Photos
Double bedroom with sea views
twin-bedroom1
View from the cottage
Bruernish sunset
Tea by the sea
For our younger visitors
Bàgh Beag, Bruernish
Contact Person: Anke-Beate Stahl
Phone: 0131 5572810
Short Term Let Licence No: ES00531F
EPC Rating: G
Accommodates: 4
Bedrooms: 2
Price: £580 p/w Apr-Sep £550 p/w Nov-Mar
Deposit: 50% deposit
Airport: 3.5 miles
Castlebay: 8 miles
Pets: No Pets
Smoking: No Smoking
Extras: Fast wifi available, electricity allowance, coal included
21 Reviews on “Rubha Chàrnain”
Rubha Charnain is a wonderful place to stay. We stayed here for the Christmas week battling all extremes of weather to get there. We found a little piece of heaven. A wonderful place to explore wild and beautiful Barra. A real escape to chill and unwind. All the comforts of home and more. Would love to return one day. Chalky and Julie White
This is the most wonderful place to stay. We stayed in June with a baby and a 3 year old, and it was perfect. Straightforward, but with absolutely everything you could want. Beautiful place to sit and do nothing, other than watching the boats come in. We will definitely try and return. Natasha, Mark, Agnes and Mairi Astill
We have stayed at Rhuba Charnain four times over the last six years and each time it has been a pleasure. The location of this cottage is the big attraction – being tucked away in Bruernish off the main Barra ‘ring road’ and with the garden sloping down to the sea you couldn’t ask for a more peaceful place. We haven’t met or spoken to Anke (the owner) as all communication has been done via email but we know how much she loves this place and we appreciate all the work she puts into keeping the cottage lovely and cosy. Each time we have stayed there have been new improvements or another little ‘Anke touch’ – like the huge black board in the hallway (which appeared this year) to draw or write messages on. The cottage has a rustic charm and that is what keeps drawing us back – no TV, just an open fire and a nice deep bath! The kitchen has everything you need, from a dishwasher to picnic blankets! This is a truly special place and we hope to continue visiting in the years to come.
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We stayed at Rubha Charnain for 4 days in October 2014. Wish we could have stayed longer. It is an ideal location for a quiet, relaxing break. The cottage is very comfortable and has everything you require – no TV no Wifi (which makes it very suitable to get away from everything) and the setting is idyllic. No noise of light pollution here. Catch the moon reflecting on the sea at night and the sun rising on it in the morning – and all from your bedroom window. We just read, walked, ate (sometimes in the local hostelries) and slept. So relaxing and refreshing. Anke, the owner, will send you a chatty letter that contains all the information you could ever need. Her love of the place is infectious. And then there is Fingal, the border collie from Upper Bruernish. He will find you within the first 24 hours and go with you on local walks and all he wants you to do is kick a stone. Fingal is a dote.
Stayed here for 3 nights at the beginning of June. From the moment we first saw the cottage as we walked down the road to leaving we enjoyed everything about it. The decor and furnishing fits in with the surroundings and it was equipped with everything we needed (and a few we didn’t). Not having any transport wasn’t a problem as there’s a bustop a couple of minutes walk away so getting to and from the airport was straight forward. Would definitely stay here again
A beautiful cottage to get away from it all. Panoramic views of Northbay from most windows, simply but tastefully decorated, and everything you could need for a break away (dishwasher, washing machine etc). We stayed with our young baby for a wonderful week. We really appreciated the little touches provided by Anke (the owner) and would love to return one day.
We have just returned from a week in this lovely cottage. It is exactly like the photographs show.
The cottage is situated in an amazing setting, right on the edge of the sea and you really can launch your kayak from the bottom of the garden!
The cottage is well equipped with everything you would need. A nice touch is a larder with things like rice, pasta, a few tins, spices – the sort of things you might need but didn’t take with you or didn’t take enough of.
There is a framed map in the hallway with Ankes written comments about various points of interest on it, this was very informative and helpful to us.
Ankes directions to the cottage were spot on – easy to follow even for someone like me who could get lost going up a one way street!
We walked a few times to the Heathbank Hotel (about 1 mile) and had delicious meals there (the hand dived scallops are to die for) Very friendly staff and a mix of locals and visitors in the bar / lounge so good chat to be had.
