Black Sheep House

If you’ve ever been tempted to run away from it all and escape to the Highlands - and I will admit, I’m tempted every day - you’ll fall in love with Black Sheep House. (Via Shedworking and The Times.)

It used to be a ‘black house’, a single-room dwelling common in the Highland and islands right up until the Second World War. This particular black house was being used as a sheep shed until it was bought by Christine and Pete Hope, who decided to renovate it. It has two double bedrooms, a big living space, underfloor heating, and a Japanese soak tub (a small but deep bath with a seat in it). The views look fabulous views, and the turf roof and stone walls make it blend in beautifully with its surroundings.

Because the build went over-budget, costing £130k instead of £50k, the Hopes have turned it into a guest house, whilst they live in a nearby rented cottage. The cottage sleeps four and goes for between £600 and £1080 per week, which is a bargain if you ask me! I’m obviously not the only person who thinks that, as they’re solidly booked (at time of writing) until late August.

Travel to Black Sheep House could be a bit challenging, though. It’s near Tarbert on the Isle of Harris, which you can get to via ferry from Uig, on the Isle of Skye. That’d be a good 14 hours by car, so you’d probably want to fly.