During our drive the rain was so heavy it hid the sand-swept Harris coastline like a curtain.
On reaching our destination, however, the wild Scottish weather hardly mattered: The Broch is so spectacular that there would be no need to venture outside its thick, circular stone walls.
Situated on the Borve Lodge Estate, the award-winning Broch, despite its distinctive design, is easy to miss from the main road. That’s because when they say secluded, they mean it. The Broch was built to disappear into its surroundings, looking almost like an extension of the rock-strewn moorland.
Inspiration for the building came from broch ‘dwellings that were scattered across the Scottish coastline during the Iron Age’, and the vision of the owners was ‘to make it appear as if 21st century comforts had been transplanted within an ancient ruin.’
Their efforts were certainly successful, as The Broch blends into the landscape, while the influence of the elements is evident inside too.
Slate counters and local wood and stone accents give the ground floor kitchen a sophisticated, minimalist feel. The staircase steps, carved from windblown beech trees, cling to the circular walls, and are lined by intricate iron railings interspersed with sea-coloured glass. Almost everything in the building is bespoke, from the shelves in the kitchen to the stone around the bathroom sinks.
On the second floor – split into a comfortable living room and modern bathroom – the fireplace has been framed from the remains of an old wharf. The third floor is perhaps the most decadent of all, starring a giant four poster bed under a circular skylight, and in front of a window that runs the full height of the building, providing panoramic views over one of the most beautiful sights in Scotland: the west coast of Harris. Luckily for us, the rain had cleared by the next morning, showing this sunlit scene in all its glory.
The accommodation is self-catering, fitted with top-of-the-range kitchen appliances and Bialetti coffee equipment.
On arrival, however, we were greeted with a bottle of chilled white wine and some local goodies: oatcakes, tablet, and fruit cake fresh from a Luskentyre kitchen. Dessert for dinner was definitely a tempting idea.
While The Broch is an architectural and design marvel, it’s also perfect for relaxation, designed specifically with couples in mind. There’s the aforementioned four poster bed; fluffy bathrobes for two; sweet smelling toiletries from the Scottish Soap Company; a top of the range flat screen TV; and a selection of board games perfect for playing by the glow of the stove on a wild island evening.
(As someone obsessed with words, I’m afraid to say I lost at Scrabble by the glow of that stove every single time.)
Scrabble sorrow aside, it was the details at The Broch that really drew me in, the colours and fabrics set in contrast against the white walls, wooden floors and furniture, and local stonework. The attention to detail goes further than design, and focuses on comfort too. Not only do the Harris Tweed curtains frame scenes of the sea outside, but the underfloor heating keeps you warm as you watch the waves surge onto the shore.
The Broch at Borve Lodge is truly unique, both in design and atmosphere, expertly marrying luxury with a local edge that hints at the natural landscape beyond its walls.
For a few indulgent lazy days, The Broch felt like home – a very luxurious home, and our very own Hebridean hideaway.
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NEED TO KNOW
How do I get to The Broch? Part of the Borve Lodge Estate, the Broch at Borve Lodge is located in West Harris, and can be reached by driving south along the A859 road from Tarbert, or north along the same road from Leverburgh, both ports for Caledonian MacBrayne ferries.
What do I need to bring with me? A welcome pack of local Hebridean goodies will be waiting for you (think tablet, oatcakes, and salmon), but it’s best to bring essentials like coffee, milk, and food to cook with for when you aren’t eating out.
How much does it cost? A minimum three-day stay is required at The Broch, and when we stayed in March 2014, prices started at around £400.
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What do you think of the Broch at Borve Lodge? Have you ever stayed anywhere like this on your travels, or would you like to?
Let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!
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Want to read more?
A Holiday At Home on the Isle of Harris
21 Must-Have Travel Experiences in the Outer Hebrides
10 Books to Read Before Visiting Scotland’s Outer Hebrides
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Ah it looks amazing Katie!
It really was!
Hi Katie.
Your writings are so helpful as I’ll be cycling The Hebridean Cycleway in May 2018.
I’m currently deep in preparation and finding out as much as possible about the islands.
I intend to wild camp over the six or seven day ride, as I understand this type of camping is encouraged on the islands. Is this so? Any assistance would be appreciated.
Thanks again for your informative and interesting features.
Pete
Hi Peter! Sorry for the delay – I’ve only just seen your comment! I have to say I’ve never actually noticed anyone wild camping, but there are various campgrounds throughout the islands, which are listed on sites like Visit Scotland and Visit Outer Hebrides. May will be a lovely time to visit – the weather is usually pretty good then!
Thanks for your reply Katie. I now have my route and overnight camping sites sorted, half sites and half wild. I’ve decided to ride from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis and back again, so the trip will be 12 days. Can’t wait. The local people have been so helpful
That sounds fantastic! I’m so glad you managed to find the information you needed, and that everyone was helpful. Have a wonderful journey – it sounds like it will be quite the adventure!
woaa that is so cool! Adding that to my list of places where I want to stay in Scotland 😀
It’s SO cool Camila – it’s such a unique place to stay. Definitely add it to your list!
We are staying at The Broch for a 7 day birthday celebration for my husband. It is everything you described and more! We planned our vacation in Europe around comimg to the Outer Hebrides based on the stories amd photos in your blog. The natural beauty, the friendly people and their creative spirit make up for the not so perfect weather. We don’t mind it though, because it is never boring. If we wait awhile, it will turn from being rainy, windy and even some hail in the mix, to being bright and sunny with no cloud in sight, and all in the space of an hour. Thanks for inspiring us to make the journey from the West Coast of Canada.
Leilani, I am so happy to hear you are enjoying your time in Harris! And it means so much to know that this little corner of the internet inspired you to visit. The weather is definitely changeable at this time of year – we like to say that you can get four seasons in a day 🙂 I hope you get some sunshine at least, although that log fire in the Broch is so nice to relax by when it’s wild outside. Have the most wonderful time!
Hebrides have always been on my bucket list! Even moreso now! Such beautiful splendor!
I hope you make it to the Hebrides one day, Henrietta – they really are beautiful!