Guests say
The Nicolson House offers a peaceful and scenic retreat in a remote part of the Isle of Lewis, surrounded by stunning views and abundant wildlife. Guests consistently praise the spacious, clean, and well-equipped cottage, as well as the helpful and friendly owner. The location is ideal for those seeking tranquillity and adventure, though its remoteness means guests should come prepared. Occasional minor issues with heating and Wi-Fi were quickly addressed by the owner. Overall, visitors found their stay relaxing and memorable, with many highlighting the unique charm and comfort of the property.
Multiple reviews mention the house being very clean, with immaculate bed linen and towels. No negative comments regarding cleanliness were noted.
The remote and scenic location is highly praised for its beauty and tranquillity, though guests note the long single-track road and distance from shops. The remoteness is seen as a positive by most, but may not suit everyone.
Guests describe the house as spacious, comfortable, and well-heated, with cosy beds and relaxing spaces. One minor comment was made about the size of a double bed for taller guests.
The property is well-equipped, with highlights including a sauna, open log fire, and powerful showers. Some temporary issues with heating and Wi-Fi were reported but were handled promptly by the owner.
Guests appreciated the helpfulness of the owner and housekeeper, as well as thoughtful touches such as welcome baskets and local produce. Please note that gifts such as welcome baskets are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
The Nicolson House is in a great location with sea views taking in Eilean Liubhaird, the Shiant Islands, Isle of Skye and the mainland..
Ground Floor:
Living room: Freeview TV, Open Fire
Kitchen/dining room: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Freezer, Washing Machine
Utility Room: Freezer, Washing Machine
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
Separate Toilet.
First Floor:
Living room 2: Sofa Bed (Double) (Flexible Sleeping Only)
Bedroom 2: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bedroom 3: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds.
Gas central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Initial logs for open fire included.. Enclosed, lawned garden with sitting-out area and garden furniture. Sauna (private). 2 dogs welcome, to be kept on a lead at all times (sheep country). Private parking for 2 cars, additional on road parking. No smoking. Please note: This property has a security deposit of £200.. The Nicolson House is situated in the small village of Lemreway in South Lewis. It’s a traditional croft house set within a village where crofting life is still widely practiced.
Considered by many to be the most beautiful village on the island, you’ll immediately agree when you come over the brow of the hill and see Lemreway for the first time. From the house, you look out to sea beyond the island of Eilean Liubhaird (where Bonnie Prince Charlie hid in early May 1746 after fleeing Culloden), and you can easily spot the Shiant Islands, the Isle of Skye and the mainland. There’s so much to see on Lewis and Harris that you’ll want to be out and about almost every day. Things not to miss are the Callanish Standing Stones, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Uig Bay, the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, Stornoway, the Harris hills and famous white sandy beaches.
With all the adventures you’ll no doubt enjoy, you will be looking forward to returning to Lemreway and the comfort of The Nicolson House. It has been designed and renovated in 2021 to offer fantastic accommodation for a family or group of friends.
Entering the house, you have a choice of two front doors. The furthest door to the left is most convenient because you enter into the kitchen/dining/utility room. Also on the ground floor, in the heart of the home is a cosy yet spacious sitting room with an open fire, electric wood burner, TV and selection of books. There’s a double bedroom and the family bathroom on the ground floor too. On the first floor there are two twin bedrooms. And all three bedrooms have armchairs and views out across the village, the harbour and out to sea.
There’s a separate steep staircase to the sitting room above the kitchen/dining/utility room. It’s a great space and has a perfectly positioned writing desk by the window to take in the view. There is also an double sofa bed (for flexible sleeping arrangements).
Outside there’s an enclosed garden with a sauna for guests to use after longs days out exploring, or simply just after days relaxing, reading in the house.
Please note: There are open, steep, spiral or narrow stairs at the property.
Free WiFi
There are open, steep, spiral or narrow stairs at the property.
No stag, hen or other party bookings allowed.
This property has a £200 security deposit, payable directly to the owner via bacs. Please contact the owner 14 days prior to arrival in order to arrange this payment.
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Nearby points of interest
- An Lanntair
Reviews (14)
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Confirmed Guest
The Nicolson House is a traditional croft house in a picturesque area of South Lochs. The views from the house over Loch Shell and towards surrounding hills and mountains are lovely. It is a quiet crofting community, approx. 8 miles to the nearest small, friendly shop - basics and coffee machine, Post Office counter, fuel pumps, gifts and books, visitor information - which includes a community cafe. The house itself had all necessary amenities, and the heating was easy to work, hot water plentiful. We enjoyed using the sauna a couple of times after a day out walking in the wet weather. The garden is safe for dogs, being fully enclosed. Drying room was a boon for wet weather gear.Lots of historical information about the local area, which we very much enjoyed reading.Very good welcome pack for our arrival, after a long day. The washing machine was out of order but the housekeeper was more than willing to do laundry for us - good customer service - although we didn't need to avail ourselves of the kind offer.We did find the sofas uncomfortable, and the tv can't cope with on demand viewing. The parking is in designated lay-by opposite property. There is a fairly steep, but short, slope up to the house, which some may find difficult if they have mobility issues as there is no handrail and it can be a little slippery in wet conditions. The house needs some tlc here and there, but overall we had a pleasant stay and the owner was very attentive by telephone, even checking if we were ok on our departure day because of the coming storm and ferries being cancelled - a thoughtful gesture.We explored all over Lewis, in all sorts of weather! Highlights: Seaforth Harris Tweed (book in advance), Ardroil sands, Aline woodland walks, Arnol Blackhouse, Stornoway and Lewes Castle Gardens (Becketts cafe near Tesco is superb and very dog friendly).
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Philip May
Great location, stunning views and lots of room in the house. And a sauna! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Nicholson House.
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Joy
Arriving at midnight has its advantages. Throw the curtains wide the next morning and you wake to stunning views of an idyllic fishing village on the edge of a loch. However, arriving in the dark is somewhat precarious due to the 13 miles of single track road, dipping and weaving over the steep sided hills and its not until you re-trace your drive in daylight do you understand the switchback scariness. My husband loved it I did not - so its not for everyone.Nicholson House is charming, with some lovely period furniture and paintings and a good collection of holidays reads, games and jigsaws. The sauna is an added bonus, the shower water is powerful and plentiful. The upstairs retreat room is accessed by a steep-ish attic style stair case but is a perfect place to unwind. Rob and his team were on-hand and were as helpful and accommodating as you could wish, kindly taking our call at midnight to direct us into the correct house upon arrival in the village. Even the best laid plan to arrive in daylight is vulnerable to CalMac Ferry delays.TOP TIPS: book your ferry tickets on and off as soon as possible. Also take enough provisions for a couple of days.