GLENCOUL "THE CROFT"
AMONGST THE HEATHER AND HILLS
GLENCOUL "THE CROFT"
AMONGST THE HEATHER AND HILLS
THE CROFT
"The Croft" has been the Klein family holiday home since it was built in 1971 by Marcel and Janice Klein. Marcel is pictured here with his twin brother, Gerald, near Kylesku in the 1950s.
Over the last fifty year both Marcel (until 1992) and Gerald (until 2022) have maintained The Croft. Now that responsibility sits with the next generation, as Marcel's sons', Andre and Rene, have recently been gifted the property by their Uncle.
It is a comfortable, warm, well-equipped two bedroom wooden chalet, located in the small settlement of Newton, near Unapool and Kylesku.
Due to it's remote and private location visitors can enjoy, unimpeded views down the sea loch and beyond to the impressive Stack of Glencoul where eagles are seen to soar.
At night close your eyes and drift off to sleep to the sound of Unapool Burn that runs directly in front of the property.
Listen to the cuckoos, watch the seals play in the waves, witness the stags crossing the river, watch the mackerel splash as they chase the sprats.....
Rewind. Unwind. Highland Holiday Time.
THINGS TO KNOW
- "The Croft" has two bedrooms, a double and a twin, although extra visitors can sleep in the living room and often do! Children of all ages are welcome, and so are dogs! There is also room for tents to be pitched outside.
- The living room has double glass doors allowing you to sit back on the sofa and take in the impressive views whatever the weather. There is TV, a selection of DVDs, and an extensive library of books on the Highlands, travel, exploration, geography, history and nature and of course fishing! There is also a large telescope so you can get even closer to the wildlife. Seals in the sea, deer in the bracken, eagles in sky....and plenty of trout in the burn. You can also try your hand at tying some fishing flies.
- Louis Klein, who passed away in 1984, headed to Assynt for his holidays since the late 1940s, and he can take all the credit for nurturing four generations of the Klein family to fall in love with the area. Like Louis many Kleins are celebrated chefs and so the kitchen is well- equipped with all you would expect including the best view from any stove in Britain! In the kitchen there is a big round table to sit and socialise around and log burner to keep everyone warm.
- There is a large shower and of course, a toilet. Water pressure is great, and the water itself is beautifully soft and sweet to drink. (with or without a whisky).
- Utilities, such the washing machine are located in a conservatory, which also serves as a boot room.
- Parking is directly in front of the Croft. Access is down a private road that comes off the main route north, the A894. You need to open two gates. We have one neighbour, a few hundred metres away, who works on the mussel farm. He is always happy to be approached for a feed of tasty molluscs.
- There are spare rain jackets, fishing rods and other handy bits and pieces around the croft. Visitors welcome to use them!
- For the adventerous we also have two kayaks. They can be dragged down to the sea loch so you can explore the islands or .....load them onto your car and head off to somewhere like Drumbeg Loch and explore the islands.
THINGS TO DO
The nicest thing about visiting the Croft is
...you actually don't have to do anything...
From the front door you can walk down the burn (about 100 metres), and fish for trout, take a dip, read a book or just sit and meditate.
The "Salmon Pool" at the bottom of the river is a favourite spot as the water cascades into the sea over twin sister waterfalls.
Catch sea trout at high tide or dive (carefully) into the cool, dark waters.
The rocky beach at low tide is a great place to search for mussels and cockles which can be harvested and put in the pot for dinner!
Our Favourite Walks
Quinag- the mountain that looks down over the croft.
Eas a Chaul Aluinn - the highest waterfall in Europe
Glas Bheinn - Crystal clear choire lochs and lochans with incredible views
Sandwood Bay - a heavenly beach, lovely walk and ideal for a surf
Some Stunning Drives
Drumbeg Road - This coastal route to Lochinver starts less than a mile away and is an unmissable highlight. Stop at the Drumbeg Stores for local provisions.
Durness - Head to the top and visit Smoo Caves, the Limestone Lochs and Balnakeil Church, or take a trip to Cape Wrath
Shores of Loch Assynt - There is no getting away from the beauty of Loch Assynt. Visit Ardvreck Castle and stop off and look for salmon jumping in the River Inver.
Places to Eat Out
Newton Lodge - We are less an kilometre to Newton Lodge which does evening meals and has a great whisky collection. Eat out - Walk home.
Kylesku Hotel - Was owned by our family for twenty years is a very special place situated on the ferry pier. A big reputation for its seafood.
Ullapool / Lochinver - Both towns are unrecognisable when it comes to eating these days! Loads of choice. That never used to be the case but it is now. Proper coffee...and decent pies.
Durness - You need to go to Cocoa Mountain. The best hot chocolate.
INSIDER TRIPS
Loch Veyatie
Contact the Ledmore Estate and hire a boat to go down Loch Veyatie, to swim, fish and enjoy the tranquility
Maldie Burn & Glendhu Bothy
Wander the footpaths on the opposite side of the sea loch, Glendhu on the Reay Estate. Have an afternoon enjoying the isolation of the Glendhu bothy. There is also a bothy at the end of Loch Glencoul, which is a much harder walk, unless you go by boat.
Clachtoll Broch
Visit the 2000 year old, iron age home. A ten minute walk from the roadside.
Walk - Kayak - Fish - Boat - Paddleboard - Climb - Hike - Camp - Bike - Run