The Cottage

History

Torr na h'Innse Cottage was re-built by us between 1991 and 1993.

Uninhabited since the 1950s, the fank (sheep fold) and remnants of fence lines remain visible in the fields confirming that this was a shepherd's house within Knoydart estate.

It is thought that the house dates from about 1840. Before the highland clearances, there was an earlier croft close to the location of the present house and this would have been one of many crofts in the bay and along the slopes above Doune and Samadalen. The former Sandaig Chapel (now Sandaig House) had seats for 400 souls and this must therefore have been the centre of community on Loch Nevis, before Mallaig became developed as a fishing port and later a railhead.

Accommodation

The cottage was rebuilt to modern standards, mostly within the stone walls of a traditional shepherd's cottage.

It is well insulated from the elements and includes:

A large open plan Kitchen/Dining/Living room with an efficient Woodwarm stove (logs supplied).
A dining table seating 10 people.
An oil-fired Rayburn Cooker and gas-fired hob.
3 double rooms on the ground floor each with views over the bay and sea.
1 twin room on the 1st floor (attic) with new Velux windows.
A further open plan play area in the attic.
A bathroom and seperate shower room on the ground floor each with a WC.
Separate boatshed, logshed, generator shed and workroom

The Extensions

A new bay was built in 2011 on the front of the house to give stunning, 180 degree views over Sandaig Bay from the dining room table (see image), perfect for watching wildlife.
An extension to the house's original back porch houses a new shower room with second WC, plus more storage and a second fridge.
The attic was segregated to provide a cosy chalet style twin room in addition to the existing futons.
The original boathouse was treated to a cosy new insulated shell and workshop in an extension.

Torr na h-Innse layout

Sandaig Cottage (Locally named Torr na h'Innse) sits on the shore of Sandaig Bay overlooking Loch Nevis and the mountains of Knoydart. It is reached by private track which fords Sandaig Burn. The house is surrounded by its own land consisting of 400 acres, a lake, burn, waterfalls, 2 islets and over a mile of coastline.

All the rooms have views over the sea-loch to the front. The kitchen/living room and attic bedrooms also have views over the fields and moor to the rear.

The large open plan kitchen/living room is heated by (1) the oil fired Rayburn range cooker, (2) two radiators that receive excess power from the hydro system and, (3) when you need it, a new efficient wood burning stove (logs provided). An inbuilt 4 ring gas hob is also available for cooking.

Comfortable accommodation in 4 bedrooms, three downstairs each with a double bed and the fourth, a twin room upstairs.

There are also 3 futons in a further open-plan attic bedroom that stretches halfway along the length of the house. From here, light, elevated views over the bay are provided through two large Velux windows. This area has always provided a brilliant space for children and a great "Den".

The large porch has plenty of space for hanging coats and outdoor gear and provides a draft barrier between the house and the elements.
We now have Wifi! (This video should give you and idea). We were ambivalent about accepting it but have to admit is is very useful for checking emails. Speeds are normally good. Mobile phone signal at the house is weak to non-existent but you can drive up the road in the direction of Airor and get a signal, if you are desperate. Better to use our house land line if it is working (prone to cuts in line).
Quite a good quality amplifier and CD player with Quad speakers. A selection of Scottish and Irish CDs. Bring your own CDs or Spotify if you like (and a cable to connect to phono ports).
The new extension to the kitchen, at the front of the house provides unobstructed 180 degree views out onto the bay when dining. The extension to the rear provides additional dry storage and a brand new shower room with WC.

The hydroelectric system now produces a pretty reliable power supply. There is a back-up 7 kW diesel generator with its 600 gallon tank of diesel

We have used the best materials and equipment, including Amtico flooring, hardwood double glazed windows and a modern internal skin within the original stone shell, to provide good insulation. This is all aimed at providing a practical, hard wearing, low energy demanding house which is protected against cold, wind, damp and time.

The 3 ground floor bedrooms have fitted cupboards, radiators and window seats. Duvets and pillows are provided but towels are not. Bedlinen may be provided on request at an additional cost. A washer dryer and an airing cupboard are available. The cupboard contains the hot water tank which is heated by the Rayburn stove.

Vehicles:

Included in the rental of the house is a long wheelbase 110 diesel Landrover Defender to get you too and from the house.

The boats at the house are for owners use only.

House Layout

Vehicles

Power and Water:

The Micro hydro system, described on this link, now provides free, renewable, clean, storable and silent power generation. This has allowed for amenities, taken for granted normally, such as continuous lighting and a fridge.

Until recently a 7kW diesel generator was the sole power supply for the cottage. The diesel generator and oil fired Rayburn each run off separate 600 gallon tanks. These have being hidden from view behind the boat shed; a 30 foot long store for the boats, tools, outboard engines and other miscellaneous products of beach coaming.

Fresh water is sourced from Sandaig Burn. A water pipe leads down to the house from a weir at the waterfall.

Food, Drink and Amenities

Inverie (Knoydart's only village), there is a post office, a coffee shop, a micro brewery, a local gift/venison shop, a school and a couple of places to eat including:

The Old Forge: "the remotest pub on mainland Britain"-Guinness Book of Records.
The Lighthouse at the Gathering.
The River Cottage

Beer can be ordered/bought online from Knoydart Brewery. Venison and limited food supplies can be found in the foundation gift shop.

Beyond this food supplies have to be brought over the water from Mallaig. There are two options;

At Fort William there is a large Morrisons supermarket by the railway station, which is very useful for large scale stocking up prior to arrival.
Groceries and meat may also be bought at the Co-op or Spar in Mallaig before you take the ferry. After arriving Co-op may take telephone orders. Orders are put on the ferry for you to collect at Inverie.

If you require any more information regarding any of the above please do not hesitate to contact us.

Food

Power and Water