Best Airbnbs Isle of Harris

With its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, the Isle of Harris is the Caribbean of The Western Isles. You have probably seen the widely shared pictures and videos online of people saying ‘I can’t believe this is in Scotland!’ and yes, I can confirm that it genuinely looks like that.

Here, you will find the home of Harris tweed, the natural surroundings of rugged rocks (perfect for those who love the outdoors and are interested in doing one of the many walks. Try climbing the Clisham mountain or walking the Miavag trail), the incredible Scottish wildlife that roams free (think rams, Highland cows and eagles) and the infamous Isle of Harris gin Distillery.

The Isle of Harris is filled with surprises and these are just some of my highly rated cottages and rentals on the island! Check out our post of Hidden Gems In The Outer Hebrides to see some of them.

The Wee Wooden Yurt

I had to add The Wee Wooden Yurt first because if you are looking to book unique accommodation, this is it. And I love it. There is something about yurts and pods that get me really excited about local travel. I’m not a real outdoorsy, camping sort of girl although I love the outdoors, so I suppose this is as close as it gets for me.

The Wee Wooden Yurt is located 5 miles away from Tarbert, which is the main settlement in Harris and also the location of the ferry port.

You will have sole access to the yurt but the gardens surrounding it are shared space as there is another yurt next door (Ben Yurt) which is a Tea Room/Gallery and this is open during from 10.30-5.30 during the week.

The yurt can house 2 guests but I’m afraid that it is not suitable for children, so this option is perhaps best for friends and couples. You can expect all of the usual amenities, shower, double bed, kitchen area which has some light breakfast availability of cereals, bread and jam etc but it does boast of a wood-burning stove so whatever the weather you can guarantee that you will be nice and cosy with beautiful views over the water!

Blackhouse Bothies – Seaspray Bothy

Located in the village of Arivruaich, this one is between the Isle of Lewis and the Isle of Harris. It could be a great location for those travelling from either ferry terminal (Tarbert, Stornoway) or for those looking to explore both islands.

The Seaspray Bothy is one of two chalets in this area overlooks the waters of the Loch Seaforth.
It features a bedroom and a bathroom which have been finished to a high standard. You also have the added perk of underfloor heating and wood-burning stove.

There is no kitchen facility at the Seaspray Bothy, however, you do have a beautiful firepit and other cooking facilities in the courtyard outside. All eating materials are provided, all they ask is that you bring your own coal. There is a sink for any washing up, a fridge for any food storage and outdoor seating and table for dining.

Again, this option accommodates two people and is not suitable for children. However, if this is of no concern to you, they do allow some pets if you are planning on travelling with a beloved companion but please advise the hosts when booking.

There is free parking at the Seaspray Bothy along with the option of a continental breakfast for an added cost but WiFi is not available.

THE FISHERMAN’S HUT

The Fishermans Hut is a lovely wee place based at the bottom of The Clisham, the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides.

Another property overlooking the water, you will find outdoor seating where you can enjoy the beautiful views while enjoying your food, a drink, or a book. This Airbnb is ideal for an individual or couple who are comfortable living in very close quarters.

While it may be compact, it has everything that you need from the double bed to the kitchen/dining area and bathroom with shower. You will find basic cooking utensils and dishware available as well as a BBQ grill for cooking.

A perfect spot for those undertaking The Hebridean Way by cycling or looking for an active visit to the Outer Hebrides.

Free parking. No WiFi is available.

AIRD VILLA

Aird Villa on the Isle of Scalpay (which is connected to the Isle of Harris) has an incredible view overlooking the North Harbour and fishing boats from its extensive decking area.

The villa has two bedrooms, both of which are en suite and it can hold up to 5 guests along with pets. There is also a separate downstairs toilet, giving plenty of space for those visiting.

This is a beautiful house that will offer total peace and tranquillity to your party. You have the entire house to yourselves, with living room, dining room, a well-equipped kitchen where you can keep and prepare food along with finding some food basics to keep you going on arrival and the use of a utility room with washing machine.

You will also find small luxuries such as the Essence of Harris toiletries.

Free parking and WiFi available.

The Sheiling

Another property on Scalpay! As I’ve mentioned on one of the other properties, the Isle of Scalpay is connected to the Isle of Harris by road and it is only a short distance from Tarbert which is the main settlement and location of the ferry port.

The Sheiling lists itself as a luxury house and it’s suited for bigger parties. With four bedrooms, six beds and two bathrooms, it can accommodate up to 8 guests and pets are also welcome.

There is a lot on offer at The Sheiling so let’s get straight into it.

Like many of the other properties, you can enjoy beautiful views over the waters of the island. This property will be a hit with all age group as there is so much on offer. The Outer Hebrides can be a slow pace of life and for those that want a little familiarity or extra luxury, this is a great spot for you to choose.

I think the main draw and appeal to The Sheiling will be the Swedish hot tub which is in a sheltered wooden hut outside.

Within the house, you have your four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has been decorated to a high standard with many special features. One of the bathrooms has a walk-in rain shower while the other bathroom features bath and shower.

The kitchen is a large area for cooking and dining and offers plenty of space for food storage, a double oven, cooking and serveware, hot tap and a Nespresso machine. There is also a well-stocked wine selection with an honesty box.

The Sheiling also boasts of a games room with 65 inch TV with Netflix and Prime along with SuperFast Broadband in the property. The games room features some traditional games along with an X-box, table tennis and dartboard.

The Crofthouse

The Crofthouse in Stockinish is a beautiful family holiday home, something reminiscent of the kind of traditional home you would expect to find in the Western Isles but with some great renovations and mod cons, while still in keeping with the overall surroundings.

The house sits above a small working fishing harbour so you can expect peace and tranquillity without feeling in the total back and beyond.

The house has three bedrooms, with four beds and can hold up to six guests. If you require additional space for guests, there is the option of also booking the Crofthouse Ecopod next door which can hold a further two people. The Ecopod is a great wee place all by itself, with everything that you could need and set in private grounds so definitely check it out!

The Crofthouse is centrally heated but also has a Rayburn oven and wood-burners to add to that cosy and homely feel. With plenty of white walls and wooden floors to brighten and open up space without feeling in any way clinical. There are lots of homely touches which will appeal to those with a family.

There is Wifi, TV, HiFi and record collection, a DVD player and Playstation along with musical instruments available for use along with free parking on the property.

Aline Lodge in Aline Estate

I wanted to add Aline Lodge to this list because there may be some of you who are travelling in large groups and require that extra space so this property can accommodate up to 10 guests, has six bedrooms and ten beds.

This modernised 18th-century lodge is overlooking the Loch Seaforth. I would consider it quite traditional and very clean in decor. It features a beautiful newly-built sunroom with three directional views, a billiards room and a nearby sauna complex.

Some of the rooms do come with an en suite and there is also a shared bathroom available so there is no need to fight over space.

The kitchen is large and has a lovely Aga style oven which will keep the property nice and warm throughout your stay along with the supply of cookware and silverware for use during your stay.

Aline Lodge is a perfect choice for those looking to take part in some of the estates’ sports such as fishing and the estate has a full-time gamekeeper should you be interested in any of the other offerings.

Free on-site parking and WiFi available.