Tulach Ard was built in the mid-18th century as the manse for a nearby church. It was extended in c.1910 and then purchased by the current family in the 1960s. The home underwent a radical transformation in 2012 at the hands of its current architect/designer-owners. The interiors were reimagined throughout for contemporary family living, and a barn outhouse was converted into a delightful, separate dwelling.
The home's owners founded
ANTA, a family-run design business, in 1984. They have employed the brand’s timeless fabrics and paints throughout the house, creating a home that is at once modern and traditional. Similarly, natural materials - including striking ash panelling - were added to create a continuity between inside and the dramatic landscape beyond.
The Grand Tour
Tulach Ard is embraced by its own private grounds in a wonderfully secluded spot, easily accessed via the A87. A private driveaway leads to the front of the house, passing stone outbuildings on the way and fields of grazing sheep.
The main house is a beautiful buttery shade of yellow, a hue chosen to complement the earthy tones of the surrounding landscape. The original windows have been refinished in ANTA's 'Loch Blue', creating a contemporary yet authentic contrast with the period façade.
Entry is to a porch with a cloakroom and a store. Beyond lies a larger flagstone entrance hall, where the staircase - thought to have been designed by engineer Thomas Telford - curves elegantly through the core of the home.
Directly ahead, through double doors, lies a spacious living and dining room; created by combining three smaller rooms, the space is airy and bright, with spectacular views over the loch. Ash-panelled walls are a nod to East Coast architectural styles, and connect the indoors with the mature trees outside. An additional snug is also accessed from the hall.
The kitchen is at the opposite end and has forest-green units topped with black granite worktops. Underfoot are large flagstones, and in the alcove above an electricAga is a splashback of hand-painted tartan ANTA tiles.Other appliances include an integrated dishwasher and American-style fridge-freezer.
A glass sun room with marvellous views over the water extends from one end of the kitchen. There is also a door here to the old service wing, comprising a study, laundry, additional kitchen, shower room and, upstairs, two bedrooms and a sublime bathroom set beneath the pitched ceiling.
The primary bedrooms are reached via the sweeping principal staircase, which has been painted in a soft yellow and dressed with an ANTA runner. There are four bedrooms on the first floor, including the principal, which has a freestanding bathtub. On the second floor are two further rooms. All have mesmerising views and a unique character provided by a combination of ANTA paints and wall fabrics.
A peaceful one-bedroom annexe housed in a former stone outbuilding can be accessed from the front of the house. Renovated to an exacting standard around the same time as the main house, it has a study, a kitchen, and adjoins two large stores.
The Great Outdoors
Five acres of land surround Tulach Ard. Intimate gardens merge into woodland, where age-old trees, including birch, larch, rowan and oak, grow. The remnants of a Victorian walled garden present an enticing opportunity for the horticultural enthusiast.
Just in front of the house, on the edge of the glimmering Loch Alsh, is a timber-built electric sauna. Other outbuildings include The Stable Byre, a 19th century stone building converted into a one-bed annexe in 2021. Here, much the same care and attention to detail was paid as within the main house and the annexe's interiors see a focus on fine natural materials and heritage ANTA pattern and textiles.
The Haybarn, an early thrashing barn, is likely the earliest structure on the site. Recent years have seen a comprehensive restoration of this building and it is very sound. There is also a steel agricultural shed, ideal for machinery storage.
Out and About
Tulach Ard sits on the banks of Loch Alsh, just a few minutes from the small village of Balmacara. It has its own café, visitor centre and gallery, while further amenities can be found in the town of Kyle of Lochalsh, a nine-minute drive from the house.
Known as the gateway to Skye, it is convenient for shopping and dining out. The Waterside Seafood Restaurant is a local favourite, known for its fresh fish, langoustines, scallops and crab caught from its own boat. For home cooking, the family-run Fisherman’s Kitchen sells a wonderful variety of locally sourced seafood.
A free road bridge connects Kyle of Lochalsh to Skye. On the island, the village of Broadford - with its breathtakingly beautiful coastal panoramas – offers prime opportunities for beachside walks, fishing and even spotting native otters. Broadford is also home to the island's hospital, which opened in 2022. The capital town of Portree sits further to the north-west and has an array of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a cinema.
The area is rich in breathtaking scenery, with panoramic vistas spanning mountains and lochs. The atmospheric Eilean Donan Castle, positioned on an island at the point where three lochs meet, is just an eight-minute drive from the house.
The beautiful Glen Shiel valley is slightly further to the south-east, and was the site of the Battle of Glen Shiel in 1719.
There are a number of schooling options in the area. Auchtertyre Primary School is a few minutes’ drive away, with Kyle Primary School only slightly further afield. For older pupils, Plockton High School is also close by.
Inverness, known as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’ is around an hour and 50 minutes away by car. It can also be accessed by train, from Kyle of Lochalsh rail station, with a journey time of just under three hours. Known as the Kyle line, the route is regarded as one of the most scenic railway journeys in Britain.
From Inverness, further connections can be made, with services to Aberdeen, Perth and Glasgow. Inverness Airport has flights to London Luton and Gatwick in less than two hours.
Council Tax Band: commercial
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