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I’ve been fortunate to stay in some amazing places throughout my travels, but one that has always stuck in my mind is my visit to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. This historic accommodation is located on the Isle of Lewis in northern Scotland. Once a real, working village, Gearrannan was left derelict after the last residents left in the 1970s. The village is comprised of traditional Scottish blackhouses that through a skilled restoration project have been preserved and turned into holiday accommodation. For visitors looking for Isle of Lewis accommodation, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village is a real chance to step back in time and experience what it would have been like to live in a small Scottish village all those years ago.
What is a Scottish blackhouse?
Scottish blackhouses were traditional stone-built cottages often found in the Highland region. They most likely would have been inhabited by crofters and were usually a long stone building with a thatched roof. Blackhouses were family homes that would have been shared with both people and animals alike. The origin of the name ‘blackhouse‘ is often disputed, with some believing that the lack of a chimney left the walls ‘black’ inside, hence the name. The more likely explanation is that at the end of the 19th century a new style of building, called the ‘whitehouse‘ was becoming popular across the region. The term ‘blackhouse’ was likely used to distinguish the two styles.
Gearrannan Blackhouse Village has some of the best examples of restored blackhouses in Scotland. The village consists of a collection of houses that would have been originally built sometime in the 1800s. The houses had families living in them up until the 1970s at which point they were left derelict. The blackhouses have since been restored and there are four available as rental accommodation.
Staying in Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
I highly recommend a stay in one of the blackhouses. On the outside, they look very similar to how they would have 200 years ago and walking around the village, visitors really feel like they’ve stepped back in time. On the inside, the blackhouses are very comfortable and have been updated with all the necessary needs and comforts of the modern world, while still giving guests that traditional feeling. Each house has a unique story and is named after the individuals who originally lived inside it.
During my stay, I stayed in Taigh Thormoid ‘an ‘ic Iain, Scottish Gaelic for ‘The House of Norman, the son of Iain’. It is a beautiful 3-star blackhouse with a sea view that sleeps 2 people. The blackhouses for rental offer a variety accommodation from 2-star group accommodation that can sleep up to 16 people, as well as 4-star blackhouses that sleep a family up to 4-5.
There are a variety of local things to see and do, both around the village and across the Isle of Lewis and Harris. Within the village, you can see traditional activities such as the weaving of Harris Tweed, or visit some of the more traditional Scottish blackhouses dressed on the inside in the style that they would have been when the original inhabitants lived in them. There is also a small shop and a cafeteria where you can enjoy local goods.
Another thing I really enjoyed while staying in Gearrannan Blackhouse Village was walking around the local area. As the village is located on the seaside, it’s a beautiful area to explore. Visitors can walk along the beach or explore the trails around the village where you can find the ruins of other cottages that would have been a part of the original village. If you feel like exploring a little further, there is a 6km walk from Gearrannan to Dalmore Beach that takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
Overall, what was most special to me about Gerrannan Blackhouse Village was the chance to really disconnect and feel as though I’d stepped back in time. Looking out at the Atlantic from the doorstep of my blackhouse, with the wind blowing, it was easy to picture what it would have been like to live in Gearrannan all those years ago.
Key Information for Staying in Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
How to get to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village?
While it is a bit of a trip to reach the historic Isle of Lewis accommodation, I can assure you it’s worth it! There are two main ways to get to the village from mainland Scotland:
By air – The Isle of Lewis does have a small airport and you can fly to Stornoway from either Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness. You can search for and book flights here.
By car – My recommendation is to rent a car and drive to the ferry port in Ullapool. Ullapool is just over a 4 hour drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh and just over 1 hour from Inverness. From Ullapool you can take the ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Once arriving in Stornoway, it’s about a 30 minute drive to the village. While the route by car is obviously the longer choice, the scenery is stunning and well worth the drive on its own. Just make sure to book a ticket for your car on the ferry in advance, as during the busy season spots can fill up quick.
When is Gearrannan Blackhouse Village open?
The accommodation can be rented year-round, with high season normally being from April to September. It is also important to note that they do not accept Sunday arrivals.
How much does accommodation cost?
Prices differ depending on which blackhouse is booked and how long you are planning to stay. You can find out more about booking accommodation on the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village website.
What other things are there to do around the village?
While staying in the village, you’ll need to be sure to visit the Calanais Standing Stones, one of the most famous historic sites in the Scottish Isles. You can also visit the Isle of Harris, which is home to some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches and also the world renowned Harris Tweed.
This article’s information was last updated in July 2023.