The Three Chimneys & The House Over-By

The Three Chimneys is the Isle of Skye stay for couples who plan their trips around dinner. It is one of Scotland's best-known restaurants, set in a stone crofter's cottage on the shore of Loch Dunvegan in the tiny settlement of Colbost, on Skye's remote northwest coast. Next door, The House Over-By holds a small number of stylish suites with views over the loch, so you can walk to dinner and walk back to bed.

The restaurant carries three AA rosettes and a Michelin Guide listing. Its cooking is built around Skye seafood, game and local produce. At lunch, a four-course set menu starts from about £95. Evenings are longer affairs. Because the setting is so remote, nights here feel especially private: the loch, the hills of Duirinish across the water and a dark sky full of stars.

It suits food-loving couples who want a short, indulgent stop on a Scottish Highlands road trip. Book well ahead, since rooms are few and summer dates go early. Bring a car, since public transport out here is minimal.

Highlights at a glance

• A celebrated restaurant in a stone crofter's cottage
• Suites at The House Over-By next door
• Views across Loch Dunvegan to Duirinish
• Three AA rosettes and a Michelin Guide listing
• Skye seafood, game and local produce

Why Couples Love The Three Chimneys

The food is the main event. Dinner at The Three Chimneys is a long, unhurried evening that showcases what Skye and the surrounding waters produce: langoustines, scallops, crab, lamb and venison, often with foraged herbs and seaweed. The cottage dining room is small and candlelit, with thick stone walls and low ceilings.

The setting adds to it. Colbost is a scattering of houses on a single-track road far from the busier parts of the island. Loch Dunvegan stretches out in front, often still and silver in the evening light. There is little light pollution. You may see seals in the loch, otters on the shoreline or eagles overhead. Couples often say the combination of exceptional food and remoteness makes this the most memorable night of their Scotland trip.

The Suites at The House Over-By

The House Over-By is a short walk from the restaurant. It holds a small number of contemporary suites with views toward the loch. The style is clean and modern: natural materials, soft colors and big windows that let the landscape do the decorating.

For a honeymoon, ask for a suite with the best loch view. Waking up to the water and the hills across Loch Dunvegan is the reason to stay here rather than drive back to Portree after dinner. Because rooms are limited, book as soon as your dates are set, especially for May to September. Check the hotel's current opening dates and minimum stays when you plan, since remote Skye properties often have seasonal schedules.

Dining and Breakfast

The restaurant offers set menus at lunch and dinner. The lunch menu, four courses from about £95, is a good way to experience the kitchen if you are passing through. Dinner is a longer tasting experience. Expect Scottish seafood and game cooked with care, a thoughtful wine list and plenty of whisky choices to finish.

The restaurant holds three AA rosettes and a listing in the Michelin Guide. Dietary needs are usually accommodated with notice, so tell the team when you book. Overnight stays typically include breakfast, a chance to taste local produce in a more relaxed setting. There are no other restaurants within easy walking distance, so this is not the place for a casual pub dinner. Dunvegan has a couple of options a short drive away.

Things to Do on Skye

Colbost is a good base for the west of Skye. Dunvegan Castle, the seat of Clan MacLeod, is about ten minutes away, with gardens and boat trips to see seals. Neist Point lighthouse, on the far western tip, is one of the best sunset spots on the island. The Coral Beaches near Claigan are a short walk from the road.

The Fairy Pools near Glenbrittle, the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish peninsula are each about an hour's drive. One of you might want a long hike in the Cuillin while the other visits the Talisker distillery at Carbost. Skye weather changes fast, so both of you should pack waterproof layers and hiking boots. Midges are fierce in summer, especially on still evenings, so bring a good repellent.

Getting There

Inverness Airport (INV) is the nearest airport, about 3 hours by car to Colbost via the Skye Bridge. Glasgow (GLA) and Edinburgh (EDI) are about 5 to 5.5 hours away, with spectacular drives through the Highlands. Most couples combine The Three Chimneys with a longer road trip around Scotland.

A car is essential. The final stretch is a single-track road with passing places, so drive slowly, pull in to let others pass and watch for sheep. Fill up with fuel in Portree or Dunvegan, since stations are scarce in the west of the island. In winter, check weather and road conditions before setting out. Parking is available at the property.

Is It Worth It?

For food-loving couples, yes. A night here combines one of Scotland's best restaurants with a remote loch-side setting that is hard to beat. It works best as a one- or two-night splurge on a wider Highlands trip.

It is not a full-service hotel. There is no spa, no bar scene and limited facilities beyond the restaurant and the suites. Couples who want a country house with more space and activities may prefer Kinloch Lodge in Sleat. Those who want to be central for sightseeing may prefer Portree. Dinner adds significantly to the cost. Treat the overall price as a celebration meal with a beautiful bed attached.

Insider tips

1. Book your suite and dinner as soon as your dates are set, especially for summer.
2. Drive to Neist Point for sunset before or after dinner.
3. Fill up with fuel in Portree or Dunvegan before heading west.
4. Pack midge repellent for still summer evenings by the loch.

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