Taigh Ailean Hotel Portnalong Isle Of Skye For Sale

Business description

Taigh Ailean Hotel is an attractive and traditional Hotel enjoying an elevated position overlooking Loch Harport and with breathtaking views to the Cuillin Mountains. With its delightful setting the business has a large footprint with external seating and barbecue areas. This pleasant property was originally built as a home by a settler named Alan MacLeod; ‘Taigh Ailean’ is Gaelic for “Alan’s House”. The building was then converted for use as a hotel and after a period of closure the current proprietor has started the process to restore the business and property as a destination venue. Today, the Taigh Ailean Hotel makes best use of its remote location offering an ‘Inn style’ operation with a highly personal service. The ever popular Isle of Skye is a tourism magnet and is generally assured of high levels of visitors during the main trading season which runs from Easter to October. Access to Skye and the Hotel itself was greatly improved when the Skye Bridge was opened, offering a direct mainland link by road. Whilst the Hotel continues to extend the same character and welcome today as it has done for decades, it has benefited from some upgrading by the present owner. Though a discerning new owner will see there are obvious avenues to continue the process of improving the level of provision, there is no doubt that the business can be operated immediately upon purchase. The combination of location, quality of the welcome and a good mix of facilities combine to form the sought-after, neat business that exists today.
The Hotel generates a growing turnover from year-round trading but with the bulk of business being generated in the main tourist season; Skye is an established centre for tourism and it majestic past will continue to draw in visitors from the world over. Income is derived from the three traditional income streams of wet sales, catering and accommodation. The attractive themed bar is the main focal point of the business with a wide range of drinks including single malts, minerals, spirits and draft beers. The bar also is the main venue for taking the fayre on offer with a menu of freshly prepared items utilizing fresh produce where possible. The bar is popular with a mix of clientele from year-round local trade, businessmen, and a healthy mix of tourists including walkers, climbers, fishermen and those enjoying water-sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and canoeing. The Hotel is building a fine reputation for its catering output; offering meals to residents and non-residents alike.
The village of Portnalong is a small village situated on north west of the Isle of Skye on the shore of Loch Harport. It is located 36 miles from the Skye Bridge, 11.5 miles from Sligachan and 21 miles from Portree; the Isles main centre of commerce. Portnalong is Gaelic for “harbour of the ships” and was founded by crofters from Lewis and Harris in 1921. The village played an important role as a refueling point for allied shipping during world war and a training area for Norwegian resistance fighters. From the village and surrounding area there is a wide range of activities that can be undertaken such as golf, guided mountaineering and nature walks, fly fishing tuition to name but a few. Shops are located at Carbost only 3 miles away. In addition to tourism, the island is highly popular with naturalists and also ornithologists who find birds of prey, waders and a host of seabirds in the locale. Skye’s rugged Cuillin Mountains are known to walkers and climbers the world over and many prolific hill lochs offer the angler an opportunity to catch spectacular native wild brown trout.
The present owner purchased the Hotel in 2008 and has enjoyed a rewarding lifestyle running and developing the business. During her tenure she has undertaken significant refurbishments. It is her desire to pursue other business opportunities that brings the Taigh Ailean Hotel onto the market. Whilst the Hotel benefits from established trade there remains scope for motivated new owners to further develop the business beyond its present level.
THE PROPERTY
The main property built about one hundred years ago, is traditionally built of whitewashed stone under a pitched slate roof. The property today benefits from partial modern double glazing and gas fired central heating.
PUBLIC AREAS/ LETTING BED ROOMS
The Hotel’s main entrance is accessed from the main road via a path to a doubled glazed main door. This opens into a spacious entrance porch which leads into the comfortable guest lounge complete with a bar and open fire. Through a corridor is the Hotel’s bright and popular dining room with views to the Loch. This large area is well furnished and proves very popular with both residents and casual diners. On the first floor and with both accesses from within the main building plus its own access from the main road is the main bar. Also with the benefit of an open fire and views across the rear of the premises this cosy guest facility is popular all year round.
The main stairwell leads upstairs from the main corridor to five bedrooms; two of which are currently utilised by the proprietor for personal use. With the two rooms in the Croft Annex, this gives a total for 7 letting rooms with 5 being on suite. The two other rooms share a bathroom. One room in the croft Annex is configure to disabled use. The letting rooms are comfortable and have good basic facilities including tea/coffee making trays and colour televisions.
OWNER’S ACCOMMODATION
Owners’ accommodation is located on the ground floor and consists of a lounge and double bedroom.
SERVICE AREAS
The Hotel has an adequate commercial kitchen and adjoining vegetable preparation facilities with separate washing-up area and laundry. The Hotel benefits from good storage.
GROUNDS
The area to the front of the Hotel is laid to gravel and provides for roughly 10 cars. A good range of bench and table type seating to the rear of the main building provide for guests to sit outside during fair weather. There is also a barbecue area. There is a garage and parking area to the side of the Hotel for owners use.
SERVICES
Mains electricity, Private water supply and drainage. Propane gas is used for cooking and central heating. .
LICENCES
The business holds a license under the licensing Scotland Act 2005. A copy of the operating plan will be made available to interested parties post viewing.
WEBSITE
TRADING INFORMATION
Accounting information will be made available to seriously interested parties subsequent to formal viewing.
PRICE
Offers over £360,000 are invited for the heritable property complete with goodwill and trade contents (according to inventory), excluding personal items. Stock at valuation.

Property information

Property:

Freehold

Living accommodation:

LETTING ACCOMMODATION The main stairwell leads upstairs from the main corridor to five bedrooms; two of which are currently utilised by the proprietor for personal use. With the two rooms in the Croft Annex, this gives a total for 7 letting rooms with 5 being on suite. The two other rooms share a bathroom. One room in the croft Annex is configure to disabled use. The letting rooms are comfortable and have good basic facilities including tea/coffee making trays and colour televisions. OWNER’S ACCOMMODATION Owners’ accommodation is located on the ground floor and consists of a lounge and double bedroom.

Location:

DIRECTIONS
From the Skye Bridge take the main A87 towards Sligachan then onwards to Carbost thence to Portnalong. The Hotel enjoys a prominent roadside position overlooking the harbour below.

Premises details:

THE PROPERTY
The main property built about one hundred years ago, is traditionally built of whitewashed stone under a pitched slate roof. The property today benefits from partial modern double glazing and gas fired central heating.
PUBLIC AREAS/ LETTING BED ROOMS
The Hotel’s main entrance is accessed from the main road via a path to a doubled glazed main door. This opens into a spacious entrance porch which leads into the comfortable guest lounge complete with a bar and open fire. Through a corridor is the Hotel’s bright and popular dining room with views to the Loch. This large area is well furnished and proves very popular with both residents and casual diners. On the first floor and with both accesses from within the main building plus its own access from the main road is the main bar. Also with the benefit of an open fire and views across the rear of the premises this cosy guest facility is popular all year round.

Business Operation

Trading hours:

Open all year, hours according to license.

Years established:

The present owner purchased the Hotel in 2008 and has enjoyed a rewarding lifestyle running and developing the business.

Other information

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