The transformation of this simple Highland cottage, on the shores of Loch Grosebay on the Hebridean island of Harris, has been a real labour of love for the enthusiastic owners, and the holiday makers lucky enough to rent it will certainly have cause to marvel at its 'before and after' pictures.
Once a tin-roofed, tin-walled, rather dilapidated bothy, the ugly duckling has become a swan indeed, reroofed, triple glazed, heavily insulated, freshly painted and completely renovated inside. The attractive living room has an exposed feature stone wall and stove, there is a completely new, modern and very well-equipped kitchen, a double bedroom with pine clad ceiling and romantic sleigh bed and a spacious shower room with walk-in shower. It stands a little back from the quiet, single-track road, snuggling into the hill behind and with views of the inlet to the front and is, in short, a most desirable Hebridean hideaway for two people.
The nearest place of any size is Tarbert, (hotel, shops), where the ferry docks from Uig on Skye, while down at the southern tip of Harris is Leverburgh, (small supermarket, hotel, cafe) from where you can take ship for North Uist and a spot of island hopping. Harris has a quite stunning coastal golf course, just a short drive away at Scarista. The little road on which the cottage stands forms part of the Harris Walkway, a 20 mile trail which runs from the slopes of 'the Clisham' to the West coast at Seilebost.
Cycles can be hired locally, there are cruises around the neighbouring coastline and even the possibility of taking a day trip out to the World Heritage Site of lonely St Kilda, 40 miles out in the Atlantic - truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Seallam Visitor Centre has a shop, tearoom and also houses the Western Isles genealogy research centre. There is another excellent restaurant at Rodel, just a few miles beyond Leverburgh.
It's worth noting too that Sgeir A'Chais is just as comfortable a billet in the winter - the owners have roadtested it to make sure! The triple glazing, excellent insulation, electric blanket on the bed, effective electric heating from a 100% renewable source and most of all the cosy glow from the stove ensure you'll be snug as can be, whatever it's doing outside!
Heating by solid fuel stove and electric heaters. Bed linen, towels and electricity are INCLUDED in the rental. Sorry, pets are not accepted and smoking is not permitted in the cottage.
