Half of One: A Family Home on Skye

Half Of One is an original crofters cottage. This is a traditional rural Scottish house. These crofts were named Half of One as the croft was typically divided up so that families could each have their own house on the same croft. So our croft is one of two houses on the same croft. Our croft is still a working croft with sheep scattered throughout. Half Of One is our family home overlooking Brothers Point on the Northeast of the Isle of Skye in Culnacnoc, 12 miles north of Portree, bought by my parents, Mark and Lois Gilbert in 1994 and handed down to Simon Gilbert and Emma Attfield (nee Gilbert, son and daughter) in 2018 after Mark Gilbert passed away. Being unable to live on Skye full time, we decided to share the wonders of Half Of One with its peaceful location and magnificent views.

Simon and I were brought up in London so we escaped to Skye during the long Summer holidays. My parents rented a house on the West coast of Skye. These summers were magical – we lived outdoors, went feral, explored, climbed, walked, hiked, got dirty, enjoyed the daylight evenings. The airport on Skye was open on those days so my father used to fly up after a working week and I have vivid memories of being in my pyjamas and going to the airport to watch this small plane land and watch my dad climb out for what would then be a family fun weekend.

When my dad retired from Advertising he was fortunate enough to be able to pursue his dream of painting. And what better place to do this than in Skye. When we made Half Of One suitable to accommodate guests, the most important thing was to retain the specialness of this studio where my dad spent hours and hours of his life. So we turned it into a bedroom with a freestanding bath overlooking the views but kept the painting equipment there for any budding artists and we filled the entire wall with many of his paintings. So, his spirit lives and we think he would be overjoyed to know the space was being enjoyed by so many different people from all over the world.

Our vision was to share the space, to give others the opportunity to witness the views, to create memories, for families to bring their children to be children and to fall in love with the Isle of Skye like we did.

We want guests to feel that they are sharing our loved, family home where we have lived, loved, laughed, had fun, entertained, spent hours staring at the view, got up early to witness the magical sunrise. Just had time away in the most special place where they live for the moment.

The most perfect day for me would be to be woken by daylight, watch the sunrise over Brothers Point whilst sitting on the bench outside the front door in a big woolly jumper and a cup of earl grey tea. Then the house comes to life and we all enjoy a hearty breakfast of Scottish oatmeal. Off for a walk regardless of the weather. Either lunch or afternoon tea out. Home for hot baths, light the fire, in our slippers. Working together to prepare a feast for supper – probably fish bought from the fishmonger in Portree. Sitting around the large dining table, enjoying food and drink and each other and our tales. And then repeat!

I would recommend guests to do exactly what we do above! It does not get better than this! You could add a cold water swim (and sauna in) or a boat trip – the key being to enjoy what Skye has to offer one way or the other… in its abundance

My absolute favourite spot is the front garden at Half Of One on a sunny day overlooking Brothers point… looking for seals or just absorbing the view which you never tire at staring at. There really is nowhere better on Skye than this.