Loch Cottage | Borve, Isle Of Lewis | Loch Dhailbeag

5.0★

Perfect

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets No
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Features

Electric car charging
Off road parking
Pet Free
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

32 Customer Review(s)

Mrs Schuetzenauer
August 2023

“We had a great holiday in a perfect cottage in a wonderful place of the Isle of Lewis.”

My 13 year old sun said, the time we stayed at the Loch Cottage wasn´t long enough. We loved it to be so close to nature, to the beach, to the sheep and the hills. Lesley and Alisdair are exceptionally helpful, open minded and have a great heart. Five stars aren`t enough.

My 13 year old sun said, the time we stayed at the Loch Cottage wasn´t long enough. We loved it to be so close to nature, to the beach, to the sheep and the hills. Lesley and Alisdair are exceptionally helpful, open minded and have a great heart. Five stars aren`t enough.

- Mrs Schuetzenauer, August 2023
Mr Roth August 2023

“A really wonderful cottage in a fantastic place.”

The small loch in front of the house and the awesome beach one minute away and the very well equiped cottage made us to have a perfect week. Very friendly hosts!

- Mr Roth, August 2023
Mrs Falconer July 2023

“A very special place- Loch cottage is unquestionably one of the best holiday cottages we have ever stayed in.”

It sits in a tranquil location, overlooking a water lily covered lochan, with the beach just a few minutes walk away. The beach is a lovely, sandy, sheltered cove with an impressive stack and cliffs, and there are lovely walks in the surrounding hillside. Lesley and Alisdair are the perfect hosts and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. They had thought of everything to make our stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. From the welcome pack on arrival, including freshly baked bread and shortbread, to a wealth of books and games to entertain. There is also a storeroom full of the little things you might need to have a perfect holiday. The cottage itself is immaculate. It is spotless and beautifully decorated with lovely artwork throughout. It is very well equipped with all that you could need and more in the kitchen, utility room, lounge etc. The attention to detail is second to none…not just one cafetière but several in different sizes, cake tins and baking equipment galore. All the equipment throughout has been carefully selected. The lounge is spacious and comfortable with a beautiful outlook over the loch. The bedrooms, which also look over the loch, are lovely and tastefully decorated and the beds are really comfortable. There is a good size family bathroom with a lovely big bath and separate shower, and there is also an additional separate toilet too. The garden is a great place to watch the many birds and wildlife- we saw several eagles, a seal and lots of smaller birds. The bench on the front decking overlooking the loch is a particular sun trap. Loch cottage is the ideal base for exploring the isles of Lewis and Harris, and also to relax and enjoy pottering among the pebbles on the beach, or taking a walk up the hillside to the croft and beyond. This is our first time on the island but it certainly won’t be our last and hopefully we will be able to return to Loch cottage, as there is no more perfect place to be. Thank you Lesley & Alisdair.

- Mrs Falconer, July 2023
Mrs Hall July 2023

“Loch cottage is one of the cleanest and well presented homes we've ever stayed in.”

There is everything you need and more. The views are amazing and it's literally a 1 min walk to the beach. Watching the sunset on Dalbeg beach will be a forever memory of ours. Leakey and Alistair are on hand if there's anything you need, but not intrusive. Lesley makes homemade bread too. We found so much to do and discovered that a week isn't long enough. A couple of things to note...the coop is closed on a Sunday in Stornoway so get what you need on the mainland if you're arriving late on Saturday and also there are uneven steps leading to the front door, so bear that in mind when unpacking your car. Neither of these things should deter you from booking this cottage, it's outstanding. Thank you for having us.

- Mrs Hall, July 2023
Mr Yates May 2023

“Extremely well maintained, clean and well equipped cottage in a beautiful location.”

Our hosts were very warm and welcoming, as was their cottage! There is a beautiful loch just outside the window and a bay and beach 1 minute's walk away with white sand and clear (if cold!) seas. I would highly recommend staying here to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and I can't wait to come back in the future.

