Taigh Whin, Glenelg

“A beautiful new holiday let with an unusual ethos offering space to reflect, brilliant walks and views to the Isle of Skye” - The Guardian

Our flagship home, Taigh Whin, occupies a magical position overlooking Glenelg Bay, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Floor to ceiling windows flood the house with light revealing dazzling views over the wide sands of Bernera Beach across to the islands of Skye and Eigg. 

The stylish interior includes a beautiful plywood kitchen, high-quality furniture and fittings and locally inspired artwork. Guests describe it as a place of deep serenity, where watching the clouds and the tides, listening to the birds and seals, connects them to the pace of nature. As well as being a perfect base for exploring the wild, Taigh Whin is a haven for weary souls who would rather watch the ever-changing Highland weather from the comfort of a sofa. Underfloor heating and a large wood-burner ensure the building is cosy throughout the year.

Taigh Whin means Gorse House in Scottish Gaelic, and you’ll see this glorious spiky plant all over the garden and surrounding landscape, hopefully unfolding its radiant yellow blossoms while you are staying. Gorse has traditionally been used as a remedy for despair and its association with fortifying ourselves in difficult times made it feel a very appropriate plant after which to name this home where so many people come to rest and renew. 

Taigh Whin was designed by R-House architects who are based on the Isle of Skye. Both inside and out, it celebrates the abundance and beauty of local materials. Everything has been designed to facilitate rest and natural renewal so you’ll find a library of books about nature and wellbeing, as well as local maps and walking guides, art materials and board games.

Glenelg village has a wonderful pub, a well-stocked shop, a cafe and a vibrant community centre that often hosts local bands. It is best known for its tiny ferry - the only remaining hand-operated turntable ferry in the world - which takes villagers and tourists across the sea to Skye throughout the summer months. With virtually no light pollution, Glenelg enjoys dazzling night skies and is one of the best places in the UK to see the Northern Lights. 

Scroll down for further details and guest reviews.

 

What to expect:

  • Sleeps up up 4 people (plus an infant) in two bedrooms (one double and one twin)

  • Our most child-friendly building. Plenty of games and puzzles. A high chair and cot can be provided on request.

  • Open plan kitchen and living area

  • Shower room with WC

  • Separate utility room with additional WC

  • Speedy internet connection. No TV.

  • Library of books and maps to help you connect with the local area

  • Insulated to highest environmental standards and heated by an air-source heat pump, making it warm and cosy throughout the year

  • Shingle garden shared with Nead Bernera

  • Parking available immediately beside the house

  • All built on one level with no steps but not fully wheelchair accessible

  • No pets allowed

  • EV charger available

Contribution:

Guests staying at Taigh Whin are asked to make a financial contribution dependent on personal circumstances. Please read this page to understand more. 

Stays at Taigh Whin run from Tuesday - Tuesday. Check in time is 4pm, check out time is 10am.

“This place changed us forever. It’s the stillness and the song thrush and the sound of seals blowing their notes while the oystercatchers patrol their rocks that we will remember most.”

— Taigh Whin Guest

“Everything about this place speaks care. the books, the blankets, the endless small kind touches. It feels like a hug in a house”

— Taigh Whin Guest

“We leave calm and rested after the most perfect week in this beautiful house. Strawberries from the garden, cake and coffee from the ferry station cafe, swims in the sea, puzzles by the fire and the most amazing library of.”

— Taigh Whin Guest

“Taigh Whin is beautiful in every way. The interior and the landscape obviously, but also the spirit of what you are doing. Thank you for creating something so generous and so special. We felt able to truly relax for the first time in years.”

— Taigh Whin Guest