Click the blue links above to get to other pages
go back to index.
The Cottage
is a traditional stone-built crofter's cottage with original dormer windows and wood lining throughout. It has been fully modernised, although great care has been taken not to alter its original character. Both furnishings and decoration are as far as possible in keeping with the house, but in conformity with modern requirements of convenience and comfort. It has been in the family for many years and is furnished and equipped as the family home it is.
The Accommodation.
We have been awarded four stars **** for quality under the Scottish Tourist Board's grading scheme.
The house is basically designed for five adults, (with one in a slightly narrower bed. See below). There is also a convertible sofa. In addition there is a child's cot (with mattress but no bedding).
Downstairs:
SITTING ROOM with sofa, easy chairs, writing table and chair, colour flat-screen TV with DVD, and antique harmonium. There are books and games.
Charming spacious KITCHEN with all the usual modern electric appliances, and more. The old pine table will comfortably seat six.
UTILITY ROOM with double sink, automatic washing machine, tumbler dryer, airing facilities, deep-freeze.
BATHROOM with bath, wash-basin, lavatory, shower, shaver point.
Upstairs: all beds have duvets, electric blankets, two pillows, bedside lights. BEDROOM 1 has double brass bed and en-suite bathroom, (with wash-basin, lavatory, and shower). BEDROOM 2 has two single beds. BEDROOM 3 is a very small room with full-length 2'6" wide bed.
Outside: mature attractive garden. There is a tree swing, benches, and a garden table. There are many trees including a small wood to the rear of the house.
General Information.
* Grealin is a non-smoking cottage. We ask visitors kindly to respect this.
* Beds are normally made up on visitors' arrival, and towels provided. However, some people prefer to bring their own bed linen and towels; in this case we offer a reduction of £20 per week. Please let us know.
* Electricity. The house is fully electric. There are storage heaters in the two main rooms, run at our expense. We do not offer a live fire.
* Water is heated by an immersion heater at off-peak times at our expense.
* Other electricity is payable through a £1 meter, priced at cost.
* There are very efficient heaters in all rooms, many with programmable timers
* Pets may be permitted by arrangement.
* From mid-June 2012 there will be free broadband wifi access. There is a pay-phone for outgoing and incoming calls.
Mobiles: Vodaphone and O2 work well; others uncertain.
* All rooms are double-glazed, excepting the downstairs bathroom.
* Miscellaneous: the house is equipped with many items normal to family homes but not always found in holiday accommodation.
* There is a very full ‘Grealin Users’ Manual’ with details of the running of the house, useful telephone numbers, descriptions of the view, wet weather suggestions, radio frequencies, a bird list, items of local interest, local history, etc. etc. Also two pamphlets with our own suggestions for local excursions, and walks direct from the cottage.
* Grealin is very much a family home; we respectfully ask visitors to leave the cottage in the condition they would like to find it.
How to find 1 Grealin
Leave Portree by the Staffin road (A855). After 13 miles you reach Culnacnoc (sign). Turn left at the junction (signpost 'Grealin 1'). Follow this road to its very end (3/4 mile). The cottage is the last one, down on the left, over a cattle-grid, behind some trees.