Getting away from it all... Coastal Properties

My first visit to Lewis and Harris was in August 2022, not long after the end of lockdown. We were asked if we would handle the marketing and sale of a renovated cottage on Luskentyre beach on Harris. Phiddy

I must be honest and say that at this stage Luskentyre beach was unknown to me; so it was a bit like being asked to try a dish by Ottolenghi before I’d heard of Ottolenghi and not realising just what joy was in store.

Frequently voted as one of the best beaches in the UK and a must-see destination in the world, the exquisitely beautiful Luskentyre Bay is on the west side of South Harris, the stunning blue of the sea set against the near white sandy beaches and with a backdrop of wide skies and the mountains of North Harris.

No 1 Luskentyre was a property to complement its stunning location. This former croft cottage had been beautifully renovated and modernised and the heady combination of a spectacular location, a charming property and the post-lockdown euphoria created a frenzy of interest resulting in a closing date and an offer 52% in excess of the asking price.

The island of Lewis and Harris is in the Outer Hebrides and the largest island in Scotland. A place of diverse landscapes, fascinating history and a strong cultural heritage, the island is the ultimate get away from it all destination. The coastline is dotted with beaches ranging in size from the small to the miles wide Luskentyre, Uig and Scarista beaches, all with stunning views over clear blue seas to the neighbouring islands of the Outer Hebrides. Walks to the beaches are along the paths and tracks that crisscross the machair, the fertile low-lying ground along the coast which is abundant with wildflowers and birdlife.

Since August 2020 I have made many visits to the island at all times of the year, travelling by ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway. Our sales have included 8 Scaristavore – a traditional cottage with views to Scarista beach; 12c Seilebost – a contemporary house set just above Seilebost beach and with views to Taransay island; Rodel Hotel – a listed property on the southern tip of Harris with its own harbour and views to Skye.

It’s tempting to wonder if Lewis is the poor relation to Harris, but this is not the case at all. Stornoway, the main town on the island, is small but bustling with its old centre, new marina and a delicious fish restaurant at The Royal Hotel. The dramatic beauty of Lewis is encapsulated in the striking property we recently sold on the Valtos peninsula.

Positioned above the shoreline and with stunning views over the West Loch Roag archipelago to the Atlantic Ocean, the house has been designed by awardwinning, Lewis based Porteous Architecture, who use the Hebridean landscape to inspire their design.

Island life isn’t for everyone, but there is a quality about Lewis and Harris that gets under your skin. Maybe it’s the people or the light or the landscape or maybe just a little bit of all of that. Maybe there’s a bit of magic too. n