Tern House

Waternish, Isle of Skye
Self-catering
+44 (0)7419 733619
Visit owner's website

From
£250 - £550
per night
From
£1200 - £3500
per week

Come for big skies, wonderful walks, loch swimming for the brave, long views and much comfort back at this eco-friendly, stylish retreat

Bed

4 beds

Bedroom

3 bedrooms

Sleeps

Sleeps 6

Children welcome
Babies welcome

£250 - £550 per night

£1200 - £3500 per week

The Experience

From the back you’ll see how deftly this traditional house has been renovated (by Highland architects Dualchas) allowing light to cascade into the kitchen and dining area and also upstairs. It’s all about the views and the setting is lovely, in the heart of Waternish. On clear days you can see all the way to the Outer Hebrides.

Colours are restful, lines are smooth, the lighting is sculptural and ultra-modern, nothing jars and there isn’t an ounce of clutter – design aficionados will be very happy. The kitchen, warmed by an Aga, is bristling with good kit and a hugely sociable place to cook together and plan your next adventures. Sliding doors from here take you to a terraced area for sublime sunsets, whisky in hand.

It’s an eight-minute walk to Stein for a super pub or high-end food at Michelin-starred Loch Bay. Return to inviting bedrooms, bathrooms with Arran Aromatics and thick towels, star-filled dark skies and deep peace.

Tern House - Gallery

We think you'll love

  • Walking all day in such breathtaking countryside, coming back for a hot bath, lighting the fire, settling in, unwinding
  • Spotting wildlife – watch out for whales, dolphins, otters, golden and sea eagles if you're lucky and, in spring, the sound of the rare corncrake
  • Cooking and eating in such a convivial, view-filled space
Tern House - Gallery

You should know

  • Sorry, no dogs
  • Send a booking enquiry to Loch Bay well in advance if you want to eat there – especially in holiday season

Essentials

  • EV charger
  • Self check-in
  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Oven
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Barbecue
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Washing machine
  • Tennis court
  • Microwave oven
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Electricity included
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

Pricing

Nightly price
from £250
Weekly price
from £1200
Damage deposit
£300
1 House for 6
From £2504 beds3 bedrooms

Information

Booking information

Check in
From 4pm
Check out
10am
Other details
Minimum stay: 3 nights. STL licence number and EPC rating: HI-30089-F / C.
Closed
Never.
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.

Reviews

For me, you won’t find better accommodation on the island. Stunning views which are the norm on the island however the house arrangements are fantastic. So easy and clear instructions, lovely cosy living space and kitchen. Beds comfy and you won’t need for anything bar some food shopping. Iain recommended a day for us on the east loop which we thoroughly enjoyed. We will be back for sure. Thanks again both. The tern house manual brilliant also by the way, made very easy.

Davide, Edinburgh

Our family of 6 spent Christmas at the Tern House and it very much exceeded our expectations. Host communication was excellent, before, during and after our stay. Upon arrival, we found the house immaculately clean, warm, and well-prepared for guests. The kitchen/dining room was the star of the show—from the brand new red Rangemaster to all the cookware/dinnerware we needed. From baking bread to cooking all of our meals, it was great.The beds were comfy and linens were resort quality. Thanks!!

Janna, Phoenix, AZ

Cannot begin to express how much we enjoyed a three night stay at Tern House. The property itself is stunning and the home’s immaculate design made us feel right at home. The house provided plenty of space for our group. All Caroline’s instructions were clear making arrival and checking a breeze after a long travel day. The property is Just a short walk from Michelin Starred Loch Bay restaurant as well as a small pub. Already planning a Trip back just to stay here!

Lyndsay, New York

We've been regular visitors to Skye over many years and can honestly say this is the best rental home we've stayed in. Everything is catered for, and the quality of the finish and the overall home is superb. Iain was on hand to answer any questions via WhatsApp, and was incredibly helpful and insightful. Overall a superb week - and a brilliant location and outlook too!

Archie, London

A beautiful location and an equally appealing house with breathtaking views. Very thoughtful hosts who made sure all necessary amenities were available for any possible recreational activity including cooking, drinking & dining. The wonderful garden overlooking the dining area is serene and provides privacy. The tips from the hosts before and during the stay made our trip to Skye all the more exciting. If I were to visit the Isle of Skye again, I would definitely stay here again.

Chaitraa, Bangalore

This has to be the best holiday property I have ever stayed in. Beautiful location, pristine clean and thoughtful decor and appliances. Would definitely recommend this property and would certainly stay again. Two local restaurants, one of which is a Michelin Star....must book early. Beautiful location.

Chris, London

A grand spot for nature lovers, artists, poets, peace-seekers. Traditional at the front, very modern at the back, all very cleverly designed inside and out. The kitchen is a good size for joining in and the views are stunning.

Nicola, Sawday's Inspector

Read more reviews

Location

The neighbourhood

Waternish has endless shorelines as well as magical forest walks. Dunvegan is a 12-minute drive for a small food store, organic veg shop and a very romantic castle, steeped in history, with a walled garden and renowned food in the restaurant. Drive 25 minutes to Portree for big shops, celebrate a special occasion at The Three Chimneys, swim in the Fairy Pools or head to Coral Beach with a picnic.

Local points of interest from Iain Allinson

  • Ideally and centrally located for Skye's major attractions, a 40 minute drive West takes you to the Fairy Pools, Talisker and the Cuillin Ridge. A 40 min drive East and you will arrive at the Fairy Glen, Quiraing, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr!
  • Beautiful Stein beneath Tern House was a Thomas Telford designed village and is now preserved. It was original intended to be the ferry terminal for sailings to Harris, but latterly found fame as home to the only Michelin starred restaurant on Skye!
  • Skye Skyns (the only 5 star rated tourist attraction on Skye) is a 3 minute stroll uphill behind Tern House with a fully operational tannery. In summer months, look out for the 'Yurt Tea' cafe with soups, coffees and cakes readily available.
  • Light pollution is minimal on Skye. Come outside Tern House and look up on a clear night to see the Milky Way running directly over your head. Lucky guests also have a chance to see the Northern Lights, though they are notoriously tricky to predict!
  • The local walk to Waternish point gives a panoramic view of the entire Outer Hebrides islands at it's end, as well as taking you past several famous battle sites and multiple well preserved 1000 year old round stone 'Broch' fortresses.
  • Below Tern House in the village of Stein, tours leave in summer months to St. Kilda (4 hours). This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located beyond the Outer Hebrides to the West with an astonishing geography and an amazing history.

Introducing

Iain Allinson

Iain and Caroline spent many years visiting Skye before finally taking the plunge and setting up The Byre and Tern House. They both love the outdoors and cooking, so creating a beautiful space with incredible views in deep nature was very important to them. They also wanted guests to be near to everything Skye has to offer – great restaurants, beaches, seafood and wildlife watching.