Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Carloway, Isle of Lewis

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village offers unique holiday accommodation on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the Isle of Lewis, close to the famous Calanais Standing Stones. This Western Isles holiday village is ideal for Scottish island getaways and is open year-round, providing an unforgettable experience in one of Scotland’s most captivating and undiscovered locations.

Guests can wake in the morning to the sound of the crashing Atlantic waves just steps from their door and unwind in the evening beside a real fire. Whether spending the day exploring the village itself or venturing further across the islands, visitors can enjoy the remarkable variety that Gearrannan has to offer.

Each traditional blackhouse has its own unique character and is named after the family who once lived there. Options include:

Taigh Thormoid 'an 'ic Iain

Meaning “the house of Norman, the son of John, the son of John”, this award-winning blackhouse sits in the oldest part of the village. It features a sea view, solid fuel stove, underfloor heating, a double bedroom, shower room, fully fitted kitchenette and a living area. It is ideal for a single traveller or a couple.

Taigh Glass

Glass was the nickname of the son of Tormod 'an 'ic Iain. After leaving the village around 1920, he famously carried all his roof timbers on his back to his new home in Dailmor, two miles away, due to a shortage of wood. This blackhouse includes a solid fuel stove, underfloor heating, shower room, double bedroom, single bedroom, fully fitted kitchenette and a living area with a double sofa bed. It is perfect for families and has been restored with the needs of disabled visitors in mind.

Taigh 'an t-Seòladair

Meaning “the house of John the Sailor”, this was once home to Peigi, the last resident of Gearrannan, who left in 1974. The blackhouse offers a solid fuel stove, underfloor heating, shower room, double bedroom, a small single box bedroom, a fully fitted kitchenette and a living area with a double sofa bed. It is ideal for a family.

Taigh Làta

Named after John the Sailor’s brother, this group accommodation blackhouse was one of the earliest to be restored. It features a solid fuel stove, storage heating, a fully fitted kitchenette and a seating area. The bunkhouse-style sleeping arrangement includes areas for six, six and two guests, along with two toilets and two shower rooms. It is well suited to large families or organised groups.

The Gearrannan Hostel

This restored blackhouse hostel, Taigh Dhonnchaidh, sleeps 13 guests. It offers bunk beds, showers and a fully fitted modern kitchen, with accommodation for 10 plus a family room for 3. Set in a picturesque location, it provides budget-friendly lodging ideal for backpackers, walkers, cyclists, outdoor adventurers and students.

Visiting Carloway & the Western Isles

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village caters to a wide variety of visitors. Individuals and groups can experience traditional rural activities (in season), learn about the area’s rich history, or simply relax and socialise in this unique coastal setting.

The village provides easy access to outdoor pursuits such as fishing and watersports and is surrounded by abundant birdlife and wildlife in their natural habitats. It is also conveniently close to several major attractions, including the world-famous Calanais Standing Stones and the Iron Age Dùn Carloway Broch.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/WesternIsles/2376

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An Taigh Clach and 5a, Carloway, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles

Western Isles Cottages – Peaceful Self-Catering Escapes in Carloway, Isle of Lewis

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the calm tranquillity of the Western Isles with a stay at one of these two family-run cottages. Nestled on the Atlantic west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the crofting township of Carloway, both properties offer stunning views of the Uig and Harris hills to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and Carloway croft land right on the doorstep.

Providing excellent, pet-friendly self-catering accommodation, these cottages are ideally situated for exploring the many attractions of Lewis and Harris, including Dun Carloway Broch, the Callanish Standing Stones, Garenin Blackhouse Village, and the beautiful beaches of Dalmore and Dalbeg.

An Taigh Clach

Gaelic for “The Stone House”

Originally built in the early 1900s as a traditional croft house and later used as an agricultural barn, An Taigh Clach has been lovingly renovated and extended to combine rustic charm with modern comfort. The open-plan living area and fully fitted kitchen maximise the property’s scenic views, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

The cottage sleeps four guests, featuring one double and one twin bedroom. Though compact, the bedrooms are cosy and nestled within the original stone walls, offering warmth and character. Outside, guests can enjoy ample off-road parking, a fenced garden, and an adjacent utility shed ideal for drying wet weather or surfing gear and storing bicycles. The external decking provides a perfect spot to relax and admire the breathtaking sunsets or even catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis dancing over the Atlantic.

5a

Built in the early 1950s when the family moved from An Taigh Clach, 5a has been beautifully renovated into a spacious and contemporary two-storey home, completed in 2022. The ground floor features an open-plan kitchen and dining area, a comfortable lounge with a multi-fuel stove, a family bathroom with bath and separate shower, a master bedroom, utility room, and WC. Upstairs, there are a double and a twin bedroom, each thoughtfully decorated for a relaxing stay.

Next to the property, the Garage offers a dedicated entertainment and relaxation space with an infra-red sauna, pool table, dart board, wide-screen TV, fridge, and plenty of seating – the perfect place to unwind. Patio doors from both the lounge and dining areas lead to a fenced garden with a decked picnic and barbecue area, where guests can soak up the views. Plans are also in place to install an off-grid, wood-fired hot tub with a generous supply of logs for guests to enjoy.

Pets are warmly welcomed at both properties, but guests are reminded to keep them under control, as the cottages are set within a crofting community where livestock may roam freely.