For a small Island there is plenty to do and see – if you want to but with no TV nor WIFI in the cottage it is an excellent place just to read or look at the sea and relax.
The post office in Castlebay has an amazing tea room which serves the biggest, freshest scones with jam and cream I have ever tasted, their coffee is also delicious, and it is very reasonably priced.
We went home with lots of seafood goodies from Barratlantic, they will very kindly vacuum pack your purchases and give you frozen gel packs to keep them fresh.
A holiday in this cottage can be whatever you want it to be! Walking, kayaking, reading, eating delicious food the choice really is yours on Barra!
I would totally recommend this cottage to anyone looking for a get away from it all break.
Just had a fabulous week at this lovely cottage.Waking up to the sea view every morning was a great way to start the day.
We came prepared to battle wind & rain and were met with sunshine , blue skies & beautiful beaches.
We did some fabulous walks, cycled down to see the famous cave where the whisky gets hidden in the film Whisky Galore…..sadly no whisky 🙁
On Thursday we spent a couple of hours kayaking with Chris from Clearwater Paddling – highly recommended.
Our only complaint was – not staying long enough.
The cottage had everything we needed , coal fire ,deep bath & well equipped kitchen . I highly recommend this cottage 🙂
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My husband and I stayed at Rhuba Charnain for three nights towards the end of September – it was a perfect retreat from our busy Edinburgh lives. Waking up every morning to panoramic sea views and nothing but the call of the sea birds and the whistle of the wind was an absolute delight.
Although it was blowing a hoolie most days, we had the pleasure of blue skies and sunshine, which allowed us to fully explore the delights of Barra by foot directly from the cottage. Anke had provided lots of useful information and interesting walks, which were most appreciated. Highly recommend the golden sandy beaches along the west coast, and the hike up Heaval (highest hill) for fantastic views across Barra and beyond.
The cottage was simple but tastefully decorated, and upon arrival it very quickly felt like a home from home. It had everything we needed – in particular, the coal fire, electric blanket and huge bath was a luxury after a long day of walking.
We stocked up on all the necessary food and supplies before flying over to Barra to save us travelling down to the co-op in Castlebay on our arrival. This also allowed us to get a taxi directly from the ‘airport’ to the cottage. However, one evening we did enjoy a lovely dinner at the ‘local’ (only 15 minutes walk away)…and enjoyed a magical walk back under the milky way and Northern Lights.
We had an unforgettable stay at Anke’s cottage and fell in love with Barra and island life – we hope to be able to return in the not so distant future. Thank you, Anke.
Emma & Tom (Edinburgh)
We stayed at this cottage for 3 nights the cottage is beautiful a truly wonderful location all you could ever want for a relaxing holiday anke left so much information about the island and what to do and see the walks were stunning . Barra is stunning it is truly what it is gods garden views you find hard to take in at times so breath taking . The view from our bedroom was amazing the coalfire just made you feel cosy and warm we came back home just wishing we could wake up every morning to the views and scenery we experienced on barra .anke was wonderful always keeping in touch and keeping us updated the fresh flowers on windows and the bottle of red wine on table when we arrived was truly a unexpected pleasure and a so welcoming arrival . This was a true get away from city life so sad to be home wish we could have stayed longer but we will return that is for sure
We fell in love with Barra nearly 50 years ago, and had been back several times since, by car, on foot and on bikes, but this was our first time by air. We walked from the airport (it was Sunday so there were no buses) and after about an hour found this lovely cottage, right beside the sea. It was everything we’d hoped for – and more. So comfortable and welcoming it was more like home than a holiday cottage. When we eventually dragged ourselves away from the windows, looking at the incredible views, we found all the interesting books, an eclectic CD selection (we made a point of listening to people we’d never heard of!), some watercolour paints and lots of coal (essential, since despite the sunshine it was bitterly cold throughout our four-day stay). We had one day going around the island, and Vatersay, by bus; one walking on Eriskay; and one exploring Bruernish point – all accomplished with the help of Archie, who, apart from being the bus driver, also doubled as a tour guide and one-man tourist information office. Get to know him and all your problems will be solved!
