Torr na h'Innse, Sandaig, KNOYDART

Between 1991 and 1993 we completely rebuilt Torr na h'Innse Cottage from a ruined shepherd's cottage into a fully insulated sanctuary. Now the Sandaig Cottage provides comfortable accommodation for six people in three double bedrooms, as well as an additional two single beds and 4 single mattresses in the open-plan attic bedroom.

The house is surrounded by its own land consisting of 400 acres, a lake, burn, waterfalls and over a mile of open coastline and two islands. Furthermore with 55 square miles of open Knoydart available there is no shortage of space.

As can be seen from the plans below (please click to enlarge) the house contains a large open plan living kitchen and dining room with views over the sea-loch at the front and over the field and moor at the back.
  • The kitchen has a Rayburn oil fired range as well as a two ring stove with grill as extra and backup.
  • Since the hydroelectric system is now producing power at a reliable rate a fridge should now be working full time as well as a sound system and heating.
The staircase leads up from the hall to the extensive attic bedroom, which stretches over 2/3rds of the house's length and has a window at one end as well as 2 large Velux windows with views over the water. This area has always provided a brilliant space and a great "Den".

  • All the bedrooms have views directly onto the sea and have fitted cupboards, radiators and window seats.
  • The large porch has plenty of space for hanging coats and outdoor gear as well as housing a washer dryer.
  • An airing cupboard is also available containing the hot water tank which is heated by the Rayburn.
  • A telephone is connected and is available.
  • Duvets and pillows are provided. And you can rent linen from us at £6/person if you wish.
We have used the best materials and equipment available, including Amtico flooring, double glazed windows and new internal walls within the original stone, to provide good insulation. All aimed at combating the dreaded Highland Damp as well as loss of energy which has always been scarce.

Vehicles:

There is a long wheelbase 110 diesel Landrover and a 9 ft sailing dinghy with oars both of which are included in the rental of the house. There is also a Drascombe Lugger, which is an 18 ft open sailing day boat, as well as a 16 ft Cornish cobble sailing day boat (extra charge, price on request.) ;( However we are reluctant to provide these two boats unless experience is clearly sufficient).

Power and Water:

As mentioned earlier the cottage has until now been solely powered by a 7kW diesel generator, however with the installation of a Micro hydro system the power should now be free to run, and environmentally clean, as is extensively described in the above link. The generator and Rayburn each run off separate 600 gallon tanks of diesel and fuel oil respectively. These have being tastefully hidden from view behind a 30 foot long boatshed which houses the boats, tools, outboards engines etc. Fresh water is sourced via a pipe above the house from the Sandaig Burn waterfall.

Eating Out and Post:

In Inverie (Knoydart's only village), there is a post office, a pub (The old forge: "remotest pub in mainland Britain") which serves food, and the "Pier House" which serves excellent seafood platters and teas. A restaurant is also available around the coast at Doune although this does require a sea voyage or short moor crossing.

Food:

Due to having no shops on Knoydart supplies have to be shipped over. Thus before arriving there is 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.
Alternatively; groceries and meat may be bought at the main Ben Nevis(Mace/Mclennan) store and butcher in Mallaig before you take the ferry, most other necessities can also be found in the Mallaig Co-op.
After arriving you may telephone Mace or the Co-op, from the telephone in our house, and they are efficient at sending over your orders, on the ferry for you to pick up at Inverie.

If you require any more information regarding this please do contact us.