Thatched Cottage on Isle of North Uist for 2 | 1BR, 1BA

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 230 sq m

Popular amenities

Fireplace

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Outdoor space

Explore the area

Lochmaddy, SCT

Lochmaddy Ferry Terminal10 min drive
Bharpa Langass & Pobull Fhinn16 min drive
Berneray Beach31 min drive
Benbecula (BEB)35 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen

Garden

About this property

Welcome to our romantic, traditional thatched blackhouse; an ideal retreat

The historic, quaint charm of this traditional island blackhouse gives way to the modern, warm interior of the property. The double bedroom features an impressive four poster bed and the bed linen and towels are included. The well equipped kitchen/living room contains everything you will need to enjoy your stay including TV/DVD player, chromecast, bluetooth sound bar and wifi. The property is accessed via a shared driveway with parking space situated next to the cottage. There is a 6kW EV charger for our guests' use (additional charges apply). 2 steps lead into the entrance with the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom leading off.
The cottage is situated a short walk away from the stunning beach with its golden sand and turquoise sea. Guests have seen buzzards, owls and even Golden Eagles from the garden which features a rowing boat filled with fresh herbs for guests to pick and enjoy. We also have raised beds in the adjacent field, which was formerly part of the croft. Lettuce and veg will hopefully be growing in the veg beds, guests are welcome to harvest lettuce from the veg beds in exchange for pulling a few weeds out to keep them from getting overgrown, although there are no guarantees on what will be there during your stay. Our field also unobtrusively sites a bank of solar panels, reducing the global impact of the cottage.
There are many walks that are suitable for all ages and abilities that offer a great way to engage with the unique landscape. The nature reserve at Balranald is easily reached with its rare birds including Corncrakes and Phalaropes. The dark skies are a haven for stargazers (particularly during the autumn and winter months) and keep an eye out for the Northern Lights too! The area is a paradise for: walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, photographers, artists, astronomers, and people looking for a break from the hectic pace of daily life. North Uist can only be accessed by ferry or plane, making it very remote. The island is an incredibly friendly place, with the majority of drivers waving as they pass - even on the double track roads.

Property manager

Ian Swain

Premier Host

Languages

English

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Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Outdoor space

Fireplace

Sea view

Kitchen

Washer

Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

We do not charge a damage deposit, instead trusting our guests to respect and look after the cottage. Unfortunately due to the thatched roof, our insurers do not allow barbeques within 50m of the property.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

Property Registration Number ES00252F

About the area

Isle of North Uist

Located in Isle of North Uist, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. Bharpa Langass & Pobull Fhinn and St. Clement's Church are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Balranald RSPB Reserve and Tràigh Hòrnais. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Lochmaddy, SCT

What's nearby

Tràigh Lingeigh Beach - 6 min drive
Lochmaddy Ferry Terminal - 10 min drive
Bharpa Langass & Pobull Fhinn - 16 min drive
Valley - 21 min drive
Berneray Beach - 31 min drive

Getting around

Benbecula (BEB) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

Berneray Shop and Bistro - 10 min drive
The Lobster Pot Cafe - 10 min drive
Cafe at Taigh Chearsabhagh - 9 min drive
Taigh Chearsbhagh Cafe - 10 min drive
Ardmaree Stores & Lobster Pot Tea Room - 12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Welcome to our romantic, traditional thatched blackhouse; an ideal retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Welcome to our romantic, traditional thatched blackhouse; an ideal retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Welcome to our romantic, traditional thatched blackhouse; an ideal retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Welcome to our romantic, traditional thatched blackhouse; an ideal retreat located?

Situated near the beach, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of Balranald RSPB Reserve, Tràigh Hòrnais and Tràigh Lingeigh Beach. Tràigh Iar and Tràigh Ear are also within 6 miles (10 km).

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth K.

9 Jul 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage

Lovely cottage. Perfect for e vehicle. Great in island storms! beautiful prawns down the road. Great beaches closeby

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel P.

27 Jun 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A comfortable cottage

Felt at home as soon as we walked through the door. Comfortable, clean, and well equipped. Well situated for all that this wonderful area has to offer.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve

12 Mar 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

what an outstanding property! the owner, Ian has done an exceptional job renovating and furnishing it. I really couldnt want for anything more. As a business traveller, i found the internet was excellent and the cottage has every amenity that i needed. I will definately be staying here again Thanks!

10/10 Excellent

Kay B., Huddersfield

14 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

A lovely, traditional cottage, just right for two people. Extraordinarily well-equipped, comfortable and conveniently situated for accessing the ferry it is an excellent base for exploring the islands. The weather was also kind to us, 5 days of blue skies and sunshine, we couldn't have asked for more!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angela R.

13 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Blackhouse

A truly wonder week. The Black House was warm and well lit. The surrounding scenery was gorgeous with breath takingly beautiful beaches. A paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. We will definitely return.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

About the host

Hosted by Ian Swain

My father's family were in the building industry and as a child I learned a lot about building and DIY. I have always enjoyed DIY and undertaken many projects in my own home including building an extension. As I neared retirement from teaching, I wanted to to do more building projects. I love the traditional Hebridean style of property and bought the cottages to renovate and run as holiday let properties.
Although I don't live on the island, I spend as much time as possible there and enjoy doing projects at each of my properties.
My aim is to provide guests with a comfortable, hassle free holiday. I have many returning guests who love the cottages, the same as I do.

Why they chose this property

When my parents died, I was left an inheritance. This coincided with the twilight years of my teaching career, and I had already decided I wanted to spend time in the Hebrides renovating a property on my retirement. When I saw Tigh na Boireach, I fell in love with it and bought it to continue running as a holiday let cottage. After a few years improving and renovating Tigh na Boireach it was as I wanted, so I found another contrasting cottage, Airidh an Dobhrain 24 miles south of Tigh na Boireach. This again has many wonderful features, not least its stunning isolated, remote location right on the shore of Loch Kilerivagh. Having retired from teaching, I spent two winters doing a considerable amount of work on this property and it is now also renovated to a high standard.

What makes this property unique

Tigh na Boireach is a traditional thatched Hebridean blackhouse. Quite uniquely to the Hebrides, these properties are thatched with local marram grass, cut from the machair behind one of the local beaches. It is listed with Historic Scotland. Inside however, it is equipped to a modern standard with state of the art heating, and all mod cons.
The surrounding environment is stunning with a wonderful 20 minute walk through the fields to the amazing beach at Clachan Sands.