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Located at the southern tip of the Kyle of Tongue in Sutherland, Scotland, Kyle House sits on an elevated site, with uninterrupted views in all directions. -
Located at the southern tip of the Kyle of Tongue in Sutherland, Scotland, Kyle House sits on an elevated site, with uninterrupted views in all directions. -
The unlisted building dates back to the early-to-mid-19th century, appearing on the fi rst Ordnance Survey map of the area (1874). -
The unlisted building dates back to the early-to-mid-19th century, appearing on the first Ordnance Survey map of the area (1874). -
From the public road, only traditionally sized windows are visible, and the home appears to be in its original, unaltered form. On closer inspection, the large, frameless gable windows at ground-floor level reveal a subtle but significant contemporary intervention. -
As you step through the heavy front door, you’re welcomed by a peaceful living area adorned with design treasures and a wood-burning fireplace. A large window frames a cosy reading nook, from where you can gaze out over the Kyle of Tongue, following the water as it winds its way to the sea. -
As you step through the heavy front door, you’re welcomed by a peaceful living area adorned with design treasures and a wood-burning fireplace. A large window frames a cosy reading nook, from where you can gaze out over the Kyle of Tongue, following the water as it winds its way to the sea. -
As you step through the heavy front door, you’re welcomed by a peaceful living area adorned with design treasures and a wood burning fireplace. -
The bespoke kitchen was built in Dinesen HeartOak by Garde Hvalsøe. Along with the dining area and the living room, it’s located on the ground floor, where window alcoves with recessed benches are perfect for reading, napping, or observing nature and the weather. The polished Caithness flagstone floor, reminiscent of the surrounding landscape, ensures warm feet at any time of year. -
The tactile, subtly glossy finish of the flagstone floor is echoed by details such as the metal window frames, light fixtures and ironmongery. -
The living-room window, with its commanding view up The Kyle of Tongue, is flanked by an open fireplace, burning wood sustainably grown on the estate. -
A solid-oak staircase leads to a tranquil bedroom with a king-sized bed. Dinesen HeartOak is used on the floors, ceiling and feature wall, welcoming guests with its warmth. Used in this way, the wooden boards underpin the design approach at Kyle House – every natural crack is preserved and locked with butterfly joints. -
A solid-oak staircase leads to a tranquil bedroom with a king-sized bed. Dinesen HeartOak is used on the floors, ceiling and feature wall, welcoming guests with its warmth. Used in this way, the wooden boards underpin the design approach at Kyle House – every natural crack is preserved and locked with butterfly joints. -
Across the landing from the bedroom, a deep freestanding bathtub is all about indulgence and sweeping views to Ben Loyal. A continuation of Dinesen HeartOak on the ceiling offsets the dramatic flagstone shower. -
Across the landing from the bedroom, a deep freestanding bathtub is all about indulgence and sweeping views to Ben Loyal. A continuation of Dinesen HeartOak on the ceiling offsets the dramatic flagstone shower. -
Across the landing from the bedroom, a deep freestanding bathtub is all about indulgence and sweeping views to Ben Loyal. A continuation of Dinesen HeartOak on the ceiling offsets the dramatic flagstone shower.
A retreat for two amid the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands, every element of Kyle House, from the natural materials to the carefully chosen details, reflects a deep respect for the building’s history and its surrounding landscape.
WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Fran Mart
In the very north of Scotland, before the mainland crumbles off into the Orkney archipelago and Shetland Islands, lies the Highlands county of Sutherland. And in its northern reaches, at the tip of the Kyle of Tongue between the mighty peaks of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope, is Kyle House.
Sitting on an elevated site with uninterrupted views dominated by Ben Loyal – often called the Queen of Scottish Peaks – the original structure dates back to the mid-19th century, and was built using stone taken from the nearby Dun Mhaigh broch. Unlived-in for two decades, and little more than a stone shell with an asbestos roof, it was taken over by Anne and Anders Holch Povlsen as part of their ambitious 200- year conservation project called Wildland. Their aim has been to protect and restore the landscapes of several Highlands estates through a journey of re-wilding.
Recognising the potential of the building and its site, Anne, along with Edinburgh-based architects GRAS and Swiss interior designer Ruth Kramer, set about restoring it using a combination of best practices in conservation and design. Reflecting the Norse heritage of Sutherland, their vision was to bring together the best of Scottish and Scandinavian ideas, materials, techniques and technologies to create a special, emotive piece of architecture.
In line with Wildland’s dedication to supporting local opportunities and employment, they enlisted the help of local contractors, the Durness- based K MacRae & Son. Given the remote location and the level of detail required in the interior finishes, it took the small but dedicated local workforce 39 months to complete the project. With almost nothing remaining of the original interior, the traditional floor plan was reinterpreted into a series of equally proportioned living spaces defined by finely detailed oak inserts placed into the lime-plastered shell of the stone structure. All but one of the full-height doors have been hidden within pockets, allowing the spaces to flow freely into one another.
Space is given in equal measure to sleeping, eating, living and bathing. All areas feature a simple material palette of stone from the coastal cliffs of Caithness, oak by Danish flooring brand Dinesen, lime plaster by Venetian plaster specialists Viero, and metal ironmongery and glass. The kitchen and living/dining space are located on the ground floor; each has a large, deep- set window lined in oak, allowing light to reach deep into the home, and providing immersive views of the landscape. The living-room window, with its commanding vista up the Kyle of Tongue, is flanked by an open fireplace, burning wood sustainably grown on the estate. The flooring here is polished Caithness stone, connecting the interior with the surrounding landscape, and is gently heated to be warm underfoot throughout the year. The tactile, subtly glossy finish of the flagstone floor is echoed by details such as the metal window frames, light fixtures and ironmongery. The kitchen is exquisitely crafted in the same oak used throughout the house, with a narrow ribbon window at eye level.
This harmonious blend of meticulous restoration and modern simplicity has been inspired by Scottish heritage and infused with a touch of Scandinavian elegance. Every element reflects a deep respect for the building’s history and its surroundings, and tradition and contemporary design coexist here in perfect balance. The result is a quiet, efficient and peaceful home, built to last for generations – and perfect for two people who want to live slowly and comfortably while immersing themselves in the dramatic natural setting. | kyle.scot
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