Öilean facilities

àilean is a unique self catering home on the Isle of Harris in the glorious Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles or Eilean Siar in Gaelic.  When you are thinking of renting holiday cottages in Scotland, why not consider visiting this little corner of paradise and staying in our luxury self catering accommodation?

àilean is a Scots Gaelic word which means green plain, meadow or oasis.  It is pronounced with a soft “ahhh” at the beginning followed by “lin”.  We named the house for its blissful location and also because the plot was the greenest , flattest bit in the field it was once part of – probably because it used to be Charlie’s potato plot!

The house is situated at Borve on the West coast of Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland right in the heart of the island’s world class beaches.   We have “our own” beautiful beach (Traigh Mhor, or big beach) just 375 yards in front of the house and amazing views, more on those shortly.  First, let me tell you a wee bit more about the house. 

 

This Scottish holiday cottage has 3 spacious bedrooms and sleeps up to 6 people in splendid comfort.  On the ground floor the main features are the open-plan living area with log burning stove and cathedral ceiling, kingsize bedroom and large bathroom with double ended bath and separate shower.  Upstairs there are large kingsize and twin bedrooms both with en-suite shower rooms as well as a quiet area should you wish some tranquillity or a place to read.  àilean also has a fantastic infra-red sauna and the whole house is heated by underfloor heating powered by our wood pellet boiler and solar hot water panels.  The kitchen is very well equipped including an American style fridge freezer, double oven and big induction hob and is a great place to cook whilst soaking up the view.  We want you to enjoy your stay in àilean without worrying about having to bring basic necessities with you so rental of the house includes a good selection of items to make your holiday easy and enjoyable as well as linen and towels.  The house is also equipped with the little “necessities” of modern life and loads of extra touches

The large front windows frame panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, North Harris hills, island of Taransay and the distinctive hill Ceapabhal with its feldspar trumpet.  The Crofting lands behind the house lead to the gentler hills of South Harris which are peppered with small lochs and the remains of Duns and shielings.  Borve beach is just a short walk from the front door and there is a large selection of other beauties within a few minutes drive including the world class Scarista but Harris holidays are much more than just a beach holiday.  The renowned Isle of Harris golf course is less than a 5 minute drive away (play included in rental) and superb fishing is also nearby.   The island is paradise for artists, photographers, bird and nature watchers, historians, and outdoor sports like cycling, walking, sea kayaking and climbing.  Romantic break enjoying a little peace and seclusion with your love?  No better place!  Harris also has some special little galleries, coffee shops with views to die for and some good places to eat and of course opportunities to view and buy the world famous Harris Tweed, already fashioned or in the raw.

àilean is a great place to use as a  base for exploring as it is only  a 25 minute drive from Tarbert and  around1 hour 20 minutesfrom  Stornoway in Lewis.   Attractions such as the Callanish  Stones and Carloway Broch are within   easy reach althoughwe have some  standing stones of our own in Harris too  (like MacLeods Stone here) and from  the kitchen there is a good view of the   ancient Dun in the croft lands behind  the house.

There are many holiday cottages in Scotland but we think we offer something a bit special.   àilean is an unexpected delight in the accommodation Scotland has to offer.   Full details can be found on our website at www.harrisholiday.com.  You can also find us on facebook as Harris Holiday.