile - seals are common place to see. Otters also inhabit the loch but our spaniels mean we're unlikely to see them but hopefully you'll have more luck. The bird life is just prolific and quite a few of our guests have been lucky enough to spot an eagle from the armchair!
Sheep have open grazing by the loch and feast on the shore line. Occasionally the grass looks greener on our side of the fence so we ask guests to open the gate and practice their shepherding skills which can be a real talking point for many on their return home.
It's easy to spend a relaxing day in the house whatever the weather - watching the wild life and the clouds come and go through the panoramic windows.
For any artist it's a great spot from which to put brush to canvas or for photographers to capture the stunning views.
Accessibility.
The ground level is without steps and offers everything needed to be self-sufficient so it is accessible for guests with mobility impairment. Whilst we don't offer grab rails, with prior agreement we're happy for you to bring temporary ones and use on tiled surfaces.
Exploring.
We've left lots of "local knowledge" details in the house to help you. The Backrest is perfectly placed to explore the island and there's plenty of space to dry out those walking boots and waterproofs if needed. Four out of the five peninsulas on Skye are within just a 20 minute drive (Minginish, Warternish, Trotternish and we're in Duirinish). The furthest away is Sleat (approx. an hour) in the south of Skye but we recommend to make it a day trip or combine it with taking the ferry to Mallaig on your way home.
Our proximity to Uig also means that Harris with its world famous tweed and the very beautiful Luskenytre Beach (in the world's Top 10 beaches) are a possibility if you want to venture further afield. However with access to great walks (for all abilities), biking (on and off road) stunning views, sea life, flora and fauna of all descriptions, wild life, fishing, golf, natural and man-made historic sites, great food, Skye beer and Talisker whisky on the door step, it's hard to see why you would!
Walking on Skye doesn't have to be in the challenging Black Cuillins. There are plenty of walks for all ages and paw sizes - Frida and Floyd (our 2 cocker spaniels) have left you details of their favourites and so have we.
If being on the water is more your thing, the many jetties including our nearest at Colbost mean you can launch anything from a kayak to a small dinghy. Alternatively, if it's just watching the water that you're in to, we suggest taking one of the many boat trips on offer to enjoy the frequent sightings of seals, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks.
There’s plenty of great sea and inland loch fishing. Permits for Portree Angling Society waters are readily available and you can fish with or without supervision from a ghillie. Boat trips will take the sea anglers to the best spots. The largest recorded catch in the UK was made off Skye - please don't bring back a 208lb skate to gut on the dining table!
The outdoors also inspires much of the arts and crafts produced locally and there are well routed tours on each of the peninsulas so you can stop off at the galleries and enjoy the art with coffee and homemade cake.
Eating in or out.
After a great day out we think you need the option of a great night in and whilst there are many fabby places to eat very close by, notably The Three Chimneys just a walk away, we've kitted out the kitchen so you can prepare your own feast. There are lots of places to either catch or buy your own seafood (including John the fishmonger who visits the house pretty much every Wednesday at 08.30 – his kippers come highly recommended particularly served with a local organic egg picked up from one of the many honesty boxes you’ll see when driving around)
Bringing your dog.
We know that a dog is part of the family. Subject to notification at time of BOOKING and our agreement BEFORE your stay, one small/medium well behaved dog will be allowed. Please advise us on your booking enquiry if you want to bring your furry friend because house rules do apply which need your sign off. We charge an additional £50 as a pet fee.
On a personal note …
It's a pleasure to share our Skye home with you and we're sure you'll all fall in love with The Backrest and have a holiday to remember. It's a great location from which to explore the many outdoor activities that Skye has to offer, the art and craft trails, or indeed a place to relax, unwind and simply watch from a comfy chair the ebb and flow of the loch shore.
Make yourself comfortable in this vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a DVD player is provided for your entertainment.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills and bike parking.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Mette Stopa

Languages

Danish, English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Blender
  • Paper towels
  • Ice maker
  • Coffee/tea maker

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Hairdryer
  • Eco-friendly toiletries

