This cottage places you next to Bright Water Visitor Centre and within a 10-minute walk of Caisteal Maol. The cottage includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a TV.
Bright Water Visitor Centre - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
Caisteal Maol - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
Skye Bridge - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
Eilean Donan Castle - 23 min drive - 13.2 miles
Talisker Distillery - 56 min drive - 40.1 miles
Getting around
Kyle Of Lochalsh Station - 8 min drive
Inverness (INV) - 134 min drive
Restaurants
Plockton Inn - 15 min drive
King Haakon - 1 min walk
Lean To Coffee - 7 min drive
Plockton Distillery - 16 min drive
Hector's Bothy - 5 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Gavin Maxwell Cottage
Imagine having your own six acre island and staying in the former home of the classic author, Gavin Maxwell.. All on the Ground Floor:
Living room: TV, Freesat, DVD Player, CD Player, Woodburner
Kitchen/dining room: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher, Washing Machine
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bedroom 2: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet. Electric central heating, bed linen and towels included. Initial fuel for wood burner included. Accessible toilet available on request.. Private parking for 2 cars (designated parking place adjoins private gate with short walk down well maintained stone path to the cottage). No smoking. Please note: There is a trolley available for transporting luggage inside the property, please return it to where it belongs. Young children require supervision at all times due to the close proximity to the sea.. Imagine sharing part of a private island and staying in the former home of Gavin Maxwell, author of the classic book "Ring of Bright Water". Gavin Maxwell Cottage on Eilean Ban situated between Kyleankin on Skye and the Kyle of Lochalsh, on the Scottish mainland, has this unique claim to fame. Once only accessible by boat, after the building of the Skye Bridge this former lighthouse keeper’s cottage is now accessed via a private door on the side of the Skye Bridge.
Eilean Ban (Gaelic for White Island) is six acres of pure heaven with part of it being situated directly under the Skye bridge. Small stone paths meander around the island with colourful shrubs, herbs, heathers and wild grasses covering the hillsides. Gavin Maxwell was one of the foremost authors of wildlife books of the last century, and now his legacy can be enjoyed by all. the island boasts a wonderful array of wildlife. There are frequent sightings of otters, seals and pine martin, as well as occasional dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and Minke whales, together with an array of seabirds.
This property is on the sea front. Initial supply of fuel for wood burner included during winter months, thereafter available locally at cost.
HI31298F
The cottage is heated and features a kitchen and space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine and a fireplace.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Single level property
Smoking not allowed
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near the ocean
On a river
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 9:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
The guest will be charged 50% amount for a cancellation after the reservation is made.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 9:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Property Registration Number HI31298F
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Property is also known as
su-CC511152-CC511152
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do close to this cottage?
This cottage is located in Kyleakin within a short 10-minute walk of Caisteal Maol. Skye Bridge is also within a driving distance of 1.2 mi.
Is parking available on site at Gavin Maxwell Cottage?
No, this cottage doesn't offer parking.
Is this cottage associated with a casino?
No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.
Is Gavin Maxwell Cottage a good place to stay for couples?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront cottage include a fireplace and a kitchen along with a garden.
Are there hot tubs at Gavin Maxwell Cottage?
No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this cottage offer breakfast?
No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this cottage allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.
Are there connecting rooms at Gavin Maxwell Cottage?
No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this cottage.
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Gavin Maxwell Cottage?
No, you won't find cottage with balconies at Gavin Maxwell Cottage.
Gavin Maxwell Cottage Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 4 reviews
10 - Excellent
3
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 4 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Eilean Ban Fans
Apr 4, 2026
Our third stay here and already planning our fourth, we completely agree with the recent reviewer th
Our third stay here and already planning our fourth, we completely agree with the recent reviewer that it's a privilege. To quote one of the trustees I had the pleasure of meeting this time, other guesthouses are available... but none like this. Such a special place.
Eilean Ban Fans
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Eric Monk
May 5, 2025
A lovely cottage in a lovely location.
A lovely cottage in a lovely location. Spectacular views and wildlife. We heard but sadly didn't see the otters.
Eric Monk
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Christine Maurath
Nov 6, 2025
This charming cabin is a true retreat for those looking to completely disconnect from the modern wor
This charming cabin is a true retreat for those looking to completely disconnect from the modern world. Situated on a small island, surrounded by a lush garden with stunning views of the sea, the tranquility here is unmatched. The house, though old, retains all the charm of the 70s and 80s, offering a nostalgic and cozy experience. However, if you need to stay connected, it might not be the ideal place, as there is no Wifi, and the signal kindly shared by the caretaker was quite weak. Despite this, it was a true privilege to stay in this tiny paradise, enjoying a complete disconnection on a tiny island that gave us unforgettable moments.
Christine Maurath
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Alexandra Bartlett
Jun 8, 2025
A wonderful little house, in a totally unique and beautiful spot.
A wonderful little house, in a totally unique and beautiful spot. We loved every moment here. The house is very comfortable and cosy, with lovely vintage touches and artwork. I loved the retro rug in the hallway. The sofa looks uncomfortable from the photos, but it is actually ok, and anything is better than the black leather so often seen in cottages now. (I will avoid a house with black leather sofas as they are cold and have no soul, and the rest of the house is usually the same - grey everywhere - eww)The house has character and warmth and I would love to come back. I really hope I will some day. Oh - and although there is no wifi (my husband won’t usually even consider a house with no wifi) there is good 4G. We had a good signal all week.