- Mr Yates, May 2023
Mrs Dolphin May 2023

“Stayed here for a week in May and thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Great location overlooking the loch and very close to the lovely beach. Owners have thought of everything and very informative about places to visit.

- Mrs Dolphin, May 2023
Conlan March 2023

“Another fabulous visit to this property.”

The owners have thought of everything and cannot do enough to make your stay as comfortable as possible from the wonderfully generous welcome pack to the home made bread, who could ask for more. The cottage is well placed for exploring both Lewis and Harris, as we've been a number of times before we welcomed being able to go on walks direct from the cottage and explore the clifftops above the beach - the views are stunning. Would have no hesitation in returning again to this magical spot.

- Conlan, March 2023
Mrs Wiseman September 2022

“Beautiful well equipped house with thoughtful welcome pack to greet us.”

Stunning view and surroundings. Very comfortable. Would thoroughly recommend this property.

- Mrs Wiseman, September 2022
Robertson September 2022

“Best holiday let i have stayed in.”

Very friendly owners and the home made bread was top class

- Robertson, September 2022
Mr Fairbrother August 2022

“Very well equipped and clean property in a delightful location.”

A memorable holiday

- Mr Fairbrother, August 2022
MacHugh August 2022

“Very comfortable cottage, extremely clean and welcoming with a lovely welcome pack.”

Fantastic views and great position for exploring. Owner was very helpful and friendly. Thoroughly recommended!

- MacHugh, August 2022
Platten August 2022

“Fantastic cottage.”

Beautifully situated, and very well appointed indeed. The owners have really thought about the comfort and convenience of their guests. It’s spotlessly clean. Highly recommend Loch Cottage.

- Platten, August 2022
Forster August 2022

“We had an absolutely wonderful stay at this property!”

It was exactly as we hoped it would be and a perfect location for exploring. Would highly recommend

- Forster, August 2022
Mackintosh July 2022

“Excellent property in excellent location.”

Lovely cottage to return to each evening with all the facilities you need. In addition there are camping chairs, beach towels, buckets and spades for kids that can be used for days out. It seems everything has been thought of. The owners are fantastic! Very friendly, helpful and on hand if required. Can't recommend highly enough.

- Mackintosh, July 2022
Helen Hymers Jun 2022

“Myself, my husband and our two children enjoyed a wonderful stay in Loch Cottage back in April.”

You'd be hard pressed to find a better location! A view out onto the Loch made for a peaceful and calming vista at any time of the day or night and a great way to watch the changing weather! The patio doors open up onto that view and to sit on the bench or the sofa inside of an evening overlooking this was very appealing. A very short walk down to the beach at Dalbeg was just what we were hoping for with the cottage location (the one thing no one could change was the weather but it was only April after all and as it was mixed we didn't sit on the beach itself but it was lovely to be able to just wander down whenever we wanted and I don't doubt in hot summer it's ideal). We were also allowed to explore their croft and follow the trail up onto the hilltop for an amazing walk and view. The cottage also provided an ideal location to be able to drive out and explore Lewis. The cottage itself was amazing! It had everything we needed and so much more - it is a great cottage for children as well as the hosts have catered for all that is needed for a stay with children, and you can borrow anything for going out exploring so you don't need to bring everything yourself from home, the cottage even had LEGO! (my boys were delighted) Once inside the cottage there was a welcome bag (which was just such a thoughtful touch, and much appreciated- but I will not spoil the surprise for future guests by listing what was in it for us to keep) Lovely freshly made shortbread in a jar provided too. The rooms in the cottage are spacious and relaxing, with comfortable beds and a large bathroom with bath and separate shower, lots of storage everywhere and also great to have use of a washing machine and dryer when it was required too. Great outdoor space around the cottage with picnic table and seating and also parking on the drive. We really felt we could switch off from the usual ties of busy life and have time to reconnect with each other. We were greeted by Lesley after we had settled in the cottage and she was at hand for anything if we needed it, she also offered to make us fresh bread (daily if we wished for our stay as long as we let her know the night before and collect it from her in the morning just along the road at their beautiful Beach House art gallery). We took up this kind (and free of charge) offer, it was delicious and a novelty for my son to go and collect it one of the days. The cottage showcases some of Lesley and her husband Alisdair's art works and they are a wonderful and colourful addition to the cottage so we had to go the The Beach House gallery to see more for ourselves! They went out of their way to engage with my children when they saw them and also provided a personalised memento for my boys which was most kind. We would love to stay at the cottage again in the future and wouldn't and haven't hesitated to recommend to other people to do the same. Just wonderful. Thank you.

