A breathtaking setting, chic design and impeccable green credentials in this home on the Isle of Skye

Not for nothing is Skye the most visited island in Scotland. The open skies, towering mountains, dramatic seas and other-worldly landscapes do a fine job of distilling the appeal of the Highlands and Islands into a strip of land 50 miles tall and 25 miles wide. Do the sheer number of visitors have an impact? Of course, but the thriving tourism trade has allowed superb hotels, restaurants and all sorts of other good things thrive. This is wilderness with a soft pillow.

It's fitting, then, that a house has come up for sale on Skye which does a similar job: mixing a pristine natural setting with modern 21st century comfort. This new-build house at Drynoch is set against a stunningly beautiful backdrop, but is also a six-bedroom, six-bathroom home laid out over two floors, and with excellent green-living potential. And it's for sale at offers over £560,000 — which is the sort of money you'd pay for a two-bedroom flat in Acton.

Enjoying views towards the Cuillin mountains, the house is timber-frame and designed by the Skye-based businesses Rural Design Architects and builder James MacQueen.

The floorplan of this 2,500 sq ft home is a simple one. Downstairs, there are four bedrooms (three of which are en-suite) plus a kitchen/diner/living space and a utility room.

Upstairs you'll find and two more bedrooms, both en-suite, separated by a first floor reception room.

That's what it says on the listing, at least: the reality is that this is a home which could be configured and used in many different ways, either as a permanent home or an island escape. As you can see from the pictures, it's a complete blank canvas. The structure is based on an R.House design, but it's been beautifully specced: oak floors, a Nobilia kitchen and beautiful bathrooms.

It's also pretty close to being self-sufficient. The house comes with an air-source heat pump, underfloor heating and a private water supply.

And while this backdrop is the true appeal of a house like this, it's also well-placed to make the most of life on Skye. Drynoch lies just north of Sligachan and close to the Fairy Pools, among Skye’s most iconic locations. It's an area renowned for its dramatic scenery, whether you want to indulge in walking, climbing, cycling and wildlife watching, or just sit back and enjoy the view. And when you want to be among people again, Portree — Skye's capital — is only 20 minutes away.

For sale via R. House — see more details.