Nestled snuggly into the bristling hills outside Tokavaig – one of Skye’s small townships that loosely translates to ‘Bay of the Whale’ – is a strikingly simple white house that reaps the benefits of the island’s spectacular scenery whilst providing a snug sense of quiet retreat.

Designed by renowned architect, Mary Arnold-Foster, this is a modern take on the traditional longhouse that leaves no view unseen. Gaze out towards the stoic Cuillin mountains from the kitchen table. As night falls, the aurora borealis and Milky Way will brighten the dark skies above the terrace. Unsurprisingly, the house’s many windows and openings pay homage to the eponymous isle, tracing its many offerings from dawn until dusk and beyond.

The largest settlement on the steep-sided Minginish peninsula, Carbost is home to the famous Talisker distillery. Just as intoxicating and transportive are the panoramic views of the Cuillins mountain range from this carefully considered, Hebridean home.

This larch-clad house was conceived, designed and built in 2017 by local architects, Rural House, as a way of both progressing and preserving the design of remote houses on the Scottish Isles. Sustainable energy systems, robust materials and impeccable craftsmanship underpin the light, lofty and ever-so-slightly Scandi design. All the trappings of a rural, island existence are here: flanking the main building is a garage, workshop, a large surrounding garden and a hillside sitooterie (a sheltered outdoor seating area where you “sit out” or, with a Scottish accent, “sit oot”). Where else to take your Talisker?

Referred to as the jewel of the Outer Hebrides, Barra is known for its shimmering, sapphire seas and beaches of bright white sand. (While it does an excellent impression of more tropical climes, the biting North Atlantic sea air will soon remind you otherwise.) Perched above the white cuticle of sand that is Tangasdale beach is the UK’s most westerly hotel – and a portal to an alternative reality.

With 39 guest rooms, the arresting (and already award-winning) Isle of Barra Beach Hotel has bold ambitions to become a luxury destination with plans already in discussion to expand the accommodation offering with a cluster of Icelandic turf-house inspired lodges. From here, guests will be able to experience all this unique isle has to offer – from ancient standing stones to, sea otters and golden eagles. An unforgettable experience on the land that time forgot.

The rolling, sheep-flecked hills and lush pastures that surround this island dwelling feel unusually bucolic. Set back from Loch Gorm, you’re more likely to hear the mesmeric ebb and flow of the shoreline from your front door than the crashing winds of the Atlantic.

Reached via a quiet rural road, this listing comprises of two distinct structures: a crisp, white rendered house designed by Mary Arnold-Forster and a traditional stone bothy with a crinkly tin roof, ready to be renovated and renewed as a studio. Together, they mark the gentle evolution of this isle – the southernmost of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, where Gaelic is almost a given, and whiskey distilleries a major draw.

Inside, the high roofline, abundance of windows and minimal material palette offers a serene and spirit-lifting experience. The focal point is the impressive main living space, which – as in all good bothies – is centred around the wood burner.