This spectacular house occupies an outstanding situation on the Oa (pronounced O), the south westernmost peninsula of the Isle of Islay.
Quick Info
Sleeps: 6 | Bedrooms: 3 |
Changeover Day: Sat | Pets Allowed: No |
No smoking | Bathrooms: 3 |
High above the shore with a sandy beach within walking distance (wellies are provided) and surrounded by 150 acres of unspoilt land, Lurabus is an escapist's heaven and a totally unique experience.
The modern house is reached by a rough track, on which great care is required, and there is plenty of parking right at the door. What greets you at your destination makes the effort more than worthwhile. On entry, you come first to the useful utility/boot room, which houses the laundry facilities and where you can divest yourself of outdoor clothing and equipment.
The dining kitchen is arranged along two walls, with a further island unit separating it from the dining area. Here, the dining table is situated alongside the glass doors to the decking so that, even while dining, you do not lose sight of the spectacular seascape outside.
Three steps take you down to the sitting room, with its stylish corner fireplace and wood-burning stove inset in the wall. There are stunning floor to ceiling window doors which lead out to a secure balcony area (with furniture) and allow you to take in the wonderful views. There are views out to the lighthouse and across the inlet to Port Ellen (with pubs and shops).
All on one level there are three bedrooms with ziplink beds that can be adapted to become either doubles or twins. They also all have en suite shower facilities with power showers and more doors out to the decking. The accommodation is very versatile and will suit all party configurations. Lurabus is, as they say, 'something else!'
Islay is particularly famous for two things - birds and whisky - and not necessarily in that order! Fortunately, Lurabus is well positioned for both.
There is an RSPB reserve on the Oa, where you may see choughs, hen harriers, peregrines, buzzards, snow buntings and as the cherry on the cake, Islay's very own golden eagles. Further up the island, in the autumn the landscape is covered by the flocks of Brent and barnacle geese who come to feed here and who attract legions of birdwatchers.
The entire island is only 25 miles long, yet it is home to no less than 7 distilleries which produce the smoky, peaty malts for which Islay is famous. The nearest of these are just beyond Port Ellen, Laphroig and Lagavulin. Lagavulin has a superb café restaurant, which provides excellent meals. In comparison to some of the other Scottish islands, Islay is comparatively undeveloped and you won't find too much in the way of teashops or fast food restaurants outside of the main settlements.
A little up the coast, the Machrie Hotel has an excellent 18 hole golf course. There is riding on a farm near the cottage and you can fish off the rocks. Bowmore, the island's 'capital' has a heated swimming pool and another famous distillery! Two bicycles are available at the cottage and more can be hired locally.
The nearest shops and hotels are at Port Ellen (5 miles) where you will most likely arrive when coming by ferry from Kennacraig. The ferry should be booked in advance.
Most of Islay's inhabitants live on the west side of the island. It is well worth taking a trip down the Rhinns of Islay to pretty Port Charlotte, with another distillery and on to Port Wemyss. A trip across to the neighbouring island of Jura by a short ferry crossing from Port Askaig is certainly not to be missed. This is the 'Island of the Deer' and you will see them everywhere. A single road runs most of the length of the island and passes Jura House with its lovely gardens, before reaching Craighouse (with hotel and yet another distillery), which is the only real settlement. Serious hillwalkers will find their main challenge here in climbing the striking Paps of Jura, which form the highest peaks in the two islands.
Local Events and Attractions
Please note: while we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, the actual position of the cottage indicated on the map above and the proximity of the amenities in the Local Info section cannot be guaranteed to be precise and should be used as a guide only.
Accommodation
Single Storey
Dining kitchen with dishwasher, deep freeze, etc
Sitting room (three steps down) with TV (no reception)/DVD and wood-burning stove
Utility/boot room with washing machine and tumble dryer
Double/twin (ziplink) bedroom with en suite power shower and doors to decking
Double/twin (ziplink) bedroom with en suite power shower and doors to decking
Double/twin (ziplink) bedroom with en suite power shower and doors to decking
What's included
- Linen (Double Bed)
- Free
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Sets of towels (per person)
- Free
- Highchair
- Free
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Electricity is INCLUDED. Heating is by oil central heating (INCLUDED) and wood-burning stove (supply of fuel INCLUDED). Water is from a private source which is UV filtered and regularly tested; however (as is typical in many parts of Scotland) it can become discoloured, particularly after heavy rainfall. Guests may therefore prefer to bring bottled water to drink. Sorry, pets are not accepted. No smoking.
Weekly Prices
The weekly guide prices for this property are shown below. Use the availability & book sidebar on the right to select your holiday or calculate short break rates (where available).
From 10/10/2025 to 13/10/2025
From 17/10/2025 to 20/10/2025
From 06/12/2024 to 09/12/2024
From 04/04/2025 to 07/04/2025
From 03/10/2025 to 06/10/2025
From 24/10/2025 to 27/10/2025
From 17/10/2025 to 20/10/2025
From 10/10/2025 to 13/10/2025
From 20/12/2024 to 23/12/2024
From 27/12/2024 to 30/12/2024
From 13/12/2024 to 16/12/2024
From 24/12/2024 to 24/12/2024
From 23/12/2024 to 24/12/2024
From 30/12/2024 to 30/12/2024
Changeover Day: Sat
Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 2 | Sleeps 6 |
26 Oct 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 | POA | POA |
20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024 | POA | POA |
28 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 | POA | POA |
06 Jan 2025 - 31 Jan 2025 | £695.00 | £795.00 |
01 Feb 2025 - 04 Apr 2025 | £795.00 | £895.00 |
05 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025 | £1,050.00 | £1,050.00 |
26 Apr 2025 - 02 May 2025 | POA | POA |
03 May 2025 - 23 May 2025 | POA | POA |
24 May 2025 - 30 May 2025 | POA | POA |
31 May 2025 - 27 Jun 2025 | POA | POA |
28 Jun 2025 - 18 Jul 2025 | POA | POA |
19 Jul 2025 - 29 Aug 2025 | POA | POA |
30 Aug 2025 - 12 Sep 2025 | POA | POA |
13 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025 | POA | POA |
04 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025 | POA | POA |
25 Oct 2025 - 19 Dec 2025 | POA | POA |
20 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025 | POA | POA |
28 Dec 2025 - 05 Jan 2026 | POA | POA |
06 Jan 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 | POA | POA |
06 Jan 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 | POA | POA |
06 Jan 2028 - 05 Jan 2029 | POA | POA |
Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking. If your party size changes for any reason after booking, please let us know so we can ensure the accommodation provided meets your exact requirements.
Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)
Excellent property with lovely views, comfortable and well equipped. Ducks were an added bonus! Downside was the long di...
Read MoreThe house is well appointed, beautifully located and we had a fabulous holiday.
We loved staying at Lurabus and would happily return there in future. The location of the house, despite the remote acce...
Read MoreWhat a fantastic find, superb views over Port Ellen Isle of Islay to the left, Mull of Kintyre straight a head & the top...
Read MoreA beautiful updated old farmhouse in a stunning location. It was a real privilege to be able to spend a week of peace an...
Read More