The Old School House

This old school, which was last used as such around 1930, was built about 140 years ago and has a fine outlook down to Loch Harport and the Red Cuillins.

The cottage sleeps a maximum of 6. It has been comfortably modernised while retaining its traditional character, including modern double glazing throughout and a wood burning stove. The large original schoolroom has table tennis, darts and other games and is ideal for evenings and wet weather. The cottage is situated on its own (the nearest house is about a quarter mile away) about half a mile above Carbost village (with a shop, post office, The Old Inn,  Talisker Distillery). You pass The Oyster Shed on the way!

Read on down to see the list of extensive cottage facilities or, on the right, browse pictures of the cottage and its surroundings as well as pictures of the rooms all of which will give you a feel for the place. You can also view a map showing the central location of The Old School House on Skye. Equidistant from Glen Brittle and Sligachan it is perfect for exploring the Cuillins. You can also find a list of links to local facilities here.

Please look at the availability calendar as the cottage is normally booked a long way ahead. You can view our terms of let and information on how to book.)

Facilities

Please note! We are in the process of making some changes to the cottage, and so this information is subject to change! If you book with us we will ensure that you are aware of any significant changes.

Wifi; Washer/Drier; Drying room; Freezer; Linen provided; Wood-burning stove; Bath & Shower; Pets with permission.

Sitting Room
The sitting room (actually one half of a large kitchen/sitting room) has a wood burning  stove (as well as  electric heaters and a small storage radiator) and comfortable sofas and chairs providing a cosy place for passing those wet or midgey Skye evenings! There is a selection of books and games as well as playing cards and jigsaw puzzles. There is no television but there is free WIFI which usually works very well and a radio/CD player.

Kitchen
The other half of the kitchen/sitting room is a well equipped kitchen that provides everything that you need to cater for 6 people, except of course food and drink! In addition to full sets of crockery, glasses and cutlery, and a wide selection of pans and utensils the equipment includes:

• Large larder Fridge. (There is a freezer in the school room lobby.)
• Microwave
• A ceramic hob and large single fan oven with grill
• Toaster, electric kettle, hand-held electric whisk and electric blender stick.
• Tea towels and oven hands

School Room (This takes up almost the whole of the front of the cottage to the right of the central chimney and is accessed through a separate door.)
The large old school room is one of the great assets of the cottage. It has been equipped with table tennis, darts and some other games and toys together with a number of fairly old sofas and armchairs, so it is a great place for children and adults alike to let off steam on wet days. There is also an open fire which warms the hands (of the teacher but not the children!) but is not large enough to heat the whole room.

Bedrooms
There are two bedrooms downstairs, one leading off the other. The first has a double and single bed, for flexibility, and the second twin beds. Up the stairs (which are steep and narrow) is another bedroom with two single beds. All beds have modern, comfortable mattresses, good quality duvets and pillows and are made up ready for you. The bedrooms have ample hanging and drawer space. There are lots of spare blankets. A cot and high chair can be provided on request. We don’t normally provide bedding for the cot.

Washing Facilities
Bathroom, with bath, shower, hand basin, lavatory, 2 heated towel rails and electric heater.

Through the school room entrance:

• Shower room with electric shower, hand basin, lavatory, heated towel rail and electric heater
• Automatic washer/dryer.
• Freezer

Heating, Water and Electricity
All rooms have electric heaters with controllable time clocks.

There are storage radiators in the hall and the sitting room.

There is a wood burning stove in the sitting room and a small open fire in the school room. We provide some wood, kindling and firelighters to start you off on arrival.

The cottage and school room are fully double glazed.

There is a private water supply with a UV sterilisation and filtration plant.

Hot water is provided by immersion heaters and time clocks. The shower in the shower room heats its own water.

Electricity is now included in the rent (for those who have been before this is a change from how we previously operated).

Miscellaneous

• We leave washing up liquid, toilet cleaner etc. but don’t expect to supply enough for your whole stay. You will also find basics like tea bags, salt and pepper and some herbs, spices etc. and it would be good if you could replace these if you finish them up. (Covid means that almost nothing is left.)
• Wireless broadband is available (included in price)
• Mobile phone coverage can be patchy on Skye. Use the link to find out more on this.
• Telephone (incoming calls only) – 01478 640418.
• Postal address – The Old School House, Carbost, Isle of Skye, IV47 8SE

Overall our aim is a comfortable, well equipped, well maintained cottage that is affordable and gives pleasure.