Hamarsay House, Scalpay, Isle of Harris, Western Isles

Hamarsay House – Peaceful Island Retreat on Scalpay, Outer Hebrides

Hamarsay House is a modern four-bedroom bungalow set within a tranquil 10-acre croft in Aird na Cille, on the picturesque island of Scalpay, just off the Isle of Harris. Only a ten-minute drive from the Tarbert Ferry Terminal, this spacious and beautifully situated property offers an idyllic retreat surrounded by stunning natural scenery, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking coastal views.

Accommodation

Described by guests as a true “home from home,” Hamarsay House provides all the comforts needed for a relaxing and memorable stay. The bungalow accommodates up to seven guests across four well-appointed bedrooms — a master bedroom, double bedroom, twin room, and single room.

The property includes a shower room with toilet and a separate bathroom with additional toilet facilities. The inviting living room features a log-burning stove set within a stone fireplace, creating a cosy atmosphere for cooler evenings.

Outside, the home is enclosed by a stockproof wooden fence with access gates, making it a safe environment for children and pets to explore. A large tarmac driveway provides ample parking for more than six vehicles, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Nature & Surroundings

One of Hamarsay House’s most distinctive features is its proximity to a secluded bay, where visitors can often spot seals basking on the rocks and wild otters crossing the croft to reach the shoreline. The area is teeming with wildlife, offering exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and peaceful moments immersed in nature.

The croft provides direct access to the shore via a slipway, making it an ideal spot for dog walks or quiet reflection by the sea. From the surrounding hilltops, guests can enjoy panoramic views across the Minch and to nearby islands, showcasing the raw beauty of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.

Exploring Scalpay & Beyond

Hamarsay House serves as an excellent base for exploring Scalpay, Harris, and Lewis, which are easily accessible via the toll-free bridge connecting the islands. The nearby North Harbour Bistro is highly acclaimed for its award-winning local seafood, while grocery and butcher vans regularly visit the area on request.

Families will appreciate the nearby modern playpark and community hall, adding to Scalpay’s welcoming, close-knit atmosphere.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the property offers on-site cycle hire, along with opportunities for fishing, hiking, diving, and boating. Fishing equipment is provided for one rod free of charge, and sandy beaches such as the world-famous Luskentyre Beach are just a 20-minute drive away.

A walk to the historic Eilean Glas Lighthouse is highly recommended, offering spectacular coastal views, while boat trips to nearby uninhabited islands — including the Shiants — provide unforgettable wildlife encounters and scenic exploration.

Pet-Friendly & Perfect for All Seasons

Hamarsay House is pet-friendly by arrangement, with a small additional charge. Guests are asked to keep pets under control to protect the surrounding wildlife.

Whether visiting for a family holiday, romantic honeymoon, or outdoor adventure, this modern croft house offers a serene year-round escape. With its sweeping sea views, peaceful setting, and easy access to the best of the Outer Hebrides, Hamarsay House is a true island haven where guests can relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/WesternIsles/5284

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Croftend, Shieldaig, Doireaonar, Wester-Ross

Croftend – Tranquil Self-Catering Retreat Overlooking Loch Shieldaig

Croftend offers charming self-catering accommodation with breathtaking views over Loch Shieldaig and the majestic Torridon Mountain range in the background. Situated in a truly stunning part of Wester Ross, this peaceful retreat provides a perfect base for those seeking to explore the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. The nearby village of Shieldaig is just a short distance away and offers a shop, hotel, public bar, and a welcoming café.

Accommodation Overview

Nestled at the end of a private road in a secluded and tranquil setting, Croftend comfortably accommodates up to four guests. The property has been finished to a high standard, seamlessly combining traditional character with modern comfort.

The original part of the house has been transformed into an open-plan space with a vaulted ceiling that includes the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas. A bright and airy conservatory overlooks the loch, offering a perfect vantage point to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

The well-equipped kitchen includes a fridge freezer, electric cooker with ceramic hob, double oven and grill, toaster, coffee machine, microwave, and washing machine—ideal for home cooking. After a day of adventure, guests can unwind in the cosy sitting room, complete with satellite/cable TV, a DVD player, a log burner, and comfortable seating.