- Helen Hymers, Jun 2022
Jacqueline and Alan Dodds Jun 2022

“Loch cottage was perfect.”

The house was relaxing and airy. It was tastefully designed and we enjoyed Lesley and Alisdair’s art on the walls. Lesley and Alisdair had thought of everything that one might need. The gifts and the excellent shortbread made us feel very welcome. We think it is one of the best self catering houses that we have stayed in. The location is at the end of a quiet lane with a small loch opposite and the sea 100 yards away. We were able to sit and enjoy the views through the full length windows. The beach is stunning and we enjoyed the walks over the headland. A perfect spot. Thank you

- Jacqueline and Alan Dodds, Jun 2022
Ewart, Val & Hilary May 2022

“We had a wonderful time at Loch cottage and would like to Thankyou for your warm welcome the lovely fresh bread and shortbread and for providing the best holiday cottage we have ever stayed in anywhere in the world.”

Everything was simply perfect!

- Ewart, Val & Hilary, May 2022
Claire Conlan Apr 2022

“What can I say.”

.. we had a fantastic week in this amazing cottage. We could have stayed forever! Although we have been to the island many times, this has to be our favourite place now , you cannot beat the views. Additionally Lesley could not have been more accomodating, from the beautiful welcome gifts and the delicious homemade bread to the cottage having everything that you could wish for , it really was outstanding. My husband twisted his knee on a walk and Lesley even provided an ice pack for him - first class customer service. We had relatives staying in beach view cottage, it was ideal to be so close but have our own space. We will definately return, it's a truly magical place.

- Claire Conlan, Apr 2022
Lesley Aug 2021

“What a wonderful cottage in a perfect location.”

The cottage has everything you could possibly want or need. The owners could not be more helpful. It is an ideal base for exploring the island but equally so you could spend the entire week simply enjoying the views and peace of Dalbeg.

- Lesley, Aug 2021
Dr Fiona Jefford Nov 2020

“We had a wonderful break in Loch Cottage.”

The quality of every aspect of the cottage and attention to detail was superior to any other we've ever experienced in self catering cottages in the Highlands and Islands. We really enjoyed our visits to the gallery and delighted with the purchases we made there. We feel the location is probably among the best in Harris/Lewis and enjoyed the different moods of the sea. We would love to return.

- Dr Fiona Jefford, Nov 2020
Andy and Kate Oct 2020

“Beautiful cottage in an amazing location.”

Superbly well appointed and clean, with wonderful views. Thank you !

- Andy and Kate, Oct 2020
Steve Barbour Sep 2020

“This was probably the best holiday cottage we have stayed in.”

Why? Firstly, the location and outlook from the property is lovely. Secondly, the cottage is very well equipped. There are not a wide variety of places to eat, particularly not helped by the current Covid situation, so we cooked more than we perhaps had intended. Each time we looked for a piece of equipment it was there and in good order. Thirdly, the house was spotless and comfortable. Last but not least, the hosts were very welcoming (as far as they could be with the current situation). Great stay and I would thoroughly recommend it to others.

- Steve Barbour, Sep 2020
David Dunsmuir Sep 2019

“This property is the best equipped I have ever seen in 50 years of using self catering houses”

- David Dunsmuir, Sep 2019
David Dunsmuir Sep 2019

“When the brochure says tourist board 5 star it actually undersells the property.”

In 50 years of self catering this is the best equipped cottage we have ever been to-without exception.

