Overview
At the southern tip of the Isle of Harris, Rowadill House occupies a dramatic coastline, looking out across the Little Minch – the stretch of sea that separates the Western Isles from the Isle of Skye. Sleeping up to 10 guests across five bedrooms, the setting is wonderfully remote and unlike anywhere else, making it a magical base for discovering the wilder side of the Hebrides.
Built in 1781 by Captain Alexander MacLeod, this is an escape steeped in layers of history. Once home to Catherine Murray, Countess of Dunmore, who inherited Harris and helped establish the Harris Tweed industry, Rowadill House has long been woven into the story of the island. Today, this historic hideaway remains closely connected to Harris and its community. With its owners also behind the local distillery, a community-minded enterprise created to bring jobs and opportunity to the island.
Kitchen, Living & Dining Areas
The house is arranged around generous living space complete with original features such as peat fires and deep-set windows that draw your eyes seaward, alongside thoughtful, modern comports like underfloor heating. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen, stocked with everything you need for cosy nights in, a separate breakfast area, dining room, cosy snug (where you can help yourself to local distillery spirits) and TV room, along with a useful boot room.
Stays can be self-catered or fully catered, with a private chef available on request to plan meals around local produce. A separate former Sail Loft on the property has been transformed into a private events space, available on request for dinners, whisky tastings, celebrations and other gatherings. Speak to our sales team for further information.
The Bedrooms & Bathrooms
There are five bedrooms sleeping up to 10 guests, with a super-king, two king rooms, a twin room and a bunk room. Three bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, while the king and bunk rooms share a separate shower room. The rooms are simply and beautifully dressed in colours inspired by the island’s sea, hills, and sky, with French linen on the beds.
Outside
The house sits in lawns above the harbour, with a grassed pier and soul-soothing views across the stretch of sea between Harris and Skye. There’s an enclosed walled garden with a ‘Sitooterie’ — a sheltered spot for sitting outside — furnished with benches and a table throughout the summer.
Dogs
Up to two dogs are welcome at this escape. Please note, dogs are not allowed in any of the bedrooms or on any of the furniture, and must be on a lead at all times when outside.
Welcome Hamper
A locally sourced welcome hamper will be waiting for you on arrival including a selection of biscuits, smoked salmon, and a bottle of wine.
FEATURES
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Highland Soap Co. Bathroom Products

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Private Garden

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Log Burner

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Bath

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Smart TV

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Washing Machine

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Wi-Fi

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3 Night Minimum Stay

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Private Parking

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Walks from The Doorstep

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Board Games

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Dog-Friendly (2 Dogs)

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Private Catering (On Request)

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Cafetiere

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Highland Soap Co. Bathroom Products

-
Private Garden

-
Log Burner

-
Bath

-
Smart TV

-
Washing Machine

-
Wi-Fi

-
3 Night Minimum Stay

-
Private Parking

-
Walks from The Doorstep

-
Board Games

-
Dog-Friendly (2 Dogs)

-
Private Catering (On Request)

-
Cafetiere

The Surroundings
Rowadill House is a particularly good starting point for exploring Harris. St Clement’s Church is nearby, while the surrounding landscape offers walks, lochs, hills and beaches, with opportunities for wild swimming, fly fishing and boat trips. Further afield, visit a Harris Tweed weaver, tour the Isle of Harris Distillery or venture towards St Kilda. And when the weather turns, there is every reason to stay home, light the peat fire and watch the light change across the Minch.
The house manager will be on hand throughout your stay to help arrange outings and excursions, drawing on their incredible local knowledge to point you towards the island’s hidden gems, favourite spots and lesser-known corners.
Things To Know
CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT
Check-In: From 4pm
Check-Out: By 10am
HOW TO GET THERE
Stornoway Airport - 1 hour 50 minute drive away
Inverness Airport - 4 hour drive + 2 hour ferry
Edinburgh Airport - 6 hour drive + 2 hour ferry
Ullapool to Stornoway ferry - 2 hours 45 minutes. Then 1 hour 45 minutes drive
Uig (Skye) to Tarbert (Harris) ferry - 1 hour 45 minutes .Then 40 minutes drive
PARKING
There is private parking at the property.
Things To Do
Harris Tweed
Harris Tweed remains a living craft on the island – visits can be arranged to local weavers to watch the cloth being made on traditional looms. EXPLORE
Eat & Drink
Walks & Hikes
Enjoy some magical local walks and discover anything from secret lochs and clifftop paths to whale-watching points. Or try something more challenging like 'The Postman's Walk at Rheningidale. Picnic hampers can be prepared for fully catered guests. EXPLORE
Things To Do
Beaches
The west coast beaches of Scarista, Horgabost and Luskentyre offer miles of white sand and turquoise shallows. EXPLORE
Things To Do
Wild Swimming
Wild swimming is possible in both the clear waters of the harbour and the fresh waters of the loch. EXPLORE
Things To Do
Fly-Fishing
Head to Obbe Fishery’s river and loch system from March through October. EXPLORE
Things To Do
Tennis
The tennis court at Bunabhainneadar, approximately 35 miles north, is one of the most spectacularly remote courts in the UK. Available for hire every day except Sunday. EXPLORE
Eat & Drink
Scarista House
Daily changing set menus filled with local, wild and organic produce. Booking is essential. EXPLORE
Eat & Drink
Walks & Hikes
Enjoy some magical local walks and discover anything from secret lochs and clifftop paths to whale-watching points. Or try something more challenging like 'The Postman's Walk at Rheningidale. Picnic hampers can be prepared for fully catered guests. EXPLORE
Eat & Drink
Scarista House
Daily changing set menus filled with local, wild and organic produce. Booking is essential. EXPLORE
Things To Do
Harris Tweed
Harris Tweed remains a living craft on the island – visits can be arranged to local weavers to watch the cloth being made on traditional looms. EXPLORE
Things To Do
Beaches
The west coast beaches of Scarista, Horgabost and Luskentyre offer miles of white sand and turquoise shallows. EXPLORE
Things To Do
Wild Swimming
Wild swimming is possible in both the clear waters of the harbour and the fresh waters of the loch. EXPLORE
Things To Do
Fly-Fishing
Head to Obbe Fishery’s river and loch system from March through October. EXPLORE
Things To Do
Tennis
The tennis court at Bunabhainneadar, approximately 35 miles north, is one of the most spectacularly remote courts in the UK. Available for hire every day except Sunday. EXPLORE