Self Catering Accommodation on Harris
On the homepage of Harris Self Catering you will notice a small photograph of a strange looking building. This type of cottage is known as a blackhouse and was the common type of house used by Hebrideans until the last century. Inside a blackhouse is rather dark as the building has tiny, deep inset, windows which do not let much sunlight penetrate into the interior. The windows are so deep because the stone built walls are extremely thick.
One of the surprising things about the blackhouse is that to one end was the family area and to the other was an area for the families livestock. During the winter months the family cow and other animals spent the entire day inside and the heat they gave off helped keep the place warm. The only other source of heat was a small peat fire in the center of the living area with a hole in the thatch roof as a chimney. You can image, with the smell from the animals (the area was not 'mucked out' until spring) and the sweet smoke of the fire, the air was a little thick to say the least.
During the last century many a blackhouse was 'upgraded' with slightly larger windows and a solid fuel burner (still burning peat) was becoming a common sight. By the middle of the last century nearly all of the blackhouses had been abandoned in favor of the more modern building called a whitehouse. Happily a few still remain on the island that are in very good condition (most are in ruins) and a few have even been upgraded to modern living standards and beyond.
If you are interested in the blackhouse you will be happy to hear that the blackhouse at Scarista is available to rent as self catering accommodation. Inside it is absolutely lovely with all mod cons and a high standard akin to 5 star ratings.
You will find out more about the blackhouse at scarista by visiting Harris self catering accommodation where you will find a selection of photographs of the interior and exterior of this wonderful self catering cottage in the Hebrides.
Isle off Harris Self Catering
Vallay House
Contact:
Scott & Margaret Bennett, 9 Scarista, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3HX
Telephone: 01859 550222
E-mail: borvemor@zetnet.co.uk
Contact:
Dina Stewart
Telephone: 01224 584864
E-mail: glencarragrich@aol.com
The Blackhouse
Contact:
Scott & Margaret Bennett, 9 Scarista, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3HX
Telephone: 01859 550222
E-mail: borvemor@zetnet.co.uk
Contact:
Dina Stewart
Telephone: 01224 584864
E-mail: glencarragrich@aol.com
Contact Details:
Tel: 01573 224751
Mob: 07876 771647
Contact: Irene Goodfellow
Email: igoodfellow@td58je.freeserve.co.uk
Byre Cottage & Stable Cottage
Contact Details:
Scott & Margaret Bennett
Telephone: 01859 550222
E-mail: borvemor@zetnet.co.uk