- David Dunsmuir, Sep 2019
Markus Jun 2019

“We loved it!”

Unfortunately we had to leave the house after only 4 days ... the septic tank out of order and they couldn 't fix it quickly ... We got another house and fell in love with another region of Lewis - so it had it's good side too. But the house WAS GREAT! They now build new houses in the neighborhood, so it has lost some of it's lonely charm ...

- Markus, Jun 2019
Visitor Book Jun 2019

“May 2019 Thanks, Lesley!”

We've had a wonderful week's holiday, exploring the beauties of Lewis. Loch Cottage is fantastic - as so clean! My pale blue slipper socks still have clean soles after a week! Unprecedented in all previous holiday lets. Can't wait for our next visit. Thanks again.

- Visitor Book, Jun 2019
Angela & John Forester Jun 2019

“We have over 30 years experience of staying in self catering accommodation in the UK and overseas and have always gone to great lengths when selecting a holiday home.”

We have been very fortunate, therefore, to have stayed in some of the most amazing apartments, houses and villas over the years - although it has to be said that there HAS been the occasion when on arrival at the holiday house it didn't quite live up to our expectations (but this unfortunately is the risk we all have to take). And so to this year's holiday and our decision to rent Loch Cottage in Dalbeg. The description and information provided in the LHH brochure sounded ideal - the photographs looked fabulous and the reviews were glowing. When we arrived at Loch Cottage we quickly realised that no description, photograph or review could prepare you for just how exceptional this property is and for the first time ever our expectations of our holiday home were entirely surpassed. Loch Cottage is, without a doubt, the best property we have ever stayed in and we are grateful to the lovely owners - Lesley and Alistair - who did absolutely everything they possibly could to ensure our comfort at Loch Cottage and for providing us with so many lovely 'touches' that have been missing from other holiday homes we have rented. On our arrival at Dalbeg we were given a very warm welcome by Lesley and Alisdair who presented us with a delicious, freshly-baked loaf of bread (and offered to bake more if required!), homemade shortbread and a generous selection of gifts from their Beach House Gallery. We were shown around the cottage which was immaculately clean (and we are very particular!) and beautifully presented: every room was tastefully decorated and all the soft furnishings were perfectly coordinated with the owners own artwork adorning the walls. Loch Cottage is also the best equipped holiday home we have ever stayed in and it was impossible to come up with a single thing that hadn't been thought of or provided. We appreciate that there are many beautiful holiday homes to choose from but Loch Cottage ticked all the right boxes for us (and more!) and was just that extra bit special than anywhere else we have stayed. Lesley and Alisdair were the most wonderful of hosts - one of the highlights of our week being Alisdair's tour of the croft - no spoilers but please go if you get the chance! Before we left Northumberland to head off on holiday to Dalbeg we had already decided that with so many other destinations to think about this would probably be our last trip to the Outer Hebrides. We had an absolutely fantastic week staying at Loch Cottage and though our days were spent out walking and enjoying all those things that attract us all to Lewis, we always looked forward to returning to beautiful Loch Cottage, Dalbeg beach and to the croft. We really felt quite sad, therefore, when our week was over and it was time to leave. Since getting back from holiday there's been lots of discussion about our holiday plans for next year and - despite us thinking this year's visit to the Outer Hebrides would be our last - it didn't take us very long to decide on a return to Dalbeg in 2020 and to book up Loch Cottage once again - yes, it really was THAT good!

- Angela & John Forester, Jun 2019
DV Nov 2018

“My stay was excellent.”

The cottage was immaculate, and Lesley and Alistair were awesome hosts; very generous and kind couple. I would highly recommend Loch Cottage and would definitely stay there again.

- DV, Nov 2018
Visitor Book Comment Nov 2018

“This is our fourth time on the islands.”

First time here. Definitely the best house we have stayed in. Look forward to coming back

- Visitor Book Comment, Nov 2018
Visitor Book Comment Nov 2018

“Had a lovely relaxing week from the minute we stepped into the cottage to the smell of a fresh loaf of bread.”

