Where the wild things are

UNINTERRUPTED westerly views over the isles of Canna, Rhum and, on a clear day, even Barra, are key features of The Longhouse, a contemporary home at Tokavaig on the Isle of Skye designed by acclaimed architect Mary Arnold-Forster, who works independently and in conjunction with Dualchas Architects on projects in remote and wild sites across the highlands and islands of Scotland.

Inspired by the vernacular longhouse, this modern interpretation is visually anchored in the surrounding landscape while the gardens merge seamlessly with the rugged terrain and a decked terrace offers an outdoor setting for dining or star gazing at night – the area is a renowned Grade 2 night sky and the Aurora Borealis, and Milky Way make regular appearances. Inside, the entrance hall provides plenty of cloakroom storage for boots and coats, thereafter the split-level, oak-floored ground floor layout follows a predominantly open plan flow to a spacious L-shaped dining room and kitchen with access to a south-facing decked terrace, separate living room with log-burner set against a polished concrete wall, and guest bedroom with en suite bathroom, while upstairs are three further double bedrooms (one with eaves storage) and family bathroom.

Orientated towards the south-westerly views, the main living spaces benefit from huge picture windows that frame the dramatic backdrop.

Skylights and external openings are cleverly positioned to trace the passage of the sun and capitalise on the uninterrupted views throughout the house, and the kitchen features bespoke cabinetry and sliding glass doors onto the terrace.

The Longhouse is accessible via the Skye Bridge and the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, the latter just eight miles from Tokavaig, a former Viking settlement known for its native woodland which is believed to have been a special place for the druids.

The nearby ancient castle of Dunsgaith, one of the oldest fortifications in the Hebrides, is the subject of many myths and legends.

As a permanent home or holiday let, The Longhouse is a restrained and beautifully crafted structure that honours its site, context, and landscape – for more details contact The Modern House in London which has set a price of £500,000.

Designed to take advantage of the views and the passage of the sun across the sky, The Longhouse is a modern take on a traditional Skye dwelling