"The panoramic view of unadulterated nature and the 'intense quiet'."
Janet from United Kingdom
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"The location on the shores of the Loch is very scenic, peaceful and wonderfully isolated."
Ian from United Kingdom
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"The view !! Cannot say enough good things about this place if you want quiet and peaceful this is the place for you."
Jenna from United Kingdom
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"location was in the middle of the island which allowed us to explore through the day and return in the evening."
Barrie from United Kingdom
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"The photos can't give credit to the bothie and location. You will get a very warm welcome."
Francoise from France
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Farm stay on the banks of Loch Seaforth
Accommodation & Facilities
Blackhouse Bothies in Balallan is a farm stay with a garden and outdoor furniture set along the banks of Loch Seaforth. The property provides private check-in/check-out, fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, and free on-site private parking. Guests can use the BBQ facilities and picnic area, and the bothies are pet-friendly.
Room Details
Each unit has a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining area. The king room with mountain view includes a large bay window overlooking the loch, a log-burning stove, and a generously sized bathroom with a powerful shower. The accommodation is heated and non-smoking throughout, with a cosy fireplace.
Location & Surroundings
The bothies sit halfway between Stornoway and Tarbert, 33 km from Callanish Standing Stones and 27 km from Museum Nan Eilean. Guests have direct access to the loch for canoeing, where porpoises, seals, and otters are commonly seen. The property is 31 km from Stornoway Airport, and hiking trails start from the doorstep.
Outdoor Living
A covered courtyard outside provides a sheltered cooking and dining area with a hob and barbecue facilities. Outdoor furniture and the picnic area allow guests to eat with views of the sea loch and surrounding hills. The garden offers space to relax, and the bothies are almost invisible from the main road due to their local stone and turf roof construction.
Policies & Services
The property allows pets and is non-smoking throughout. Private check-in/check-out is available, and hosts Joanne and Mark provide recommendations for local attractions. A supply of firewood for the log burner is included, and the bathroom has a walk-in shower with excellent water pressure.
Highlights
Location: Banks of Loch Seaforth, halfway between Stornoway and Tarbert
Rooms: King room with mountain view, log-burning stove, private bathroom
Experience: Direct loch access for canoeing, seal and otter sightings
Service: Private check-in/out, firewood supplied, helpful local tips from hosts
“Here, the wild beauty of Balallan unfolds directly outside your window, a setting so serene it stills the mind. The thoughtfully designed bothies offer a warm, comforting refuge, each with a deeply comfortable bed and the gentle crackle of a log fire, making the most of the dramatic loch views. It's a place where the quietude is profound, punctuated only by the sounds of local wildlife, from deer to seabirds, creating an immediate sense of peaceful immersion.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukhighlands
Select your room type
Blackhouse Bothies offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
King Room Mountain View
2 persons
13 m²
1 King-size bed
Fireplace
Heating
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
Blackhouse Bothies offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
VIP check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Dining
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Dining table
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Show more
Blackhouse Bothies Location
11B Arivruaich, Balallan, HS2 9LE,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Memorial to the Heroes of Lochs
2.25 km
Landmark
Mackenzies of Seaforth
3.61 km
Landmark
Moonstone Studio
4.78 km
Nearby
Bonnie Prince Charlie Memorial
200 m
Explore Balallan
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Bonnie Prince Charlie Memorial
3 minutes walking
The Bonnie Prince Charlie Memorial commemorates the site where the prince's army camped, featuring stunning views of the surrounding lochs.
Memorial to the Heroes of Lochs
5 minutes drive
Honoring local heroes, this memorial offers insights into the area's history, with picturesque surroundings perfect for quiet reflection.
Mackenzies of Seaforth
10 minutes drive
An evocative historical site that showcases the legacy of the Mackenzie clan, providing insights into local culture and heritage.
Moonstone Studio
10 minutes drive
A local art studio offering unique handcrafted jewelry and art pieces, perfect for a cultural immersion into the creative scene.
Hiking in the Highlands
5 minutes drive
Hiking trails nearby offer breathtaking views of the Highlands. Rental services for gear are available locally.
Wellness Retreats
15 minutes drive
Relaxation-focused wellness retreats offer yoga classes and spa services for rejuvenation during your stay.
Guided Historical Tours
5 minutes drive
Guided tours explore the rich local history. Reservations are recommended for the best experience.
The Crofter's Kitchen
10 minutes drive
Featuring local dishes in a cozy atmosphere, signature dishes include fresh seafood and homemade pies. Reservations encouraged.
Balallan Bistro
5 minutes drive
Offering hearty meals and local favorites, perfect for families. Vegetarian options available to cater to dietary needs.
The Clay Pipe Restaurant & Bar
10 minutes drive
This vibrant bar features live music events, including jazz nights, and friendly ambiance suitable for all ages.
Glenurquhart Theatre
15 minutes drive
A charming theater showcasing local performances, comedy shows, and family-friendly events in an intimate setting.
Getting around
City Centre
Balallan 7 min · 4.6 km
Airports
Stornoway (SYY) 51 min · 33.9 km
Benbecula (BEB) 187 min · 124.2 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 04:00-10:00
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Blackhouse Bothies from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Loch views
Log burning stove
Spacious bathroom
Kind hosts
Quiet location
Cons
Limited space
Outdoor cooking area
Guest reviews
based on 101 reviews
9.0/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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