Duisdale House Hotel
Location
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Originally built in 1865 as a hunting lodge for the Clan Macdonald, this Victorian mansion offers stunning views over the Sound of Sleat and the mainland mountains beyond. Surrounded by 30 acres of old trees and landscaped gardens with ancient rock walls, the refurbished mansion is now a chic and comfortable boutique hotel that pays homage to the island’s rich history and natural beauty. Common areas include a large lounge with velvet chairs, a grand piano and ornate, floral wallpaper, as well as a nautical-themed bar, the Chart Room. Many of the mansion’s original features remain intact and in use, including fireplaces, a beautiful staircase and ornate ceiling cornices.
Featuring contemporary and four poster beds, each luxurious guest room is unique in design and layout. All are elegantly appointed with fine linens, plush lounge chairs, and neutral tones enlivened by sparks of color found in paintings, lampshades and throw pillows. Spacious en suite bathrooms have stand-alone tubs, towel heaters and luxury Scottish toiletries.
The main dining room has a large conservatory extension that looks out onto the hotel’s gardens, which are illuminated at night. Showcasing fresh Scottish fare, the restaurant serves breakfast classics like Scottish oak-smoked salmon or eggs Benedict and sumptuous dinner entrees like twice-cooked honey-glazed pork belly. The dog-friendly Chart Room bar has an extensive gin and whiskey selection, ideal for an afternoon “tipple” or nightcap, and an outdoor hot tub overlooks both private gardens and the sea.