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Books
  • Video library
  • Stereo
  • Music library

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Fenced garden
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 1 total (up to 25 kg per pet)
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: NO smoking allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels (on request)

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • On the lake
  • In a rural location
  • Near the bay

Things to do

  • Golf on site
  • Sailing nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • 100% renewable energy
  • At least 80% of lighting from LEDs
  • Bulk dispenser for toiletries
  • Recycling
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Unit size: 1561 sq ft (145 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 55 lbs per pet)
Note from host: 1 small/medium dog (only) BY PRIOR AGREEMENT ONLY.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Suitable for older children. No highchair/cot

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: NO parties or events.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

Eco and back friendly modern house, amazing views from all rooms, by Dunvegan Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 241 out of 249 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 249 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 249 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 249 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 249 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Julie N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for seal watching
Beautiful contemporary property with everything you need for a relaxing stay. Location is ideal for exploring northern and central Skye and the views over the loch are stunning & give lots of opportunities to watch the seals (sadly the otters weren’t playing when we were there) The property owner left great information about the house and the area both before our trip and at the house. Would happily recommend
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

jeanetienne c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
Perfect location for us. Great view and great host
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

KEVIN D., DENVER

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Experience on Skye
Awesome property near Dunvegan with amazing views over a tidal ocean inlet. The house has floor to ceiling windows that make for excellent views of the ocean and hills in the distance - there are no other buildings to interrupt the landscape. The house has a ensuite master bedroom with king upstairs and an ensuite guest bedroom with a double on ground floor. Modern, recent construction with well equipped kitchen. Great location to explore Skye and good proximity to a choice of hikes and restaurants. Owner was easy to communicate with and the propery descriptions are spot on, highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Skye Getaway
A lovely property in a beautiful location. Every comfort provided in stylish surroundings. Thoroughly enjoyed our week.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Annemette F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic!
Best place we’ve ever stayed at - stunning views, extremely comfortable furnishings and spotlessly clean. This is clearly a well loved property. It shows in every way. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mrs
An excellent peaceful place to stay,very clean, comfortable and warm. Wonderful open views across the loch, and we enjoyed stargazing on clear nights! Great location to see lots of sights, and handy for Dunvegan just a couple of miles away for shop, bakery and restaurant. Would thoroughly recommend
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sabine H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing peaceful retreat
The views are like a moving painting. The house is super comfortable and has everything you need. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location fabulous property excellent hosts 👍
Stayed 21 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean-Pierre L., Montreal

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous!
This will be one of our most memorable vacation house ever! Clean, very well designed and oriented eco-minded home. Relaxing and absolutely stunning views from every room, even the bathrooms. Recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

George M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Backrest
Holiday was great, very relaxing, wonderful views. Not our first stay and we will go again.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sue B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous stay on Skye
Second visit for us to 'Backrest' and we were still blown away at the stunning location and the quality of this beautiful property on Skye. We would highly recommend if you love nature and need a battery recharge!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely house and location
Modern, warm with great views.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet F., Motherwell

Liked: Cleanliness
Always sad to say goodbye! We love The Backrest
When the Friday night comes around, it is always a sad time, because we know we will be leaving our 'home from home' in the morning till our next visit to Skye! The Backrest is ALWAYS our go-to-booking. We cannot imagine visiting Skye without our stay at The Backrest. For anyone who hasn't experienced this incredible accommodation - you are missing out! So just book now!!! It is the most comfortable venue you will find, and has absolutely everything you will need! I'm not even going to mention the awesome bath! Oh my goodness... it is a bit of paradise! There is a reason that we keep coming back to The Backrest (as do so many other people on this website who have experienced what this listing has to offer). With this trip, we decided to bring our Romanian-rescue dog with us. She absolutely loved her holiday in Skye. It was also our first time visiting Skye in the summertime. A very different experience, and a beautiful one. So many adorable lambs, and the lush green of the countryside. We also got to visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens for the first time. The gardens were spectacular and in full bloom. We did our usual climb of Old Man of Storr (which we highly recommend!) Family who visited with us, are keen paddleboarders, and had a beautiful paddleboard trip around the islands in the loch, literally across the road! Thank you Metta and Sonja... till the next time... Jan, Martin and 'Cara' :)
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vincent C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfort, beauty, stunning design, and hi-tech amenities
A state-of-the art property in a gorgeous setting. The oversized upstairs master bedroom suite had wide-open water views of the loch and sheep pastures from everywhere--even in the shower stall. An exceptional vacation rental!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

