In mid-March 2019 my sister, Lucy, and I were handed the keys to the Osdale Cottages. With much enthusiasm and many ideas we set about preparing Osdale Farmhouse for our first guests on 23 March. Little did we know that exactly one year later the country would enter lockdown and the cottages would be closed – what a terrible end to our first year but we are determined to bounce back and, once restrictions are lifted, open our doors to all who would like to stay.
During lockdown I have remained in Oxfordshire and look forward to returning to Skye as soon as I am allowed. It will be lovely to see my sisters, Lucy and Jane, and my parents. I was last on Skye in January and my extended time away has made me think about some of the things I love about Osdale.
The Osdale location. There are some beautiful, awe-inspiring sights on Skye but to find a place that is part of one of Skye’s great landscapes is very special indeed. Our two cottages sit beneath the magnificent Macleod’s Tables – two flat-topped mountains that dominate the landscape in North West Skye. Our cottages look tiny by comparison, tucked away from the rest of the world.
The views. When I am on Skye I am always drawn to sit at a window and look at the views and watch the wildlife and weather. Osdale is perfect for this – comfortable chairs by the windows and a view for miles. You can see from the Cuillin in the South East around to Loch Dunvegan towards the North from Osdale.
The stillness. Life is busy and Osdale offers a little escapism. To sit outside and just watch and listen is a wonderful experience.
The cows. The cows on the land surrounding Osdale can often be seen on the track to the cottages. They are a friendly bunch sometimes trotting behind the car as you travel up the track. Apparently, they are very fond of Lucy’s new puppy, Ned (who I still have not met yet).
We are hoping to open in mid-July, subject to the government regulations being lifted and are busy making preparations. The Byre was upgraded at the end of 2019 and we are now completing some improvements at the Farmhouse. The outside space is being tamed a little and professional photographs were taken of the Byre last week so we will update the website shortly. In addition to this we are keeping abreast of government guidelines regarding cleaning protocols post-COVID19 to ensure all guests are kept safe once they return.
So I think there’s lots to look forward to at Osdale. If you would like to join us and experience Osdale for yourself please get in touch. Come and take in the views, walk up a mountain, watch seals in the loch, spend time with friends and family and fall asleep happy.
15th June 2020
Anne