Everything you could possibly need has been thought of. It really felt like a home from home. It will be difficult to leave in the morning. Lovely cottage, lovely setting, lovely holiday.

- Visitor Book Comment, Nov 2018
Visitor Book Comment Nov 2018

“Such a fantastic stay.”

Perfect cottage and perfect location. The attention to detail in the cottage really makes a difference as do all the wee personal touches. Beautifully bright and airy even on a rainy day. Loved the bread, shortbread and the brilliant bag of gifts. very kind and much appreciated. We all loved it and we'll be back, I'm sure.

- Visitor Book Comment, Nov 2018
Simon Forrest Nov 2018

“Booking self catering accommodation involves a degree of risk.”

Will the property be as nice as it looks in the photos? Will the photos prove to be old and the property now look tired? Will there be some horrible feature just out of shot, that ruins the holiday? Have no fear - Loch Cottage is actually even better than it looks! It is simply fantastic. The location is brilliant, the property itself is beautiful, comfortable and very well maintained. Having spent a week there earlier this summer, there is nothing I would want to see changed. The owners are on hand and are both thoughtful and helpful. It would be very easy to throw away your car keys, spend your entire trip in peaceful isolation in Dalbeg and still have a wonderful holiday. I have never been moved to leave a property review before but felt I had to for Loch Cottage. It is stunning.

- Simon Forrest, Nov 2018

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Summary

Single-storey
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x twin
Bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, basin and WC
Open-plan living area with kitchen/diner and sitting area
Utility
Gas central heating with living flame stove
Electric oven, electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, blender, hairdryer
Smart TV, DVD player, CD player, iPod dock, WiFi
We now have hi-speed internet at 25mbps Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen, house slippers, towels inc. in rent
Highchair and travel cot available on request
Off-road parking for 2 cars
Vehicle charging point available for use, access arranged via the owner
Enclosed garden with lawn, decking and furniture
Sorry, no pets and no smoking
Shop 14.9 miles, pub 15.1 miles
Note: Bring own linen for travel cot

The property

Loch Cottage is a stunning, luxury self-catering cottage on the west coast of Lewis. The house is located at the end of a quiet road, overlooking Loch Dalbeg and just 100 metres from this wonderful sandy beach - serene on a calm day and awesome when wild! The house has been furnished and equipped to an exceptionally high standard. The spacious open-plan living-kitchen-dining area has stunning views over the loch and lets out onto decking to the front. Everything has been thought of for a perfect family holiday including beach towels, picnic baskets, buckets and spades and much more. The owners have ensured that you will not find their house wanting in any way and have added many additional touches not normally found in self catering cottages. Loch Cottage is just a 25 minute drive from Stornoway, close to the Westside Coastal Walk and surrounded by some of the most amazing countryside and archaeological sites in the world. Ten miles south are the standing stones of Callanish, second only to Stonehenge. Three miles south is Dun Carloway, an Iron Age broch (fort) and the restored Black House Village of Gearrannan. However, the jewel in the crown must be the fabulous Dalbeg beach, on which this cottage almost sits. Just a brief walk and you are on one of Lewis' most spectacular beaches surrounded by towering cliffs and stacks. The area around Loch Cottage is one of special scientific interest and is home to a wealth of wildlife including golden eagles, otters and dolphins. Two miles north is a restored Norse Mill and a little further again is the Black House Museum at Arnol, the Morven Art Gallery and the pottery at Borgh. In Carloway you can go to see Harris Tweed being woven in the traditional way and can buy it by the metre from the weaving shed. A little further afield are the Iron Age House at Bosta beach and the fantastic 24 sandy beaches of Uig and Bernera. North will take you to the top most point of Lewis - the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, the fabulous Eoropie Dunes and beach with its 4 acre play park and the well known surfers beach at Ness (there is storage for surf boards at Loch Cottage). The spacious living accommodation has been designed and created by the artist owners and their appreciation of the interaction of land, rock, light and sea is fully reflected in the character of all the rooms. In short, it is a beautiful, tranquil, light yet warm holiday cottage on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Dalbeg is a magical place where you could come and stay put for the whole week (and many have) just disconnecting from the rush of traffic, noise and busy lives and allowing the peace and vastness of this land and seascape to soak through even the most restless soul. Come and see for yourself! Next door to the cottage is the owner's 'small but perfectly formed' art gallery to which you are welcome to visit. The islands can be reached by flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness; or by ferry from Uig on Skye to Tarbert, or Ullapool to Stornoway. EPC Rating: Band E

