Castle Moil Restaurant, Bar And Accommodation In Skye For Sale

Property Information

Property:

Freehold

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.

Premises Details:

The original aspects of Castle Moil Restaurant & King Haakon Bar dates from the early 1900s where the shop currently stands with additions in the 1960s and later on. The building is of mainly modern construction under a pitched tile roof with some areas of flat metal roofing to the rear aspects. Set over 2 floors, the property has stunning seaward and mountain views. All public facilities are located on the ground floor affording ease of access for less able guests plus there is a disabled W.C. The business is well-presented projecting an all-round excellent proposition in an inspirational location which will be sure to generate a great deal of interest. The accommodation is set to the first floor and offers flexible usage either for an extended family, staff facilities or even holiday accommodation.

CUSTOMER & SERVICE AREAS
Castle Moil Restaurant, King Haakon Bar and the retail shop each have separate main entrances which can all be accessed from the car park to the front. However, each trading area can be accessed internally or locked off to customers, to suit the business needs. The bar has an open plan layout with a few areas semi-partitioned with screens. The wooden bar servery is highly attractive and this coupled with the attractive wooden floor gives a homely ambience. The bar is set to free-standing tables and chairs, some fitted units plus high tables and stools to seat around 100 covers. Within the bar are a number of TVs and there is ample space for musicians and other forms of entertainment. Off the main bar and centrally located are ladies, gents and disabled washrooms plus baby changing facilities.

A corridor leads to the restaurant which is also set to tables and chairs; presently this area can accommodate 70 covers. The restaurant has its own small bar servery operating back-to-back with the main bar; this simplifies service and reduces staffing requirements. Within the restaurant there is a food servery counter which enables the swift provision of food and beverage service during peak day-time periods. To the rear of the servery is a fully functional commercial kitchen with ancillary preparation and pot-wash areas. The commercial kitchen is spacious and well-equipped with a wide range of equipment. From the kitchen ancillary store rooms can be accessed. The business also benefits from an office unit, dry goods store, cellar and spirit store plus throughout there is ample general storage. There is a staff washroom to the rear of the building.

THE SHOP
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.

OWNERS / STAFF 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.

Business Operation

Reasons for selling:

The owner first purchased the business in 1997 and sold it in 2007. In 2012 he re-acquired the business which has, during his 2 periods of ownership, provided an excellent quality of life and a sound investment. The business is a highly profitable and sustainable trading proposition both in terms of income and the infrastructure. It is the vendors desire to retire that brings the property onto the market.

Trading hours:

Castle Moil Restaurant & King Haakon Bar is a highly successful business, producing strong turnover of Circa £800,000 and profitability around £120,000 from wet and food sales, plus shop rental pre-pandemic. Full accounting information will be made available to seriously interested parties subsequent to viewing.

Other Information

Home based:

This business can be run from home.