The Castle Moil Restaurant & King Haakon Bar is a most attractive business opportunity within a stunning coastal setting providing access to some of the most awe-inspiring scenery the Highlands of Scotland has on offer. A substantial detached property situated in the village of Kyleakin on the ever-popular tourist destination that is the Isle of Skye, the business has a significant footprint within a lovely and central village setting. This well-presented business benefits from open views towards the Loch and hills making it a destination location. The business presents a large trading entity which is summarised as a significant restaurant to seat around 70 covers for normal service, and up to 100 for functions plus a bar which can hold over 100 guests. To the front and loch-side of the building is external seating to accommodate up to 90 covers, which is popular during warm spring and summer evenings. The popular retail unit is currently leased on an open-ended contract but vacant possession can be provided, if required. This shop unit extends to around 70m2. In addition, there is flexible accommodation on the first floor including a spacious 3-bedroom owners flat which would be ideal for a family / partnership operation. In addition, there are 2 further rooms set aside for staff use, one being en-suite, plus a 7-bed bunkroom. The provision of extensive family / staff accommodation lends itself to an extended family lifestyle business or a chain operator trading under management.
Location
Kyleakin is the first major settlement to be found upon crossing the Skye Bridge on the Isle of Skye with a population of about 400 which swells with tourists during the busy season (April – October). The village is the site of the ruin of Castle Moil, dating from the late 15th century. Legend states an older fortification on the site was originally built for a Norwegian princess who would charge a toll to any boat using the narrow channel by hanging a chain from the castle to the mainland to prevent unpaid crossings. A further Viking influence in the area can be ascribed to King Haakon IV who is thought to have assembled his fleet of longships in the waters around the village before the Battle of Largs in 1263 (hence the name Kyleakin – Haakon's kyle). Haakon's defeat at Largs effectively ended Norse domination of the Scottish islands.
The village is a thriving community along the strait of Kyle Akin opposite the mainland town of Kyle of Lochalsh which has a good range of social, medical and welfare services plus a rail link. There is nursery and primary schooling in the village with secondary schools at Plockton and Portree. Kyleakin and the surrounding area has a quintessential appeal for tourists and is an established holiday destination. The local waters in the area are used by fishing boats, pleasure craft and a range of water sports enthusiasts. The broader area boasts a wide range of activities that can be undertaken such as golf, guided mountaineering, cycling, nature walks and fly fishing to name but a few. Skye’s rugged Cuillin Mountains are known to walkers and climbers the world over and visitors are drawn to the spectacular Trotternish Ridge to the north. In addition, there are many hill lochs offering the angler an opportunity to catch spectacular native wild brown trout. The Island is highly popular with naturalists and ornithologists who find birds of prey, waders and a host of seabirds in the locale. For those wishing to undertake a boat trip, seals, harbour seals or grey seals can be seen with dolphins and porpoise becoming more regular visitors to this coastline.
Accommodation
An attractive feature of the business is the spacious owner’s accommodation. Set to the first floor and accessed from a rear stairway, this 3-bedroom unit offers comfortable and flexible family accommodation. Two bedrooms are large doubles with a smaller single room. There is a well-appointed family bathroom with shower over. A large kitchen / diner plus a spacious lounge combine to make this a pleasant home.
In addition, on the same level, there are 2 supplementary bedrooms; 1 being en-suite with a dressing area. A further bunk room set to 7 bunks (5 singles and 1 double) has the use of a shower room. Within a communal area there is a small utility unit. This accommodation has been used historically as staff accommodation and also for band usage; the latter being less prevalent in recent times. This accommodation could be used as extended family accommodation if required or possibly be brought into use as an additional income stream.
Terms
The Castle Moil Restaurant & King Haakon Baris is set adjacent to extensive public car and coach parking. In addition, there is some private parking to the rear. To its front and seaward aspects there is an external seating area which can accommodate up to 90 covers. There are two areas that are slabbed patio settings enclosed by sea walls plus a grassed area where permissions are granted for eating and drinking. There is a utility area to the rear for deliveries etc. which provides a shared access for other properties
Specification
The shop is currently operated under lease. This retail unit presently operates as a mixed convenience and gift shop and is a popular village facility. Extending to around 70m2, the shop provides a steady income to the business and also draws in footfall to the other aspects of trade.