Half way mark

This was it then, the visit to see the house not just imagine it from a photograph. 
Away from work at 14.00 on Friday afternoon and we hit the road not long after. Travelled through sunshine and rain showers with views of the first real snow of the winter on the high tops. Got through Glen Coe in daylight but it was dark by the time we were in Fort William. 
There were a few nervous drivers out and about - unable to travel at more than 35mph becasue it was dark. By the time we reached Glen Shiel it was raining too. The burns and waterfalls were in full spate after several days of heavy rain. We just caught glimpses as we drove past. Over the bridge and on through Carbost. As we drove through Fernilea towards our B&B we had our first sight of our house, lit warm and red from the heaters that are being used to dry it out. 

We stayed at The Rowans which is a B&B with a difference. A small kitchen, large bedroom and bathroom. Many goodies provided for breakfast and a packed lunch and all at a very competitive price. Settled in for a good night's sleep. 

Saturday's weather was heavy rain followed by heavy rain so we drove past the house (builders working on a Saturday) and headed for Glen Brittle. No mountains today but a wet walk along the coast, crossing some interesting rivers and visiting waterfalls that were stunning. Not many people out today. Lunch in the car then drove up past the "Old Man"  to a viewpoint with no view today. No pics as it was too wet to get the camera out of the bag.

Dinner at the Old Inn then back to The Rowans. 

On Sunday we travelled north past the house again and headed to the westernmost point on Skye, Neist Point. We planned to spend an hour or so here but it was so glorious that we stayed for almost three. Views to the Outer \Hebrides, rolling blue seas, storms out to sea, rainbows and that glorious November light that is golden and an old lighthouse, cottages and a retired jetty. We climbed the hill in the photo below on the way back - a very steep & sheer drop from the top into the sea. Quite breezy too but off the sea rather than into it.

Neist point from the car park. Lighthouse beyond the hill.

 

 

 

 

 

Lighthouse, cottages and obsolete foghorn. Harris in the distance

The sign at the top of the path said you could stay at the lighthouse cottages, B&B apparently with a "double kitchen" Not sure how this would work. Staying here would involve carrying everything you required for your stay down one steep path, up an even steeper hill and down again. (There was a winch for the first downhill bit - for your stuff not you) There was no obvious sign of recent occupation when we reached the buildings.  

Double rainbow across the bay to a very high headland

Turquoise seas, stormy skies

If you ever visit Skye you simply have to drive along the miles of single track road to reach this place. It is special and completely different to anywhere else on the island. We had lingered so long that we ran out of time to visit the coral beaches. Will save those for another day. 
Enjoyed the drive back to Portnalong and played spot our new house from the opposite side of the loch. It was hidden by trees but we did identify our neighbours. 

Dinner at the Rowans tonight; a two course dinner delivered to your kitchen at a time to suit you. Perfect. 

Then it was Monday and time to see the house. A beautiful autumn day with blue skies and fantastic light to set the house off nicely in its setting. We arrived a bit early and headed down the access road. Met the site foreman, Sandy, and one of his crew - all busy at work which was good to see.
You can see from the pictures how much has progressed since we were here to view a flattened space in the croft back in July. Walls, roof, windows, electricity and water connections. Interior walls being created and insulated, mezzanine level taking shape and many decision required about bathrooms, kitchen, finishes and fixtures. Some decisions will depend on the cost of changes to the bathrooms and how much is left in the budget after that. 

Courtyard between dining area and lounge

View

Mezzanine area well on its way

Front entrance and connecting corridor

House in its setting - getting there

It was very exciting to wander around the half built house, trying to imagine where bits of furniture would fit. The view from the living space, main bedroom and mezzanine were exactly as planned although the removal of a neighbour's tree would improve things a little. 

Called in to the builders yard on the way home to meet the people we have emailed and spoken to on the phone then headed back via Loch Carron, Inverness and the A9. Arrived home around 19.30 after a wonderful weekend away and full of plans for the finer details of the house. We will return in early January and expect to see much progress then. Seeking a good deal in a nice hotel for that one!