Our Hebrides holiday cottage is a fully renovated and extended croft house, situated in the village of Sheshader, around 15 minutes drive from the ferry and fishing port of Stornoway. It is in an elevated position and is the last house alongside a small road, which leads down a gentle slope to the shoreline. A new slipway is currently under construction, for boat launching - we guess that it may be complete by the end of June 2005 - if it's important to you, please check with us as to the current state of the build.

There is a very small pebbly beach area that is possible to reach with a bit of a scramble, but the main interest at the sea is the rocky shoreline, where there are little pools and wild flowers. Bayble beach, at around ten minutes drive, is mainly sandy, with rock pools and access to coastal rambles.

The village itself (Gaelic name: Seisiadar) is a crofting and residential community of around 30 or so houses, sprinkled along two cul-de-sac roads stretching a total distance of around a mile. The two roads meet at a point about 100 yards form our croft house holiday accommodation, where you can catch regular buses into town - handy if you want to visit a bar or hotel for an evening meal and a dram or two...

The house is our own Scottish residence, which we let when we are away on business, and is furnished for our own needs. It does not, therefore, resemble the usual holiday cottage and is rather more comfortable.

Lounge

The spacious lounge is comfortably furnished with a leather sofa, armchairs and occasional tables. There is a stereo radio / CD player (you're welcome to bring your own CDs in case your taste differs from our own). A television set with VCR and DVD player has been provided, so that you can bring your own films or catch up on some of your pre-recorded TV programmes. You'll also find a selection of books around the house. As this room faces the East and the sea, views towards the Scottish mainland can be particularly spectacular in the afternoon. A laminate floor makes it quick and easy to keep clean.

Kitchen

Modern appliances make holiday catering a pleasure here. A full size cooker will allow you to cook proper family meals and there is a microwave, fridge-freezer, automatic washing machine, and automatic kettle, plus all the pots, pans and utensils you could need.

Dining Area

One end of the large kitchen is given over to a dining area, with a good quality table and chairs, where you won't feel the need to hurry a meal. The kitchen diner faces the afternoon and evening sun and is very light and airy. Plenty of crockery, cutlery and glasses are supplied. The vinyl flooring is bright, cheeful and easy to clean.

Bedroom 1 (On the ground floor)

The laminate floored master bedroom is equipped with a king size double bed, chest of drawers, bedside table, a small table and chairs at which you can enjoy a few private moments, another video player and a clothes hanging rail.

With a sunny morning aspect, the views to the seashore are a pleasure.

Bedroom 2 (On the first floor)

This very pleasant bedroom is light and airy, carpeted, with twin beds, bedside chests, dressing table/chest, plus a small table and chairs. A hospitality tray is provided here, for making early morning tea or coffee. This room also enjoys the morning sun and views to the sea.

Bathroom (On the ground floor)

A bright white suite, with over bath shower and curtain and white ceramic floor tiles make this room bright and airy. A heated towel rail adds a little touch of luxury.

Outside

At the front of the house, a large area of local chippings provides off-road parking space for several cars. While neighbouring houses are close enough that you won't feel isolated, they are far enough away that you won't feel constrained, either.

Rental charges

£300 per week, plus metered electricity.