Accommodation includes two tastefully appointed bedrooms: one double and one twin. Both rooms share a family bathroom fitted with a walk-in shower. Bed linen and towels are provided.

Outside, a private garden with outdoor furniture invites guests to relax and soak up the serene surroundings.

Exploring Shieldaig & Wester Ross

Adjacent to Croftend is a sheltered harbour featuring a convenient slipway, perfect for launching canoes or accommodating dinghy trailers—making it an excellent location for watersports enthusiasts. The property is set within the historic crofting township of Doireaonar, surrounded by tranquil woodland rich with local wildlife.

Guests can enjoy scenic woodland walks, birdwatching, and nature photography in this picturesque part of the Highlands. With its peaceful setting, stunning views, and access to both land and water activities, Croftend offers an exceptional Highland getaway.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/westerross/2826

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Ramstead Holiday Chalets, Outgate, Ambleside, Cumbria (Sleeps 1-6)

Ramstead Holiday Chalets are on a 26-acre estate in a quiet woodland setting. The chalets are surrounded by some of the best-loved countryside in Lakeland. We are within easy reach of many places of interest.

The estate is a mature natural mixed woodland with areas of rough grassland and wetland. It is home to a variety of wildlife with a diversity of habitats. The chalets are on the western edge of the woodland and are equipped with all necessities for a self-catering holiday.

Our holiday chalets can sleep up to 6 people and are ideal for family breaks away or a group of friends who share an interest in exploring this beautiful part of England.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/Cumbria/3931

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:

         

The Old Watermill, Great Doddington, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire (Sleeps 1-4)

The Old Watermill is a charming and unique property providing self catering accommodation whilst still retaining its original character. The holiday home is located on the outskirts of Great Doddington village which is close to Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

The self-catering property can sleep 4 people in a four-poster en suite room and a twin/double room.

The sitting room and adjoining dining area have vaulted ceilings, complete with the original elm truss beams, supporting some of the restored mill machinery. A woodburning stove, oak flooring and leather seating complete the luxury look. On the ground floor are the entrance lobby and utility room with freezer and washer/drier.

There is a well-equipped kitchen which has an oven, slow cooker, fridge, microwave and dishwasher.

Outside there is a garden area next to the river.

This holiday home has plenty to interest the historian, walker, artist, photographer or nature lover.

The many traditional village pubs offer fine food and drink. While in town, the sheer variety of restaurant cuisines available is amazing.

There are also many interesting places to visit such as the Wellingborough Museum, Tree Ninja & Silverstone Racetrack.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/Northamptonshire/6820

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:

         

Loch Duich, Kinlochewe, Achnasheen, Wester Ross

Loch Duich is a modern holiday cottage situated in a lovely setting with views to the hills and approximately 1 mile from Loch Maree in Kinlochewe near Achnasheen in Wester Ross.

Loch Duich offers a well maintained and equipped holiday home and is surrounded by its own enclosed garden. The cottage is comfortably furnished in a traditional style, with private parking.

Wester Ross is a truly breathtaking county. Sandy, deserted beaches and the dramatic scenery of the Torridon mountain range beg to be explored.

The welcome you receive from its people makes this a wonderful place to visit, they are keen to share their cultural events and food alike. 

The picturesque village of Kinlochewe nestles at the foot of Benin Eighe at the southern end of the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, to the south-east of Loch Maree. It is 50 miles west of Inverness on the A832 Gairloch road at the junction of the A896 road through Glen Torridon. From the east, you enter the village over Glen Docherty, where you are met with one of the Highlands and Scotland’s favourite views of Loch Maree and Slioch, which is used to advertise the North Coast 500 route. 

The village is ideally situated for climbing, hill walking, bird watching, photography, freshwater and sea fishing, or a quiet relaxing holiday. It is the perfect base for touring the north west Highlands and is well situated to reach the Isle of Skye and probably one of the most iconic images of Scotland the word famous Eileen Donan castle, both just over 1 hour away and the famous Inverewe Gardens are 26 miles to the west.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/WesterRoss/1840

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Feorag Lodge, Dunoon, Argyll

Feòrag Lodge is a privately owned lodge located in acres of the Argyll Forest Park. It provides comfortable accommodation on the outskirts of Dunoon.

