Skip to main content

This Minimalist Vacation Home is a Modern Retreat in the Scottish Countryside

Tucked into the cliffside overlooking The Minch strait on the Isle of Skye sits a minimalist vacation home that boasts a unique take on the traditional. Blackhouse homes (or crofter cottages) abound in Scotland. Typically made of stone with thatched roofs, Blackhouses are simple structures with just one or two rooms. Paying homage to this design, Gil Smith and Alan Dickenson of Rural Design Architects created Tinhouse, a simple yet beautiful abode that is full of style.

The sleek exterior look of Tinhouse takes inspiration from local architecture. The shape is the classic, simple form of homes in the area, while the tin corrugated tin cladding is the typical material used for storage sheds. The result is a modern structure that is both beautiful and durable, able to withstand the fierce storms that come from the ocean.

Tinhouse Scottish Countryside
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The minimalist style continues on the inside. Carefully placed windows take advantage of the stunning views of The Minch and surrounding cliffs. The open concept living room, dining area, and kitchen are furnished with just the necessities: a built-in sofa and bookshelf, a side chair, a coffee table, a dining table for two, and a small fireplace. Skylights flood the room with natural light, highlighting the nature-inspired color palette.

Recommended Videos

Moving along into the bedroom, the simple concrete floor and white walls are accented with natural wood accents and a touch of bright green reminiscent of the surrounding grassy fields. A large glass door allows for stunning views of the water from the reclaimed wood platform bed. The bathroom features a large soaking tub that is perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking the nearby paths.

When designing Tinhouse, the architects strived to adhere to the handmade tradition of the area. The majority of the home was built by just Smith and Dickenson. The concrete-topped dining table on saw horses, the pocket doors, the built-in sofa, and the hand-poured concrete patio were all designed and built by the duo. When more help was needed — raising the gable wall or steel support beams — the build was turned into a social event, increasing the sense of community that is a staple of life on the Isle of Skye.

Available as a weekly vacation rental, Tinhouse is a great escape for anyone looking to unplug (cell service here is spotty at best) and unwind. Tinhouse truly encapsulates the minimalist concept; the simplicity of the interior lets you focus on the beauty of the natural surroundings. With no distractions, one can truly be at peace during a stay here.

Kelsey Machado
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kelsey is a professional interior designer with over a decade of experience in the design field. With a passion for…
The best shows to binge on Peacock in April
Lots of NBC hits are on Peacock now — here are the best shows to watch
Gabriel Macht wearing a light gray suit

There are definitely too many streaming services. Thanks to Netflix's revolution, every broadcast network and parent company decided that they had to get in on the streaming wars. Peacock TV is NBC Universal's streaming service, and although it may not seem like the most attractive option, there are actually a number of great Peacock movies and shows available on the service that are hard to find anywhere else.
Some of those popular shows are Peacock streaming originals, although there are plenty that initially aired on NBC or elsewhere and have found their way to Peacock thanks in part to the complicated nature of TV rights. Regardless, though, Peacock speaks to the impressive legacy of NBC Television. Growing up, I watched many of these shows as part of my regular nighttime routine. Now, thankfully, they're available at our fingertips anytime. Looking for more streaming options? We also have your guide to the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, and the best shows on Paramount+.

Suits (2011)

Read more
April favorites: The best shows to watch on Starz
From Outlander to Party Down, these are the best shows you can stream on Starz
Outlanders

Since its inception, Starz has proven it can hang with larger competitors like Max. Although it's now making television in an incredibly crowded landscape, Starz has managed to regularly launch shows that make an impact, and it speaks to the enduring quality of these shows that they've also stood the test of time.
Because the streaming service is relatively niche, it can be hard to feel like it's worth the investment. I know from personal experience that, once you take the plunge and check out a few series on Starz, though, you'll realize just how deep the well of great stuff is. Any one of these shows would justify the price of a subscription.

Party Down (2009)

Read more
Must-see films: The best movies on Peacock this April
Peacock is a TV service, but it also has a great catalog of movies to stream, too
Jack Black in Bernie.

A fun bit of historic TV trivia is that the original NBC peacock logo was first implemented in 1956 to highlight the network's new color programming. Even though the logo has gone through numerous iterations since then, the network has stuck with the colorful bird, in one form or another, for going on six decades now. It’s fitting, then, that Peacock is known most for its TV programming, highlighted by shows like The Office, Parks and Rec, and the self-mocking (and hilarious) 30 Rock. If you are on Peacock for the shows, however, don't overlook that the platform is also home to a number of great movies spanning cinema history, including everything from great comedy to excellent sports movies.

Below, I've picked out some of the best movies available on the service. I was surprised to see just how many greats there are to choose from, and I'm confident that whatever you like to watch, you'll find something good below.

Read more