Ar Dachaigh

Swap the nine to five for a week where the only schedule is the tide. Ar Dachaigh, Our Home in Gaelic, is exactly that: the MacRitchie family's original house at Balemore on the flat sandy west side of North Uist, finished to a high standard for letting in 2021 and sleeping nine. Creag Hastin, the fairy hill, is a few hundred yards from the door, Balemore beach is south of the house, and the Monach Isles sit on the horizon from every window. Corncrakes call in the village in summer and the machair walks start at the gate.

Downstairs there is a big kitchen and dining room with an oil Rayburn, a lounge with a log burner and 60-inch smart TV, a second sitting room with its own stove and TV, a study with a desk and books, a king-size bedroom with en-suite shower, a utility room and a downstairs toilet. Upstairs are a double, two twins, one with bunks, a single, and the family bathroom with bath and separate shower. Fast unlimited broadband, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer, quality linen and towels, initial logs and kindling, a travel cot and high chair, and a welcome pack with wine and local deli produce are all included. Outside is a good garden, a private patio with barbecue and furniture, and parking for four cars.

Lets run Saturday to Saturday: £1,000 a week from November to March, £1,400 in April and October, £1,550 from May to September, with electricity and Rayburn oil included. Bayhead shop is a mile and a half away, North Uist Distillery two minutes, the Westford Inn five, and Balranald reserve five. No pets, as it is a working crofting village, and no smoking. Enquire through the website, by email or by phone to Mairi MacRitchie.