Jessica Johnson visits Canowindra B&B on the Isle of Skye
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
Owned by Rick and Georgie de Boer, Canowindra – an Aboriginal word for ‘a home’ – is a plush B&B which has posted Visit Scotland’s prestigious five-star accolade to its mast for two years straight. Sheltered by trees and located just outside the island’s harbour capital of Portree, guests are ideally placed for island adventure with in-house help from maps, books, fortifying breakfasts and top travel tips from Rick and Georgie. The couple’s steeped history in hospitality teamed with an infectious enthusiasm for island-living makes them natural hosts.
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE?
Opulent, cosy and full of home comforts. In each of the four bedrooms there are wide, comfy beds made up with luxury cotton sheets and a choice of a hard or soft pillow.
ANT LUXURIOUS TOUCHES?
Georgie is hot on home baking. Following the discovery of fresh cookies in my room, I take afternoon tea, a welcome perk for every new guest. Unlike many of the island’s watering holes, Canowindra’s tearoom stays open all year round. I try a slice of pistachio cake with a cup of Earl Grey from an impressive menu of world-blended teas. Delicious house coffee is made with freshly-roasted beans from Skye.
BEST SEA VIEW?
Nestled on the mountainous peninsula of Trotternish, Canowindra is two miles from the sea. From ‘Fishes’ bedroom, there are stunning views to Ben Tianavaig.
HOW ABOUT THE FOOD?
Breakfast champions local produce, served from the light and airy dining room. Before you tuck into a full Scottish, featuring home-reared free-range eggs and Stornoway black pudding, it’s worth tasting Georgie’s home-made granola with a spoon of island yogurt.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
A double room costs £150, per person, per night.
Canowindra, Penifilier, Isle of Skye canowindraskye.co.uk
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