YSW on tour | Over the sea to Skye Katie Bletcher travels to “the misty isle” to discover the delights of Duisdale House Hotel and the grandeur of Skeabost House Hotel Intimate do or exclusive affair
First stop, Duisdale House Hotel… Driving down Skye’s Sleat Penninsula I’m getting excited. I’m on my way to Duisdale House Hotel; one of the Sonas Hotel Collection’s three properties, and a former Victorian mansion which dates back to 1865. And turning into the driveway, it’s clear that the house has lost none of its charm. Colourful flowerpots adorn the entrance and we’re given the friendliest welcome before being shown to our home for the night. We’re staying in the hotel’s delightful cottage which overlooks the landscaped gardens, and this is where many of the couples marrying here stay. Stepping inside, it’s easy to see why.
the view of the garden and stunning Sound of Sleat beyond. The big windows also make this a MUA’s heaven, with plenty of natural light to ease your bridal prep, and all the space you could wish for getting ready. Besides this space, there’s a further double bedroom, wet room, and separate bathroom with a seriously stylish bath. But before I get to try it out, we make the two-minute walk across the road down to the pebbly beach, overlooking the mainland. If you’re looking for a picturesque seaside ceremony location, you won’t be disappointed. I can just see couples exchanging vows on the shoreline. But if you don’t fancy negotiating the stones, Duisdale’s front garden boasts the same view, or you could say ‘I do’ on the terrace. You really are spoilt for choice.
Local fare
The living room in Duisdale’s master suite
The cottage’s main space combines the master bedroom and sitting area, with huge windows taking full advantage of 166 | YOUR Scottish WEDDING.CO.UK
Back inside we’re treated to dinner in the charming conservatory which again takes in that sea view. Dinner is a friendly affair, with staff chatting away to guests, and the food is simply superb. I try the tender venison with meaty oyster mushrooms and a side of potatoes cooked in seaweed and herb butter before sampling a refreshing strawberry and honeycomb dessert, served with a sublime pine sorbet.
Part of the beauty of Duisdale is its size. The boutique hotel lends itself perfectly to either hosting an intimate wedding for just you two or a select few guests, or taking on the entire hotel on an exclusive-use basis. The public spaces are richly furnished and I’m told owner Anne Gracie Gunn is largely responsible for the enviable interior design throughout the venues. The elegant lounge is the ideal indoor setting for couples to marry, exchanging vows in the bay window overlooking the Sound of Sleat. The light and airy conservatory is perfect for smaller wedding breakfasts while the adjoining dining room can comfortably seat 36 guests. (You can combine the two and accommodate larger numbers). Then the terrace or the bar are great options for your drinks reception.
A deluxe room at Duisdale
House party Once the celebrations are finished your guests won’t have far to climb into bed in one of the hotel’s beautifully appointed bedrooms. They can choose from a standard or deluxe room, the cottage, one of the new lodges or the brand-new master suite - a really special space, complete with its own private conservatory, sitting room, feature bath
