Guests say
Smiddy Cottage is consistently praised for its cosy charm, beautiful decoration, and welcoming atmosphere. Guests appreciate the property's ideal location for exploring the islands, with easy access to beaches and local amenities. The host's hospitality, including welcome packs, is frequently mentioned, adding a personal touch to the stay. Despite a few minor suggestions for improvement, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests eager to return.
The cottage is repeatedly described as spotless and clean, with only one mention of bird droppings in an external shed. The high level of cleanliness contributes significantly to the comfort and enjoyment of the guests.
The location is highly praised for its proximity to beaches, wildlife, and local attractions. Guests are delighted by the ease of island hopping and the scenic surroundings, making it an ideal base for exploration.
Comfort is a standout feature, with guests finding the cottage cosy, warm, and well-equipped for both sunny and rainy days. The comfortable furnishings and underfloor heating are appreciated, ensuring a relaxing stay.
Facilities are generally well-regarded, with modern kitchen appliances and a well-equipped home. However, there are minor comments about a lamp obstructing the TV view, a non-working cooker hood, and suggestions for additional glasses and baking trays.
The host's thoughtfulness is evident through the frequent mentions of welcome packs and personal touches. While these gifts greatly enhance the experience, it is noted that such gestures, though common, are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Daliburgh 4.5 miles. A beautifully built thatched croft style cottage built in 2008 complementing the wild landscape and the rich heritage of Smerclate, near Daliburgh on the Isle of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. With a thick thatched roof, matching sitting area, decorative wagon wheels and beautiful grey stone walls, Smiddy Cottage is simply stunning. Set over a single-storey, this Hebridean hideaway is perfect for couples to indulge in a remote romantic holiday.
Once you have taken in the fascinating exterior of this wonderful cottage, be welcomed into a spacious open-plan living area where you will be drawn instantly to the red and brown themes throughout the décor, keeping the space classy, further implied by an electric stove made to replicate a woodburning stove. Local artwork accompanies the crisp white walls, with a dining and sitting area perfect for a romantic evening in, and the amply fitted kitchen is there to make sure every mealtime is easy and fabulous; you will feel at home and as though you have travelled back in time with the cottage catering to history lovers as well as those who enjoy a remote stay with all of the home comforts.
The king-size bedroom is the perfect place to bed down for the night, with small windows in a traditional style allowing a peak at the mountains and wildlife beyond, ample storage and local photographs and artwork, you are sure to feel right at home.
When you need to freshen up after a long hike, enjoy a soak in the bath to ease the sea breeze from your hair.
Overlooking a bay that stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean, this wonderful cottage is in an ample position to make the most of the beachside walks, wild swimming areas and, if you want something more fast paced, kayaking, with an abundance of wildlife including sea eagles and otters, and in the springtime, you will be amazed to see beautiful machair flowers. When in need of supplies, visit the local village of Daliburgh, where you will find a co-op as well as local craft shops, bars and restaurants including the Borrodale Hotel for a luxurious evening meal for you and your significant other. There are many great hiking spots to choose from, as well as amazing historical sites to allow you to spend a romantic picnic admiring the view, or to allow you to really get to know the history and heritage of the island for example, Ormacleit Castle. Historical, spectacular and wild, a stay at Smiddy Cottage Is bound to be the romantic getaway you will remember. The islands can be reached by flights from Glasgow or ; or by ferry from Uig on Skye to Lochmaddy, or Mallaig to Lochboisdale.
Daliburgh is a town on South Uist in the Outer Hebrides and is known for being a crofting town. There is a memorial here to commemorate the life and works of Donald Allan MacDonald, a Gaelic poet who lived in Daliburgh in the mid 20th century. It is a great base from which to explore a fantastic selection of activities from fishing and walking to diving and birdwatching. The nearby Askernish Golf Course is always popular and was originally designed by ‘Old’ Tom Morris and is popular with golfers keen to test themselves on this challenging course. Dining options include fish and chips from the Burnside Chip Shop or for something a little more fancy dine in at the Borrodale Hotel. While you are in Daliburgh you can stock up on supplies at the supermarket and there is also a number of other shops including gifts shops. A short distance from Daliburgh is the fascinating Kildonan Museum and the birthplace of Flora MacDonald as well as a host of fabulous beaches just waiting to be discovered.
Accommodation
Single-storey.
1 x king-size bedroom.
Bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Open-plan living area with kitchen/diner and sitting room
Underfloor heating with electric fire stove with woodburning effect.
Electric combination oven/microwave, electric hob, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher.
TV, DVD player, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available on request.
Off-road parking for 1 car.
Enclosed garden with lawn and furniture.
Pet-friendly, sorry, no smoking.
Shop 4.3 miles, pub 0.5 miles.
Note: Bring own linen for travel cot
Reviews (29)
-
David
Beaches 10 min walk away were sandy and a doggy heaven. Owner was helpful and left lovely treats for us. Plenty of maps and books on the area and islands nearby. Bed was warm and comfortable with good quality linen. We were lucky with the weather for the end of October as it was sunny and warm apart from last 2 days of high winds.Even though it was a long journey from Sussex it was well worth a visit..
-
Chris
We cannot fault it at all, it was beautifully presented, spotlessly clean, quiet, sunsets to die for and perfectly positioned to visit nearby Eriskay and Barra, to add to it all Neil was the perfect host. If anyone is considering booking this cottage, they should not hesitate. Thank you Neil for the perfect stay in your beautiful Smiddy Cottage and sharing your family history with us which made the stay even more special, and for the welcome gifts of Salmon, Oatcakes and Pancakes. Best regards, Gwen and Chris.
-
Diane
Thank Neal for his welcome gifts,the smoked salmon was lovely. The only improvement we can think is to get a smart TV for the lounge when the old TV is done.We saw otters,owls,seals but not the eagles! A lovely cottage ,we would recommend it to anyone