Scarista Beach House self catering cottage, Isle of Harris, Scotland

Scarista Beach House
Isle of Harris
Outer Hebrides
Scotland

Sleeping 6

The village of Scarista is to be found on the west coast of the Outer Hebridean Isle of Harris where only the uninhabited Isle of Taransay (made famous in the TV series 'Castaway') lies between you and the eastern seaboard of the USA, two thousand miles away! This is an area of outstanding natural beauty, where the land meets the sea along a string of fabulous and mostly deserted golden beaches. One of the largest and loveliest of these is spread out in front of Scarista Beach House, just 100 yards away across a quiet road, the sand dunes and machair.

The house itself is a very traditional Highland cottage standing in an equally traditional grass garden bordered by a fence and 'dry stane dyke'. Inside, it has been completely refurbished, while much of the old character has been retained in such features as the pine panelled walls. There is a cosy sitting room with open fire (and further double sofa bed if required) and the three bedrooms have a king size, a double and twin beds respectively. These three last also have decorative traditional fireplaces, but effective heating now comes from a modern system of electric storage heaters.

Scarista Beach House brings off that rare double, a peaceful situation, yet with lots of facilities and places of interest ready to hand. The award winning Scarista House restaurant is within a short walk of the cottage. In the village Atlantic Edge will bring gourmet dinners to your door, and there is also a post office and art gallery. Leverburgh (6m) and Tarbert (18m) have further shops, restaurants and pubs, and ferry connections to the Isle of Skye and South Uist.

Just in case you feel you can tear yourself away from the glorious views and the comfort of your immediate surroundings, there is scope too for exercise and outings. The Isle of Harris golf course is only 5 minutes walk away. Cycles can be hired locally, there are boat trips to Taransay and cruises around the neighbouring coastline. The nearby 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.

Scarista Beach House provides a truly unique setting for an unforgettable holiday. Bed linen and towels are included. Heating is electric and that electricity is paid for by tokens which are purchased from the Caretaker on arrival. Sorry, no pets and smoking is not permitted within the cottage.

Accommodation (sleeps 6):

Downstairs

Sitting room with open fire, TV (no reception)/DVD and double sofa bed.
Kitchen/Dining room with fridge-freezer, washing machine, tumble-drier, dishwasher, microwave etc
Double-bed room with king size bed.
Bathroom with bath/shower, WC and basin