Exploring Carloway & the Western Isles

The crofting township of Carloway is surrounded by tranquil hill lochs abundant with wild brown trout. For anglers, salmon fishing is available on the Carloway Angling Association waters of the River Carloway and the feeder lochs Laxavat Ard and Laxavat Iorach. Day and week permits can be arranged upon request.

A variety of invigorating walking routes are available locally, with laminated maps included in the welcome pack detailing routes, start and finish points, and approximate walking times.

The area is also known for its surfing opportunities, attracting enthusiasts from around the world to the powerful west coast waves. However, due to strong currents at local beaches such as Dalmore and Dalbeg, these spots are recommended only for experienced surfers. Visitors are advised to exercise caution, and further advice can be sought from local expert Derek Macleod.

Whether seeking relaxation, outdoor adventure, or a connection with nature, An Taigh Clach and 5a provide the perfect base to explore the raw beauty and timeless charm of the Western Isles.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/WesternIsles/15609

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Carloway, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles (Sleeps 1-4)

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village offers unique holiday accommodation on the edge of the Atlantic, Isle of Lewis, close to the Calanais Standing Stones. This Western Isles holiday village is ideal for Scottish island holidays. It is open year-round in undiscovered Scotland, will give you a wonderful experience never to be forgotten!

In the morning you can wake up to the crashing Atlantic Ocean on your doorstep, while in the evening you can relax in front of a real fire. During the day you can enjoy the variety that the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village has to offer, or you can spend your time taking in the rest of the islands.

Each blackhouse has its own character, named after the family who once lived there. For your next holiday you could choose:

Taigh Thormoid 'an 'ic Iain:

The house of Norman, the son of John, the son of John. This award-winning blackhouse is in the oldest part of the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. It offers a sea view, solid fuel stove, underfloor heating, double bedroom, shower room, fully fitted kitchenette, and a living area. It is perfect for a single person or a couple.

Taigh Glass:

Glass was the nickname of the son of Tormod 'an 'ic Iain. He left the village in about 1920 to settle in the village of Dailmor. At that time wood was very scarce so Glass carried all his roof timbers on his back across the country to his new home two miles away. This 4-star blackhouse offers a solid fuel stove, underfloor heating, shower room, double bedroom, single bedroom, fully fitted kitchenette, and a living area with a double sofa bed. It is perfect for a family. This house has been restored with the needs of disabled visitors in mind.

Taigh 'an t-Seòladair:

The house of John the Sailor. His daughter Peigi was the last living resident in the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, leaving in 1974. This 4-star blackhouse offers a solid fuel stove, underfloor heating, shower room, double bedroom, a single box bedroom, fully fitted kitchenette, and a living area with a double sofa bed. It is perfect for a family.

Taigh Làta:

Làta was the nickname of John the Sailor's brother. This 2-star group accommodation blackhouse was one of the first to be restored in the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. It offers a solid fuel stove, storage heating, fully fitted kitchenette, and a seating area. The accommodation is bunkhouse style, with sleeping areas of six, six, two and two. The house also has two toilets and two shower rooms. It is perfect for a large family or organised group.

The Gearrannan Hostel:

This restored blackhouse hostel sleeps 13. It offers bunk beds, showers and a fully fitted modern kitchen. It offers accommodation for 10, plus a family room for 3. Set in a picturesque location, Taigh Dhonnchaidh is a unique hostel that offers budget accommodation for backpackers, walkers, cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts and students.

Notes: It is recommended that accommodation is booked by e-mailing info@gearrannan.com or by telephone (01851 643416), but visitors can stay in the hostel without prior booking if there are vacancies. It is advisable to buy your provisions before arrival as there is no shop nearby. RATES - £25.00 per person per night. Family Room £85.00 per night.

Visiting Carloway & Western Isles:

The village caters for a wide variety of visitors. Groups and individuals have the opportunity to experience traditional rural activities (in season), learn about the rich history of the area, relax and socialise in a unique atmosphere.

The Gearrannan village is complemented by the easy access it offers to outdoor pursuits such as fishing and watersports, the presence of extensive bird and wildlife in their natural habitat and its close proximity to other areas of interest, such as the world-famous Calanais Standing Stones and the Iron Age Dùn Carloway Broch.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/Western-Isles/2376

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

         

An Taigh Clach, Carloway, Isle Of Lewis

An Taigh Clach provides excellent self catering accommodation in the crofting township of Carloway on the Atlantic west coast of the Isle of Lewis.

An Taigh Clach - The Stone House, Carloway, Isle Of Lewis, Western Isles (Sleeps 1 - 4).

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/WesternIsles/15609

The property boasts stunning views, with the Atlantic to the west, the hills of Uig and Harris in the distance and the croft land of Carloway directly outside your door. 

It is ideally situated for exploring the whole island and especially the many local sites of interest such as the world famous Callanish Standing Stones, the Broch at Doune Carloway, the Garenin Blackhouse village and the restored Norse Mill between Dalbeg and Shawbost.

The cottage is well catered for by a public bus service, being on the west coast circular route, makes getting anywhere on the island relatively easy. Carloway is also served by the single track Pentland Road which cuts directly across the island to Stornoway and is an ideal way to view the heatherclad Lewis moor and peatlands in their as yet natural unspoilt state. 

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below: