'far away from the madding crowd'
...panoramic views over the sea and Outer Isles
on the romantic, inspiring Isle of Skye, Scotland
The 'Eyrie-on-Skye'
~ An Artist Retreat for Two ~
Your creative spirit will be restored in our newest contemporary artist loft-style
accommodations. The Eyrie. True to its name, the Eyrie sits high up on a hill overlooking our beautiful garden with stunning views of the sea, lochs, and islands in the Outer Hebrides.
Surrounded by acres of meadows and moorlands, a Bronze Age dun and quaint 18c croft houses, Seascapes, skyscapes and landscapes are quite literally beyond imagination.
Just open the door: inspiration is waiting for your brush.
Plein air artist owners, Diane and Gordon Dobbie designed this artist retreat as their private ‘Eyrie escape’ from the everyday frenzy. When not in residence, Diane and Gordon
are pleased to welcome other plein air artists to rent the Eyrie and to enjoy the modern comforts & amenities for easy self-catering that plein air artists appreciate, especially on a painting holiday.
Designed for a casual, informal life style, the Eyrie will include: Housekeeping preparation, linens, towels, comfy double bedroom, spa shower. Open space living room with
satellite HD flat screen TV, DVD, CD players, i-pod dock, FREE internet access, art books plus fiction & non-fiction books galore.‘Parisian’ style mini kitchen with all the
equipment and gadgets for easy, no fuss, casual dining.
Welcome package includes bottle of Wine, Tea Tray with Scottish shortbread, Fair Trade Tea & Sugar & Jug of milk in the fridge; natural soaps for the shower,
eco-cleaning supplies, eco-laundry for A rated washing machine.
Plein air painting amenities include outdoor folding seats (useful for your paints, brushes and other supplies), portable wooden easels, plastic drop cloths:
even outside taps for washing off boots, brushes and what have you.
Do enjoy our garden photos below. Interior photos will be on line as the Eyrie nears completion in the springtime of 2012.
Advance reservations are being accepted now. Diane is happy to reserve a week or more for you with a nominal deposit of £50 to hold your dates.
2012 - High Season Rate - £350 weekly from 19 May to 22 September plus Christmas and New Year/Hogmanay.
2012 - Autumn Rate - £315 weekly from 22 September to 15 December.
2012 - Autumn 3 Day Breaks and long lets from 2 to 3 weeks may also be arranged from 22 September to 15 December. Please enquire about availability and rates.
Payment is usually made by cheque in British currency.
Should you prefer to pay in US dollars, or wish to transfer funds in either currency, please email Diane for easy payment arrangements for more details, reservations and any questions:
diane@artistlife.com.
IN OUR GARDEN
My husband Gordon and I designed the Eyrie’s garden with the focus on space and its relationship to the sea. Large curved grass areas embrace broad stone walking paths - a ‘faux shell beach’ in the shape of the sea below. The contoured paths mirror Loch Bay’s promontory to the south and Ardmore’s promontory to the north, in the way that these landforms also embrace the sea.
Escalonia shelter the garden; a raised bed gives subtle colour and texture with its background, the stunning vista of the Outer Hebrides. The Eyrie’s garden is also framed by nature’s ‘garden - the wild grass and wildflowers of the surrounding moorland.
Seating areas are intentionally placed: for moments alone and together. Intimate spaces with a French style table and chairs and circular Victorian style bench. For important moments alone or as a couple, wrought iron chairs and tables echo Gothic and Victorian design . . . and everywhere, breathtaking views of the sea - day or night!
View of Loch Bay, Waternish and the Outer Isles
Skye Art Connections
On Waternish, enjoy Diane’s paintings and other artists' work at the Images Gallery - Dandelion Designs in the village of Stein. Open every day from Easter until the Festive Season and thereafter by arrangement.
www.dandelion-designs.co.uk.
There are many talented artists and crafts people on Skye. View samples of their work and where to find them on the island: www.slaca.co.uk
Inspiring, easily accessible places nearby on Skye - for more plein air painting
UK Tel 01470 592 205 & USA Tel +1 541 847 2257 (8 hrs earlier than GMT)
Note for overseas enquiries: Gordon and I are in Oregon on the Pacific coast in the USA- 8 hours earlier than GMT. Best time to call us is GMT anytime from 4PM until MIDNIGHT Monday thru Friday. If I am not available please leave your contact details and time to reach you on our voice mail and I will return your call within 24 hours.