Feòrag Lodge is a perfect bolthole. Whether for an adventure based family holiday, a romantic hideaway, a wildlife watching break or as a comfortable and convenient base for touring the beautiful Cowal Peninsula, the beauties of West Argyll or further afield. 

One of the small collection known as Lamont Lodges, Feòrag Lodge is located on the Western edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park within the Argyll Forest Park. It is less than a mile’s walk to the celebrated Benmore Botanic Garden with its towering Douglas Fir, giant Redwoods and miles of walks and trails. The lodge lies at the edge of mountain forest and Puck’s Glen where 6 miles of trails offer spectacular views. For the more ambitious walker, there is a huge variety of options from walking the high tops, to long coastal sorties with the enchantment of deep glens between. Probably Scotland’s most beautiful freshwater glacial loch, Loch Eck, lies a mile away. The coasts of the Firth of Clyde and Loch Fyne are 15 minutes distant. Fishing, golf, mountain biking, bird/wildlife watching, sailing and photography, are all popular activities. 


Glasgow (c. 1hr 30m), Edinburgh (c. 2hr 30m) with their cultural, historic and retail attractions are an easy day trip using Western Ferries from Hunter’s Quay (4 miles) to Gourock, from where you are soon on the M8. The beautiful Georgian town of Inverary is c. 45 mins distant on the west side of Loch Fyne and offers Inverary Castle, the home of the Dukes of Argyll. The Trossachs and the glories of Perthshire and Stirlingshire are roughly 2 hours distant while the local main town with a wide array of shops, Dunoon, is 15 minutes (6 or so miles) away. Dunoon has an excellent swimming pool and fitness centre and is the home of Cowal Golf Club, an excellent course designed by Braid in 1891. Dunoon is also the site of the world’s largest annual Highland Gathering, the Cowal Games, which takes place over the last weekend in August. Less than a mile from the lodge is Cot House services which offers one of the best priced little supermarkets around.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/Argyll/11357

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:

         

Carna Cottage, Ardnamurchan, The Highlands

Carna Cottage is an original farmers ‘Blackhouse’ that has been modernised over the years to provide warm, comfortable and fully equipped self catering accommodation overlooking the private pontoon and tranquil shoreline.

Carna Cottage, Ardnamurchan, Argyll, Bute & The Islands (Sleeps 1 - 6)

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/Scotland/7955

The cottage conservatory and dining kitchen windows provide a wonderful and unique viewing platform from which to watch our abundant wildlife. Otters feed and fish on and around the pontoon in front on a daily basis whilst seals swim past heading through Caol Chàrna narrows to our right and both eagles often perch on ‘the bridge’ in full view.

This cosy two bedroomed loch-side cottage, which sleeps a maximum of 6 people, has a wood burning stove in the lounge, electric lighting provided by the island generator, kitchen dining room with fridge freezer and cooker, family bathroom and conservatory. There is a unique freedom to explore on land and by boat this stunningly beautiful and secluded area, so free from light pollution the Milky Way lights up the sky on clear nights.

Whether coming here to learn about our wildlife and habitats, photograph it or simply get away from the stresses of life we can shape your visit to find just what you’re looking for.

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:

         

Bitacora & Ardmore Cottages, Waternish, Isle of Skye

With stunning views from an elevated position on Skye’s Waternish Peninsula, beyond the mighty Cuillins, this Isle of Skye self catering holiday accommodation really does let you escape from the stresses of modern day life, but without losing out on modern comforts.

Bitacora & Ardmore Cottages, Waternish, Isle of Skye (Sleeps 1 - 6)

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/IsleofSkye/9553

Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets leave you mesmerised by the beauty surrounding this Isle of Skye self catering cottage with panoramic views across Loch Dunvegan to the Minch and the Outer Hebridean islands of Lewis and Harris.

The accommodation is set in an elevated position within a fenced garden which includes a spacious parking area away from the road, ensuring a safe haven for children to play in, and being all on ground level, is suitable for disabled guests too with wheelchair access. Relax, read, bird or whale watch, and even star gaze into the Isle of Skye’s clear dark skies. The look out post is just outside at the Trumpan Churchyard, Bitacora self catering Isle of Skye has it all.

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: