Taigh Whin, Glenelg

“Scotland’s serene, socially conscious hideaway, a beautiful new holiday let with an unusual ethos offering space to reflect, brilliant walks and views to the Isle of Skye” - The Guardian

Taigh Whin offers spacious modern accommodation ideal for a couple, a group of friends or a small family.  Floor to ceiling windows open up magical views over the wide sands of Glenelg Bay, and across to the Isles of Skye and Eigg, as well as the famously beautiful Sandaig Islands. 

Taigh Whin means Gorse House in Scottish Gaelic, and you’ll see this glorious spiky plant all over the garden and surrounding landscape, hopefully unfolding its radiant yellow blossoms while you are staying. Gorse has traditionally been used as a remedy for despair and its association with fortifying ourselves in difficult times made it feel a very appropriate plant after which to name this home where so many people come to rest and renew. 

Taigh Whin was designed by R-House architects who are based on the Isle of Skye. Both inside and out, it celebrates the abundance and beauty of local materials. Everything has been designed to facilitate rest and natural renewal so you’ll find a library of books about nature and wellbeing, as well as local maps and walking guides, art materials and board games.

The village has a wonderful pub, a well-stocked shop, a cafe and a vibrant community centre that often hosts local bands. It is best known for its tiny ferry - the only remaining hand-operated turntable ferry in the world - which takes villagers and tourists across the sea to Skye throughout the summer months. With virtually no light pollution, Glenelg enjoys dazzling night skies and is one of the best places in the UK to see the Northern Lights. 

 

What to expect:

  • Sleeps 2-4 people across two bedrooms (one double and one twin)

  • Open plan kitchen and living area

  • Shower room with WC

  • Separate utility room with additional WC

  • Speedy internet connection. No TV.

  • Library of books and maps to help you connect with the local area

  • Insulated to highest environmental standards and heated by an air-source heat pump, making it warm and cosy throughout the year

  • Shingle garden shared with Nead Bernera

  • Parking available immediately beside the house

  • All built on one level with no steps but not fully wheelchair accessible

  • No pets allowed

Contribution:

Guests staying at Taigh Whin are asked to make a financial contribution dependent on your circumstances. Please read this page to understand more. 

Stays at Taigh Whin run from Tuesday - Tuesday. Check in time is 4pm, check out time is 10am. We are not able to arrange shorter stays.

“We leave calm and rested after the most perfect week in this beautiful house. Strawberries from the garden, cake and coffee from the ferry cafe, swimming in the sea, collecting rocks from the beach. But it’s the stillness and the song thrush and the sound of seals blowing their notes while the oystercatchers patrol their rocks that we will remember most.”

— Taigh Whin Guest

“Taigh Whin is beautiful in every way. The interior and the landscape obviously, but also the spirit of what you are doing. Thank you for creating something so generous and so special. We felt able to truly relax for the first time in years.”

— Taigh Whin Guest