Old Mission House, Isle of Harris
Maraig, Isle of Harris
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The House

Sycamore House is a three-storey Georgian townhouse right in the centre of Hay on Wye. Cafes, bookshops, pubs, plus a deli, greengrocer, butcher and even a boutique cinema! - are all within two to five minutes walk and you can walk or cycle (bikes available to hire locally) directly from the town out into beautiful countryside - the River Wye is less than five minutes from the house, there's a wonderful wild swimming spot 15 minutes walk away; while a few-hour hike (or ten minute drive) will take you to Hay's Bluff from where the views across the surrounding countryside are spectacular. 

Right on the border of England and Wales and set within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Hay on Wye makes the perfect base to enjoy both the wild, untamed beauty of the Black Mountains and the bucolic prettiness of the River Wye, the Golden Valley and Herefordshire's 'black and white' villages. 

While the surroundings are beautiful, there's also plenty to enjoy indoors - cosy up by one of the wood burners with a book (or three!) relax in the walled garden, or cook up a feast on the Lacanche range cooker. The house is particularly well-suited for family gatherings and mixed aged groups - there are plenty of books, board games and a large selection of films to watch, a well-equipped kitchen and a location that is perfect for comings and goings throughout the day.

Note, the house comes with a private, allocated car parking space that is a two-minute walk from the house. Additional parking is available in the town’s car parks; a free car parking site is five minutes walk away and the main town car park is a similar distance on foot.

Note our changeover day is Saturdays for July & August and the minimum stay is 7 nights during July & August.

At other times of year (except Hay Festival) our weekly changeover day is a Friday, although shorter bookings are available: Friday to Monday (3 nights) and Monday to Friday (4 nights).

 
 

THE Old mission house

A coastal cottage located by the shores of Loch Seaforth on the wondrous Isle of Harris, the Old Mission House is nestled in the crofting hamlet of Maraig, framed by the beauty of the North Harris Hills.

Sleeping upto six guests, with direct shore access and panoramic views from every room, the house is the perfect place for family or friends to gather; an ideal retreat for lovers of peace, beauty, nature and wildlife offering ever-changing sea and mountain vistas and excellent walking right from the front door. 

For wider exploration you’ll find yourself perfectly positioned for discovering the best that Harris and Lewis have to offer; a central location just over ten minutes from Tarbert (less to the closest shop!) attractions across the islands all lie within easy reach; be it the famed west-coast beaches of Luskentyre, Seilebost and Huisinish or the marvels of Lewis’ 5000 year old Callanish Standing Stones! 

A year round destination 

Graced with an enviable coastal setting, the house is a magical place year round. In winter, cosy up by the log burner and (if you’re lucky!) admire the snow-capped surrounds with a tot of single malt; in autumn look out for wildlife (eagles, otter, deer) and enjoy the lovely, low light - a photographer’s dream! In spring, be charmed by newborn lambs on the neighbouring crofts and in summer make the most of direct shore access from the garden with a loch-side picnic (and a Harris Gin and Tonic of course!)

ACCOMMODATION

A former manse built in the 1880s for the local parish minister, the Old Mission House is now a cosy, period property offering welcoming holiday accommodation for groups of upto six. 

Downstairs the convivial kitchen-diner and comfortable lounge (with log burner) are the perfect place to unwind after a day’s exploring or relaxing at the beach (or to plan your next day’s adventures!) while upstairs, three bedrooms (two doubles with kingsize beds and a twin with two full-size singles) offer restful spaces for a good night’s sleep. Three bathrooms (one en-suite shower, one first-floor bathroom and one ground-floor shower room) help avoid family disputes!) 

GARDEN

The house is blessed with a mature, characterful, private garden with direct access to shore of Loch Seaforth. Between house and loch the sloping lawn has gate access directly to the waterside, while a stream runs along the garden’s eastern edge. During the warmer months an outside table and chairs on the patio are just the place for alfresco dining (or an early-evening drink or two!) 

From the main village road, a sloping drive leads to the house, on which two cars can be parked in series. (Please be aware this is a reasonably steep gradient! Detailed parking instructions will be provided to booked guests). 

Please Note: being sloped and affording easy access to water, the garden isn’t suitable for younger children to be left unattended at any time. While the garden is fenced, we are surrounded by croft land and sheep from the surrounding fields (some unfenced) are often in the road by the house, or by the shore. If you have a dog with you we would ask you to please be aware, respect our crofting neighbours and to never leave them unattended in the garden if they are likely to get out and/or have a strong prey drive. On walks, please keep your dog on a lead if there are any livestock present. 

 
 

pricing

WINTER 2024 please enquire for rates as this will be dependant on group size.

During the 2024 season (April to September) we will be offering 7-night stays, beginning on a Saturday.

Rate: £1400 per week

Cleaning fee: £175 per week. Please note for stays of multiple weeks, mid-stay cleaning will be undertaken each Saturday and will include a bedding and towel change.

House security deposit: £300

Dogs are welcome (max two) but please contact us to discuss (there is a pet cleaning fee of £30/dog/week).

Things to know

Check-in from 5.00pm. Check out by 10.00am

Self check-in with lockbox

The Old Mission House is located within a crofting township and does have immediate neighbours within the village. The building adjoining the house is the Old Mission Hall (where parish services took place until 2013). It is owned by us and used only for storage - no access will be required by us during a guests’ stay.

 
 
 

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