Sound of Harris – The Other House

• Sleeps: 2 per property
• Bedrooms: 1 per property
• Bathrooms: 1 per property
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

At Sound of Harris – The Other House, it really is possible to have it all.  Deluxe self-catering accommodation. Award-winning architecture that blends tradition and innovation. Classic mid-century interior design celebrating the ‘best of British’, together with high-end mod-cons.  A commitment to sustainability. Finally, a breath-takingly scenic location on the Outer Hebrides for a true sense of escape.

Located on the beautiful Isle of Harris, Sound of Harris – The Other House was lovingly designed and built by owners Rob and Carol, winning the coveted Outer Hebrides Design Award for the best self-design new build in 2016.  Nestled on a half-acre plot of former crofted land, the site is also home to Rob and Carol’s own home, and their Harris Tweed weaving studio… which they’re very happy to show you on request!

Based on a classic croft house, the retreat has been carefully designed to maximise both light and space, with open-plan living areas, vaulted ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that are perfect for showcasing those supreme, uninterrupted coastal views.  Meanwhile, triple-glazed windows, solar thermal hot water, and the latest technology in energy-efficient ventilation offers outstanding green credentials.

The sense of luxury continues with carefully sourced and restored mid-century furniture, for a comfortable, modernist vibe that also includes sleek mod-cons.  Classic British pieces by Ercol, Beaver and Tapley, and G-Plan combine with top-quality kitchen appliances by the likes of Smeg and DeLonghi, fast Wi-Fi, a Bluetooth-enabled speaker, and a Smart TV that’s all ready for streaming your favourite shows (there’s an extensive library of books and films to choose from, too).

Of course, Harris Tweed also features heavily throughout, with bespoke tweeds woven both on-site and by the renowned local weaver Donald John Mackay of Luskentyre.

Enjoy sound, silent nights of sleep in the soothing kingsize bedroom, which features modern elements from The Natural Bed Company.  The pristine en-suite was completely renovated in 2024, and includes an invigorating walk-in rainfall shower for opulent morning freshen-ups.

Calm, cosy, and with every last holiday need taken care of, you’ll feel perfectly at peace as you gaze out towards the magical islets of Gilsay, Lingay and Groay, on to the soaring, mountainous hills of North Uist.  Untroubled by passing traffic or tourist noise, here you can truly relax, unwind, and breathe easy.

At a glance

• Deluxe self-catering accommodation on the Isle of Harris, for adults only
• Sound of Harris – The Other House sleeps two guests
• Stunning architecture and mid-century interior design, combined with outstanding green credentials
• Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views of surrounding landscape from both houses
• Ideally located for exploring Isle of Harris, its abundance of wildlife, and its rich history of arts and crafts

Features

• Adults Only
• Seaside Breaks

More information

However, if you can tear yourselves away from the retreat’s serene ambience and picture-perfect views, you’ll find much to explore on the Isle of Harris. Work up an appetite climbing Roineabhal via Rodel, take in views of Skye and Wester Ross from Renish Point, or walk the white sands of Scarista Beach (recently included in Condé Nast’s list of 31 Best British Beaches).  Take an island-hopping excursion if you’re truly in the mood to explore, or pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of St. Kilda.

Nature lovers will adore the abundance of local wildlife, including harbour porpoises, common dolphins and grey seals in The Sound (you might even be lucky enough to spot them from your living room!). Look out for otters playing in the kelp at low tide, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for Toe Head’s breeding pair of golden eagles while you’re out climbing the slopes of Cheapabhal.

Take some time to explore the various art galleries and craft shops around the island, and be sure to take some Harris Tweed home with you. Foodies will love the opportunity to dine on fresh, local seafood such as langoustine, lobster, crab, and scallops which the owners can source for guests – or partake in a spot of rock fishing for pollock and mackerel to enjoy one of the freshest meals you’ve ever had!

It won’t take you long to realise why Harris and Lewis were voted the Top European Island Destination by TripAdvisor in 2014, and a stay at Sound of Harris – The Other House makes it all the more perfect. Offering picturesque serenity in the summer and a warm sanctuary in the winter, it’s hard to imagine a lovelier setting in which to restore your world-weary souls… at any time of the year.

Things to note

Open year-round, no pets permitted, minimum age 18 years, smoking is not permitted, a shop and restaurant are located 2 miles away. The Other House starts at £666 for a 3 night low season stay.

A £200 fully refundable security/good housekeeping deposit is also taken. See website for full T&Cs, contact details and pricing/availability. Also to note that the property offers a flexible cancellation policy so you can book with confidence, enquire for details.