Scarista House

The only sounds are the soughing of the sea and the cry of gulls at this remote Georgian manse in an ‘extraordinary setting’ between a three-mile sandy beach and heather-clad mountains. Patricia and Tim Martin are good, hands-on hosts. The house feels ‘a bit lived in’, with ‘a homely atmosphere’ and comfy sitting room, just the place for an indulgent afternoon tea by the fire. Bedrooms – three in an annexe with picture windows to frame the spectacular sea view – are entirely traditional. Elsa has antique furniture, views over the garden to the beach, and from the bathroom to Taransay and the North Harris hills. Families opt for Flora, with king-size bed, a single bed, a sofa bed in the sitting room, and a galley kitchen for self-catering. But Patricia’s cooking is too good to miss. Everything from bread and biscuits to cakes and ice cream are home-made and the Martins are praised for their ‘noble insistence on high-quality, largely organic ingredients’. A nightly-changing no-choice menu might include navarin of Lewis lamb or marmalade frangipane tart. Given notice, they catered royally for a vegan Guide insider.