June S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very relaxing stay
Couldn’t have been more comfortable. Backrest was very well appointed. Great base from where to explore the Island from and on rainy days to sit and watch the changing view. Thanks for letting us stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect in every way
There is literally nothing I could say to criticise our stay at the backrest - it was absolutely perfect. The house is absolutely top notch - spotless, perfectly maintained, you can see how much care and effort has gone into this place. One thing I hadn’t anticipated was how comfortable everything was! It made us realise how ‘bad’ the furniture we have at home must be for our backs! I found myself googling the green chair in the downstairs bedroom, convinced I was getting one for home - until I saw how much they cost!! Honestly, this is just the most fabulous place to go away. Skye is stunning and our favourite place to escape, and it’s now even more perfect that we have found the backrest to stay. The views from the house are amazing, we were blessed with some unbelievable sunrises, a thunderous storm during the night one night which was brilliant to listen to from inside the cosy house. Mette was the perfect host, communication was great, we had no issues at all and couldn’t fault our stay if we tried. I was so sad to leave and I can’t wait to return - thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rafaella N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful!
From the booking, Mette was lovely, very helpful, and informative. The house is stunning, comfortable, and has everything you might need. I highly recommend it. I can't wait to be back! Thanks again, Mette!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alex P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic stay
We really enjoyed our stay. Fantastic property, beautifully furnished with everything you need. Beautiful location and views. Everything was seamless and we would love to come back in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous location & property 👍
You can’t do better - second time and we will be back again
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kev C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family break
Outstanding property! we were sad to leave!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jill S., Tulsa, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic!
Our 2nd stay at the Backrest. This time for 2 weeks! Absolutely love the views! Love this place.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023

6/10 Okay

Maria M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location but shame about the flood
We liked the location, the house was clean and well appointed. But there was an awful sewerage smell all the way through our stay. The notes said that it was from the downstairs shower but it was from the kitchen sink. I messaged the owner and she suggested sink unblocker. However on 14/09, there was a flood from a waste pipe that had been poorly repaired before. The kitchen was covered in waste water, the back of the sink area was mouldy, the smell coming from this for some time before we arrived and we had to turn off the water. We spoke to the owner and she did arrange for an emergency plumber but and this is the problem, she only really cared about her property and not that our holiday had been spoilt by firstly the smell, then the flood and then having to decamp to spend our guests’ last night with us not with the planned meal of oysters and scallops but at the Misty restaurant and fish and chips, and finally by the owner implying that it was all somehow our fault and not saying sorry. The smell still lingered as the under sink area was still mouldy. This was after the cleaner came back to the property to clean this area. It is also worth noting that the owner sent the cleaners without notice to us on 14th, which is very rude but part of her assumption that we had done something to her house. We have rented at least 40 houses all over the world and this is the first flood. Please refund two nights for this issue and the inconvenience caused.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfection
The Backrest is the most amazing holiday home, modem, inviting and extremely well appointed. The views are out of this world with lovely walks around the loch right from the door. The Backrest is the perfect base to enjoy Skye, would highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

George M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay at the Backrest
Beautifully set property with views over Loch Dunvegan. So peaceful. The perfect relaxing holiday. One of our party is in a wheel chair, the access was excellent. We had stayed here twice before, we will certainly be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sue B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Heaven on Skye!
We fell in love with Skye (this was our first trip!) and also fell in love with 'Back Rest'. It was everything we expected and more! Such a lovely place, unlike other rentals it felt more like our second home. We will definitely be returning soon!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023