MONKSTADT HOUSE, KILMUIR, ISLE OF SKYE This magnificent house was originally built as a Laird’s Over the last few years, the house has undergone a house for the Macdonald’s of Sleat, using stone programme of restoration which has recently been and other materials from nearby Duntulm Castle, completed. The owner engaged the leading firm of then occupied by estate tacksmen, the house fell Scottish architects, Morris Steedman Associates and into disrepair in the last century. After the roof was the work was painstakingly carried out by the owner removed in the 1950’s, only a ruinous shell remained. with the assistance of local tradesman all in terms of the necessary statutory approvals from the Local The site of the house is on the Trotternish peninsula Authority and Historic Scotland. amidst the dramatic scenery of the north of the island of Skye. The house has a fascinating history, including The result is a substantial traditional house, restored a record that Bonnie Prince Charlie was given shelter to all its former glory, but with the benefits of modern here by Lady Margaret Macdonald in 1746, when he heating, glazing and insulation. This makes for a travelled with Flora Macdonald from Benbecula to comfortable, warm home which is economical to run. Skye. The heating is run from a geo thermal heat recovery system which provides under floor heating on the ground floor and radiators upstairs. MONKSTADT HOUSE The materials used on the exterior are the modern equivalents of the traditional finishes, meaning less maintenance in future. The house occupies a commanding position looking south south east over the surrounding countryside. Long ago the land below the house was a loch; the house would have stood on the shore line. From the upstairs bedrooms there is a glimpse of the sea. The house is in an L shape with the main section a full two storeys, with attics above. On the eastern side there is a section of one and half storeys. The house has a Ballachulish slate roof, crow-step gables and traditional chimney stacks. During the restoration work, many links with the original earlier buildings on the site were uncovered. At the front of the house, a cross-shaped doorway was exposed with marks on the stonework believed to have been made by the Macdonald clansmen sharpening their swords as they left the house to do battle. Behind the screen wall in the forecourt there are three outhouses. These are the “three insignificant huts” referred to in the records of Boswell and Johnsons’ Tour of the Hebrides. These are thought to be the cells of the monks who inhabited the original Monkstadt. They have now been fully restored complete with thatched roofs. Inside the house has been completed to local authority Completion certificate standard, but final decoration and fitting out has been left to the discretion of a new owner. With its spacious accommodation, beautiful setting and historical links, this property represents an opportunity for a number of different uses, perhaps combining a business income with life in the Highlands. MONKSTADT HOUSE The accommodation includes Services Ground Floor Mains Water Entrance Hall, cloakroom and stair case Mains Electricity Sitting Room Private Septic tank drainage Dining room A right of access will be granted over the private road subject to payment of a share of the Large family kitchen with space for dining maintenance costs. Garden Room Upstairs LOCATION Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom Monkstadt is situated in the township of Kilmuir. It is close to the village of Uig from where the ferry Second bedroom with ensuite bathroom and service runs between Skye and the Outer Hebrides. dressing room Portree, the main town on the island is 20 miles Three further bedrooms and bathrooms away and provides secondary schooling and a range Garage, outbuildings and stores of shops, arts centre, restaurants and varied leisure pursuits. Garden ground extending to 0.70 acre MONKSTADT HOUSE DIRECTIONS From Portree take the road signposted for Uig on the A87. In Uig take the road on the right (A855). At Totescore you will see the sign for Monkstadt, turn left and travel along the private access road for 1 mile – the house will be on your right. ENQUIRIES For further information apply to Anderson Shaw & Gilbert, Solicitors and Estate Agents, York House, 20 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1ED. Tel: (01463) 253911. Fax: (01463) 711083. E-MAIL: [email protected] MONKSTADT HOUSE Ground Floor MONKSTADT HOUSE First Floor Second Floor MONKSTADT HOUSE The Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 The above particulars, although believed to be correct, are not guaranteed, and any measurements stated therein are approximate only. Purchasers should note that the Selling Agents have NOT tested any of the electrical items or mechanical equipment (e.g. oven, central heating system, etc.) included in the sale. Any photographs used are purely illustrative and may demonstrate only the surrounds. They are NOT therefore to be taken as indicative of the extent of the property, or that the photographs are taken from within the boundaries of the property, or what it included in the sale. 43929 Anderson, Shaw & Gilbert York House, 20 Church Street, Inverness Telephone 01463 253911 www.propertyinverness.com.