Sound of Harris

It’s been four years in the making, our very own 'Grand Design' - although, thankfully, without the camera crew in tow! In March 2010, we were fortunate to acquire a 0.5 acre feu in Borrisdale township, 2 miles from the Leverburgh ferry, with a view to establishing a new life and home for ourselves and a holiday letting business which now nears completion. The houses nestle close to the inlet of P

ort Eisgein, on former crofted land, with a unique, isolated clifftop location - close to the distinctive promontory of Renish Point, which forms the south east tip of the island. On a clear day, the site commands views from Skye across to the Uists, Berneray, Killegray, Ensay and Pabbay beyond. Our design has evolved considerably during the build - dictated by necessity and the challenges presented by the remote location and the local Lewisian geology! Most notably, we chose to ditch the initially planned structural insulated panel system for a more simple, practical and traditional approach. The construction has been inspired by the classic 'Department' croft house of the early twentieth century - rendered masonry gables, timber infill and framing and a sheeted roof - but updated to embrace sound principles of sustainable construction and the best of classic British mid-century interior design and, naturally, Luskentyre Harris Tweed. We love Harris and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to set up home and start a business in one of the most interesting, challenging and special places in the UK. In many respects, there’s nothing that can be said about the Hebrides as a destination that hasn’t been said before - those who have visited will know. We look forward to welcoming our first guests in 2015.