Digital marketing coordinator Tori speaks with Kyn owner, Michelle, about the inspiration behind her contemporary retreat on the Isle of Skye, featuring pieces she used from homeware brand, House Curious.
Products featured: Bamboo Lanterns
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to us, we would love to start by hearing the story behind how you discovered Kyn?
My husband and I began our search for a holiday home on the Isle of Skye at the beginning of 2017. We were looking for somewhere to escape to from our busy lives as defence lawyers. Over a year we made many trips to the island to view properties and plots, concentrating our focus in and around the Sleat peninsula. The location was the most important element of the search as we were willing to build or renovate if it was in the right location.
The drive out to view the property that is now Kyn took us along Skye's highest road climbing 279m above sea level over Bealach Udal, and the views were extraordinary. The road commences its descent down the mountain, curling around bends and clinging to the sides of steep slopes as it plunges into Kylerhea. I knew immediately that we had found the perfect place before we had even seen the house. Upon viewing the property, it was obvious that it required a lot of work but it was where we wanted to be.
We absolutely love the clean Scandinavian style, what was your inspiration behind the interior design?
We took inspiration for the design from the farm buildings dotted throughout the Skye landscape. Kylerhea is a crofting township so it was important to us that the building was sympathetic to that tradition. The simple pared-back style of Scandinavian design fitted the brief, and the corrugated red tin roof on the veranda is a nod to the local farm buildings and traditional croft cottages. A simple palette of wood, tin, marble and stone help to blend the property into the natural landscape. The simplicity of the design required a concentration on quality craftsmanship, from the hand made kitchen and lights, to the porch swing made and shipped from Tennessee.
Products featured: Noir Round Table, Kuri Decorative Bowl, Ora Flower Pot, Black Rock Vase
What do you enjoy most about Kylerhea and the surrounding area?
The beautiful scenery and wildlife. Kylerhea sits by the edge of the sea strait that separates the Isle of Skye from the Scottish mainland. Nestled in a secluded glen beneath the mountains Ben Aslak and Sgurr na Coinnich, Kylerhea is in a Special Area of Conservation and is noted for its wildlife with otters, seals, deer and sea eagles being the most common visitors.
The view across to the mainland takes in the spectacular mountain ridge known as the five sisters of Kintail. The nearby Sleat peninsula is referred to as "the garden of Skye" and is dotted with historic castle ruins, galleries, craft shops and a brewery offering whisky tasting. It is also home to Kinloch Lodge, the historic seat of the Clan MacDonald, now an award-winning hotel and restaurant.
Products featured: Diamond Cotton Bath Mat, Hanging Storage Baskets, Meraki Hand Towel
What would your ideal weekend at Kyn entail?
A typical Saturday usually involves a late breakfast followed by a walk to the Kylerhea Otter Hide, located about a mile or so from the house. It's the best way to see the otters, seals and other local wildlife. A dip in the hot tub may follow in the afternoon, before a sumptuous dinner at Kinloch Lodge.
On Sunday, we usually take the Skye ferry which is a short walk or drive from the house over to the tiny highland village of Glenelg. The crossing takes five minutes, then we will head to Glenelg Inn which serves a great Sunday roast. After, we collect the papers from the village shop to read when we return home.
How would you describe Kyn in three words?
Mother Nature's Beauty.