EPC Rating: Band E

Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: ES-00002-F

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

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About the location

BORVE, ISLE OF LEWIS

Stornoway 26.7 miles

Borve is a village resting on the western side of the Isle of Lewis, close to the island’s main town of Stornoway. Reached by two adjacent bridges, it nestles on the River Borve and its name is derived from the old Norse word ‘borg’ meaning fort. It is known for the Clan Macquarrie rescue in 1953 when a Clan Line vessel ran aground in terrible gales and local men from the village rescued all 66 crew members. In recognition of the villagers’ bravery Clan Line donated funds for the construction of a village hall. There is a convenience store here and the Borve House Hotel great for stopping off for refreshment and a bite to eat. Just outside Borve there are loads of visitor attractions including the Butt of Lewis lighthouse and the Port of Ness Slipway and Breakwater which both offer breath-taking views over the ocean and beyond. Ness Historical Society offers a fascinating insight into the culture and history of the island and Stornoway is a short drive from the village which has a good selection of shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants and is the gateway to the exploring the rest of the Outer Hebrides.

Note: This property can only manage a change over on Saturdays due to housekeeper restrictions.
Note: Bring own linen for travel cot. Note: Though electricity is included in the rent, electric for charging cars is not included in the rental. Note: Please bear in mind that this property is located on an island and therefore only accessible by plane or ferry.

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“We had a great holiday in a perfect cottage in a wonderful place of the Isle of Lewis.”

“A really wonderful cottage in a fantastic place.”

“A very special place- Loch cottage is unquestionably one of the best holiday cottages we have ever stayed in.”

“Loch cottage is one of the cleanest and well presented homes we've ever stayed in.”

“Extremely well maintained, clean and well equipped cottage in a beautiful location.”

“Stayed here for a week in May and thoroughly enjoyed it.”

“Another fabulous visit to this property.”

“Beautiful well equipped house with thoughtful welcome pack to greet us.”

“Best holiday let i have stayed in.”

“Very well equipped and clean property in a delightful location.”

“Very comfortable cottage, extremely clean and welcoming with a lovely welcome pack.”

“Fantastic cottage.”

“We had an absolutely wonderful stay at this property!”

“Excellent property in excellent location.”

“Myself, my husband and our two children enjoyed a wonderful stay in Loch Cottage back in April.”

“Loch cottage was perfect.”

“We had a wonderful time at Loch cottage and would like to Thankyou for your warm welcome the lovely fresh bread and shortbread and for providing the best holiday cottage we have ever stayed in anywhere in the world.”

“What can I say.”

“What a wonderful cottage in a perfect location.”

“We had a wonderful break in Loch Cottage.”

“Beautiful cottage in an amazing location.”

“This was probably the best holiday cottage we have stayed in.”

“This property is the best equipped I have ever seen in 50 years of using self catering houses”

“When the brochure says tourist board 5 star it actually undersells the property.”

“We loved it!”

“May 2019 Thanks, Lesley!”

“We have over 30 years experience of staying in self catering accommodation in the UK and overseas and have always gone to great lengths when selecting a holiday home.”

“My stay was excellent.”

“This is our fourth time on the islands.”

“Had a lovely relaxing week from the minute we stepped into the cottage to the smell of a fresh loaf of bread.”

“Such a fantastic stay.”

“Booking self catering accommodation involves a degree of risk.”

Summary

The property

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About the location

BORVE, ISLE OF LEWIS