Guests say
Star na Mara is highly praised for its stunning views, comfortable furnishings, and well-equipped facilities. Guests have enjoyed the property's location, ideal for exploring local beaches and wildlife. The house's warmth and homeliness are frequently mentioned, alongside the appreciation for the thoughtful touches and ample space for relaxation and family activities. While some minor issues are noted, the overall sentiment is one of satisfaction and a desire to return.
Most guests found Star na Mara to be clean and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable stay. However, a few guests mentioned specific instances of cleanliness not meeting their expectations, such as a dirty fridge and a lounge mat. These appear to be isolated incidents rather than a general trend.
The location of Star na Mara is consistently lauded for its breathtaking views and proximity to beaches and wildlife. The serene setting and easy access to local attractions make it an ideal spot for guests seeking a picturesque and tranquil holiday experience.
Guests frequently compliment the comfort of Star na Mara, mentioning the quality bedding, underfloor heating, and cosy atmosphere. The property is described as a 'home from home,' with a few suggestions for minor improvements that do not significantly detract from the overall comfort.
The facilities at Star na Mara are generally well-received, with high-quality appliances and a well-stocked kitchen. Some guests suggested updates to certain areas, such as the decking and garden maintenance, but these comments are balanced by the overall positive feedback on the property's amenities.
While many reviews express gratitude for the thoughtful touches and amenities provided, there is no consistent mention of welcome gifts, and one review notes their absence. As such, it is not possible to accurately score thoughtfulness based on gifts, and guests should not expect them as a guarantee.
About this property
Arisaig 2.6 miles. Tucked away within the hillsides of Arisaig, Lochaber in the Highlands, Star na Mara has easy access to a local sandy beach. Perfect for families and suitable for those with limited mobility, this holiday home is an excellent base for any Highland getaway.
The feel is almost alpine as you approach this wonderful, white-painted holiday home, overlooking a local bay and the mountains beyond and with off-road parking. Enter into a home that offers the maximum views, beginning with a contemporary fully furnished kitchen, where there are no worries about family meals being anything but perfection, and the same can be said for the beautiful wooden balcony and sitting area, allowing in the fresh breeze through sliding glass doors, and creating a perfect atmosphere to recline with a hot chocolate in an evening and watching the sun set over the distant Isle of Eigg.
Within this property you will find three bedrooms, each with a view to admire as you prepare for your day; first you will come to the ground-floor king-size, with seating area and storage, followed by a ground-floor twin room, perfect for children and with an accessible ground-floor family bathroom, and painted in pale and relaxing hues, before heading upstairs to find the third and final room, a king-size room with a sitting space as well as an opulent en-suite shower room perfect for freshening up in, along with sloping ceilings following the angular architecture of the house.
Upstairs you will also find the wonderful first-floor sitting room with a woodburning stove to warm your feet, and large windows to utilise the breath-taking scenery, a theme which is followed throughout the house and can also be seen in the open-plan kitchen/diner.
When it comes to beaches, you really need look no further than the end of the garden; a large sandy beach is but a short walk from the property, with the mountains and islands dotted about the periphery. You can picnic, walk your dog, beachcomb with the kids or even try out kayaking and wild swimming right on your doorstep! For lovers of trains, Arisaig station can offer a steam-train ride in one of the most renowned tracks in the country, one where the Hogwarts express was filmed! Within a short distance, there is a local convenience store, café and restaurant, however, if you travel a little further to Mallaig, you will be presented with a greater variety of options, as well as local galleries, craft shops and expansive white sand beaches. From here you can get a boat trip for the day over to the isles of Eigg, Rùm, Muck and Skye. In terms of historical and archaeological sites of interest, there are several to choose from, for example Castle Tioram. Beautiful, remote and full of surprises just waiting to be discovered, you will fall in love with Scotland with a stay at Star na Mara.
Situated on the shore of Loch nan Ceall on the West coast of Inverness-shire, is this small village, Arisaig. Within this typical Highland village, you will find a working railway station, a hotel, a pub, a Post Office and a selection of shops to enjoy. The landscape of the village is carved by a rocky coast, a sandy beach and breath-taking blue waters to complement. From the village you can also enjoy the far-reaching views to the islands of Rum and Eigg. Brush up on the local history by visiting the town’s “The Land, Sea and Islands Visitor Centre”, where you can discover the area’s social and natural history through new and old photos and artifacts. To keep you busy whilst staying within the village, you will find a magnitude of options for wildlife tours and island cruises. From here, boats can take you to the islands of Eigg, Muck and Rum, running from April until late September. Alternatively, you will find the famous Silver Sands of Morar within close reach, where you will find wonderful views and white sands, giving a tropical feel. Arisaig promises to be a refreshing getaway to this wonderful part of the Scottish Highlands.
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 1 x ground-floor king-size, 1 x king-size with en-suite with walk-in shower, basin and WC, 1 x ground-floor twin.
Bathroom with bath, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner with sitting area.
Utility.
First-floor sitting room with woodburning stove
Oil central heating with ground-floor underfloor heating, electric underfloor heating in ground-floor en-suite and woodburning stove.
Electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher.
Smart TV, DVD player, iPod dock, WiFi.
Fuel, power and a starter pack for woodburning stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair and travel cot available on request.
Off-road parking for 3 cars.
Enclosed garden with lawn and balcony with furniture.
Pet-friendly, sorry, no smoking.
Shop 2.5 miles, pub 6 miles.
Note: Bring own linen for travel cot
Reviews (38)
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Michael
What an absolute find this was, a fantastic house that didnât let you down it was clean, had everything you needed throughout the house & the location is one of if not the best we have ever had, we have stayed at many locations in Scotland but this IS the BEST Easy to get trips over to Skye & Rum easy drive to the Nevis Range, we would have loved to have stayed longer
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Richard
The quality and condition of the house is exceptional!
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Antony
We were so lucky with the weather this year, it was perfect. Star Na Mara is perfect for us as we do lots of walks in and around the area and covered some 50 miles this time. Thanks again, Antony