Welcome to Airidh an Dobhrain - our secluded cottage by the lochside - Benbecula

1 bedroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

Fireplace

Washer

Dryer

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Enjoy the area

Isle of Benbecula, Scotland

North Uist Distillery12 min drive
Benbecula (BEB)23 min drive
Lochmaddy Ferry Terminal35 min drive
Lochboisdale South Uist Ferry Terminal36 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Welcome to Airidh an Dobhrain - our secluded cottage by the lochside

This cosy one bedroomed cottage sits right on the waters edge and is both remote and isolated, our only neighbours being the sea birds, seals and the occasional otter! It really is an ideal retreat, where you can escape the bustle of daily life and relax.
It is ideally placed right at the centre of the Outer Hebrides, so you can explore from Eriskay (with regular connections to Barra) to the south, to Berneray (with regular connections to Harris) to the North.
It was originally built as a shieling to house land workers, and is now a comfortable holiday retreat, with the added advantage of a log burning stove to snuggle up to after a long day out. The bedroom has a 4 poster double bed and is dual aspect. Guests have in the past told me the bathroom has the best shower they have ever used! The well equipped kitchen/living room contains everything you will need to enjoy your stay including SMART TV with chromecast, DVD player, bluetooth sound bar and wifi. The property is accessed via a driveway with parking space situated next to the cottage. There is a 3kW EV charger for our guests' use (additional charges apply).
The cottage is situated right on the shore of Loch Killerivagh, the tide rising on either side of the cottage as it comes in. Guests regularly see buzzards, owls and Golden and white tailed Eagles from the garden which features a rowing boat filled with fresh herbs for guests to pick and enjoy.
There are many walks that are suitable for all ages and abilities that offer a great way to engage with the unique landscape. The nature reserves at Balranald on North Uist and Loch Druidibeg on South Uist are easily reached with rare birds including Corncrakes, Phalaropes, eagles and much more. The dark skies are a haven for stargazers (particularly during the autumn and winter months) and keep an eye out for the Northern Lights too! The area is a paradise for: walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, photographers, artists, astronomers, and people looking for a break from the hectic pace of daily life. Uist can only be accessed by ferry or plane, making it very remote. The island is an incredibly friendly place, with the majority of drivers waving as they pass - even on the double track roads.

Property manager

Ian Swain

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Lake view

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

Property Registration Number ES00253F

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Benbecula

Located in Benbecula, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Bharpa Langass & Pobull Fhinn and Hallan Roundhouses are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at North Uist Distillery and Lochmaddy Ferry Terminal.

Isle of Benbecula, Scotland

What's nearby

North Uist Distillery - 12 min drive
Howmore - 18 min drive
Lochmaddy Ferry Terminal - 35 min drive
Lochboisdale South Uist Ferry Terminal - 36 min drive
Baleshare Beach - 41 min drive

Getting around

Benbecula (BEB) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

Charlie's Bistro - 11 min drive
Namara Marine Supplies and Seafood Café - 24 min drive
Westford Inn - 12 min drive
Dark Island Hotel Bar - 7 min drive
Low Flyer - 13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Welcome to Airidh an Dobhrain - our secluded cottage by the lochside pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Welcome to Airidh an Dobhrain - our secluded cottage by the lochside?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Welcome to Airidh an Dobhrain - our secluded cottage by the lochside?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Welcome to Airidh an Dobhrain - our secluded cottage by the lochside located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 9 miles (15 km) of Bàgh Chulla, North Uist Distillery and Mol Mòr. Oitir Mhòr and Our Lady of the Isles are also within 9 miles (15 km).

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

28 December 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

Nice cottage, nicely decorated, nice pictures, furniture, lovely floorboards, good shower, heating, multi-fuel burner. Quiet but good access to North and South Uist. Weather I as bad most days I was on Uist so it was good to be able to get back to a warm cottage, shower and woodburner. Binoculars and scope. Good hillwalking and beach walking. Didn’t see much wildlife due to weather but saw a Golden Eagle, 2 Herons, Waders, Shanks and Gulls.

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

James

23 November 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

We wondered if we were mad to visit the Outer Hebrides in mid November so we only booked 3 nights at Airidh an Dobhrain. Wish we'd been brave enough to stay longer! What a delightful, cosy wee cottage and the Hebrides are magical at any time of year. The many 10/10 reviews are accurate - perfect!

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Philip D.

7 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for Two

A charmer of a cottage with it’s own resident wildlife (Sheep and Short Eared Owls anyone?) A perfect little getaway for a week away in the Outer Hebrides.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nigel R.

10 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

On arrival and on departure … I cried! Happy tears!

This cottage is pure delight. One of the best holiday accommodations I have ever stayed in. Away from all the stresses of life. The situation is perfect to heal whatever might need healing! My two dogs also loved it … the three of us were horizontally ‘chilled out’. Thank you David and family .. what you are ‘offering’ there is, well, certainly for me … perfect!

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

John K.

13 November 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great setting-great place

Just back from a magical week on the Uists. The property is in a fantastic location with the water almost at your doorstep. Great base for exploring the surrounding areas-not too far from anywhere. Lovely clean and comfortable cottage.

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

About the host

Hosted by Ian Swain

My father's family were in the building industry and as a child I learned a lot about building and DIY. I have always enjoyed DIY and undertaken many projects in my own home including building an extension. As I neared retirement from teaching, I wanted to to do more building projects. I love the traditional Hebridean style of property and bought the cottages to renovate and run as holiday let properties.
Although I don't live on the island, I spend as much time as possible there and enjoy doing projects at each of my properties.
My aim is to provide guests with a comfortable, hassle free holiday. I have many returning guests who love the cottages, the same as I do.

Why they chose this property

When my parents died I was left an inheritance. This coincided with the twilight years of my teaching career, and I had already decided I wanted to spend time in the Hebrides renovating a property on my retirement. When I saw Tigh na Boireach, I fell in love with it and bought it to continue as a holiday let cottage. After a year or so working on this cottage, I had it more or less finished and found Airidh an Dobhrain about 24 miles further south. This is a contrasting property and again has many wonderful features. I felt that its stunning remote, isolated location would make it a popular holiday let cottage once done up. I spent two winters completely renovating the cottage and added two extra windows to take advantage of the 360 degree views.

What makes this property unique

The cottage has a completely unique feel. You are completely amongst nature. In spring, the nesting birds on the islands in the loch are wonderfully entertaining. Last season a common gull nested on the headland about 20m from the cottage, and there was a parent bird stationed permanently on the the chimney keeping watch. There were 2 oyster catcher chicks wandering around most days, not to mention the deer and occasionally the otters from a little further down the loch.