Discover Skye - Discover Skeabost Hotel

This Spring, take a trip around Skye with Skyeskyns

Discover or re-discover the Skeabost Hotel, on the banks of Loch Snizort.

Take a look around their swanky bar, featuring some stunning Skyeskyns sheepskins.

Find out more about Jennifer Gracie, general manager and the new generation behind the hotel.

Get some inspiration for your next trip to Skye or your home décor.

On the banks of Loch Snizort, in the midst of 23-acres of grounds and woodlands, lies the Skeabost Hotel.  Skeabost is part of the Sonas Group, a family-owned group of three boutique hotels on Skye.  Anne Gunn, owner of the Sonas Group, bought the Skeabost in 2015 and it has since undergone a complete renovation.

Whilst there has been a dwelling at Skeabost since the Viking era, the current hotel was originally a lodge, built in 1871.  No doubt the original owners enjoyed the excellent salmon and trout fishing in the River Snizort which still runs through the hotel grounds, also home to a nine-hole golf course.

The hotel is ideally situated for exploring Skye but you don't have to go far for some breathtaking views.  Loch Snizort offers many splendid viewpoints all the way to the Minch (the strait separating Skye from the Outer Hebrides), and it is home to some fascinating historical ruins including Dun Skudiburgh and Hugh's Castle on the road to Uig.

As well as some recent Scottish Hotel Awards for best Island Hotel of the Year, the Skeabost has recently hosted celebrities such as Kanye West and Harry Styles.

The Skeabost Hotel is a grand Victorian building with many original features and the renovation undertaken in 2015 took great care to preserve most of these original features, including wood panelling and decorative plasterwork.   The hotel now features contemporary furniture which uses these authentic period items as a backdrop to create a stunning setting for a short break or holiday.

The Skeabost Hotel have used Skyeskyns sheepskins to add comfort and luxury to some of their rooms and common areas.  One particularly striking example is the large double sheepskin used as a backgrop to the smart grey decor of the bar.  The sheepskin complements the contemporary patterns of the banquette bench upholstery as well as the grey-toned tweed cushions and the black-topped glass table.  Modern, luxurious and comfortable, it makes for an inviting seating area.

With a fantastic gin and whisky selection, the bar is a great place to while away a few hours if you can resist stepping the restaurant for that long!

At the helm of the Skeabost Hotel,as well as working across the Sonas Group, is Jennifer Gracie, General Manager and Anne's daughter, who has been steering the Skeabost into the 21st Century as well as helping raise its profile nationally and internationally.  Jennifer is Skye born and bred and has two boys. She used to work as a clinal psychologist, seemingly a world away from hospitality although no doubt using many of those skills and knowledge in her current environment.  Jennifer and her team are passionate about turning the Skeabost into a must-visit Skye destination.

We asked Jennifer a few questions about what interests her, her likes and dislikes.

Creatively messy or professionally pristine?

I’ve switched from being professionally pristine to being a bit messy in the busy hotel office.  I much prefer order and get much more done in a tidy environment.

-What was the last picture you took on your phone?

I took a picture of my colleague Neil MacDonald at our Sonas Collection stand at Visit Scotland Expo.

-What would you do with an afternoon to yourself?

I would love to go for a spa treatment, any treatment would be great.  Just to relax and unwind.

-What’s your most loved and loathed food?

I really enjoy Italian food, so I like trying different Italian restaurants when I get away.  I really can’t stand sweetcorn!

-When did you last shed a tear at a movie?

I can’t remember a movie that I shed a tear at, but I love ‘Call the Midwife’ on a Sunday evening, and shed a tear during most episodes!

-Who inspires you?

I spent two days with Andreas Maszczyk at the Principal Hotel in George Street, Edinburgh.  It was amazing to see the full role of a Hotel General Manager in large hotel with 220 bedrooms.  He was very inspiring and it was very motivating to spend two days with him. I learned a lot.