The Old Church has been divided into two self contained luxury properties and for the first time are available for private bookings. Situated within The Old Church east side overlooking Loch Bay the Preachers Rest (three bedroom property) and The Priests Nest (the two bedroom property). We are proud of what has been achieved - a new and sustainable future for a historic building in a dramatic setting overlooking Loch Dunvegan. Over the last two years the Old Church has been painstakingly restored to a luxurious standard. Original features including stone and timber floors give an impression of the original church design but within a contemporary setting. The contrast between old and new is striking. Overlooking Loch Dunvegan and Lochbay, on the northwest tip of Waternish, the Old Church is an ideal location for day trips to the Hebrides, the Isle of Raasay, and even St Kilda from Stein pier in the summer. All the well known icons are within easy reach - Fairy Glen and Pools; The Old Man of Storr; Talisker Whisky distillery; and of course the Cuillin mountains. The former Waternish Parish Church, designed by William Thomson and adjacent Manse by Joseph Mitchel, as a ‘standard Parliamentary pair’ were constructed around 1828 some 40 years after Thomas Telford proposals to the British Fisheries Society for a planned fishing port at Stein. Telford’s grand plan involved ‘a rhythm of terraces and crescents punctuated by fountains’ and although it was scaled back as the herring fishing declined, his influence on Waternish including the Old Church and Manse, are held with pride today.

It's the not so well known experiences that make the Old Church a great place to be based - the world famous red sunsets and dark skys; white tailed sea eagles; forgotten wild flowers and fauna; dragonflies and yellowhammers; orcas, whales and dolphins. The coral beaches, secret coves and cliff-top walk to Neist point lighthouse. Nordic connections; ancient brochs; and the mysterious ruined church at Trumpan take you back through time. Visit Dunvegan Castle and gardens where the seat of Clan MacLeod has been in continuous residence for over 800 years. Yet within walking distance there is the Stein Inn, the oldest pub on Skye; the famous Lochbay Michelin seafood restaurant; and of course Skyeskyns. Whether solitude or ceilidh; marine exploration or mountains; Viking history or Crofting that’s of interest. All is on your doorstep with helpful advice on hand rather than outdated guide books.