The Rock House

The Rock House is a self-catering holiday cottage for two that’s about as at home in its surroundings as it’s possible to be. Its turf roof and dry-stone walls mean it almost disappears into the scenery it sits in. This is the south-western coast of Harris where heather-clad hills look out over the Atlantic Ocean with nothing until you reach Canada. It’s the Outer Hebrides, a remote and romantic place for a holiday cottage, but this one is luxuriously appointed so you will feel at home too. It’s a great place to relax and a supremely comfortable base to explore from too.

You’ll have been treated to jaw-dropping views on your way here but nothing can quite prepare you for the experience of spending 24 hours a day immersed in this scenery. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors in the living room and bedroom make sure you don’t miss a thing and there’s plenty more that brings the outdoors in. Rock and wood feature so heavily inside this cottage that it feels like it’s always been here. In fact, though it owes something to Iron Age dwellings that once dotted this landscape, The Rock House, like its neighbour — The Broch, is a modern holiday home.

It’s a single-storey building with underfloor heating throughout. There’s a log burner too which sits atop a massive piece of gneiss with a reclaimed-wood fireplace surround. There’s colour in the upholstery but, other than that, it’s a neutral and minimalist setting for the natural materials which feature inside and out. The kitchen has everything you want to self cater, the bathroom has that and more: a freestanding bath, a power shower and his-and-hers sinks on slate slabs.

The Rock House is part of the Borve Lodge Estate and although it’s a cosy and private place for two, there’s help on hand if you need it. A member of their friendly team will welcome you and can help you out with things to do. In the summer, you might want to visit the estate-owned Isle of Taransay, a 10-minute boat ride away. It’s the largest uninhabited island in the UK and was the setting for BBC programme, Castaway back in the year 2000. Now it’s home only to wildlife and lots of it. Back on Harris, the beach is five minutes from your front door, the walking is endless and the fishing is good. There’s also plenty of opportunity to discover the island’s best exports and crafts at The Harris Tweed Museum, The Isle of Harris Gin Distillery and in the many galleries too.