We have just come back from a wonderful stay at Rubha Chàrnain, already missing its magic atmosphere. We enjoyed every minute of this „Hebridean dream come true”, ideally situated on the edge of the calm waters of Northbay, very tastefully decorated and making you immediately feeling at home from home… The view from all the windows – the cottage is surrounded by ever changing light – are breathtaking: imagine waking up to the sun in your face an the sight of the sea and the slopes of a neighboring little island, the sound of the wind mixed with birdsong, imagine darkest nights or moonlit beauty. I am a keen photographer, and had the most stunning motives right at the doorstep or a walk and a bus ride away…
Thank you Anke for the wine, the flowers, chocolate and soaps as a welcome gift. We very much appreciated the newly installed shower, the perfectly equipped kitchen with its cooker, washing machine and dishwasher, the spices and the crockery.
We enjoyed sunny days exploring Barra, Vatersay and Eriskay or sitting in the garden reading, we had cosy rainy times by the fire, indulged a pint or two as well as a lovely meal (with excellent local seafood like Traigh Mhor cockles, Vatersay Crab claws, or hand-dived scallop!!) at the very friendly Heathbank Hotel, a short walk up the road from the cottage. And, above all, we very much hope to be able to come back soon!!!
We have recently returned from a wonderful short stay at Rubha Chàrnain.
We just knew that the cottage would be our idea of perfection before setting a foot on the white sands of Traigh Mhòr, and we weren’t disappointed.
If you have ever imagined how a cottage in the Hebrides should be ; how the host has managed to get everything just right, look no further than Rubha Chàrnain…….. but don’t just take our word for it…..
Anke, thank you so much for your kindness and your hospitality. A & M
We had an idyllic few days at this beautiful cottage: warm, welcoming, fully equipped and beautifully turned out. No car no problem as we’d hired bikes which more than answered in terms of what we needed. The brisk wind limited our two-wheeled forays, but that meant days walking from the cottage onto the peninsula nearby and the hills behind, returning via the pub to enjoy the five star plumbing and make a meal in the highly functional kitchen.
As the owner, Anke could not have been more agreeable and straightforward. Dealing with her was a pleasure. We look forward to coming back!
We have recently spent a fantastic week on Barra at Rubha Charmaine. The cottage was fantastic;it was very comfortable and provided everything we needed. We had a few coal fires in the evenings and played games around the table. The view from the living room over the bay was stunning! We saw otters and seals many times over the week. The cottage was a great base to see the island; we visited many beaches but our favourites are those at the far end of Vattersay – white sands and blue-green sea shimmering in the sunshine. To find these beaches you need to use the ordnance survey map and keep walking and looking, we were amazed with the beauty of the island. We also visited the Kisimal Restaurant for a tasty meal and had delicious scones at the post office in Castlebay. There is still more for us to see and do so we will certainly be back to enjoy Barra and Rubha Charnain!
We spent an excellent week in early May in Rubha Charnain. The coal fire and radiators kept us cosy despite the very cold winds and the electric blankets were great. The cooking facilities are really good and enabled us to fully appreciate the wonderful fish from the Barra Atlantic shop, just up the road.
As a place for a quiet retreat, it would be hard to beat the cottage. The views out to sea with the passing fishing boats and the excellent collection of CDs confirmed to us that a TV is definitely not an essential. Spending a week walking on almost deserted beaches and getting “away from it all” recharged the batteries and convinced us to return.
Steve and Cath
We had a wonderful week on Barra and Rhuba Charnain provided us with a great location and a comfortable, relaxing base to explore the island. We arrived by plane which landed on the airport beach which was an unforgettable experience in itself! We were also lucky to have some sunny days to explore the amazing beaches on Barra…..Vatersay, Cleit, Seal Beach, Traigh Eais and Traigh Mhor (the Airport beach) to pick our highlights but all are great! We also climbed Heaval where we were rewarded with stunning views over Castlebay and the island….definitely worth the steep climb! The cottage has a fantastic shower which we were most appreciative of after walking and being out in the more stormy weather on a couple of days and we also found the cottage very well equipped with heaters and coal for the fire to keep us warm and cosy in the living room and main bedroom. We would definitely recommend Cafe Kisimul for great food in Castlebay and Barra Atlantic Gin Distillery is also worth a visit.
Thanks Anke, the cottage provided an escape to switch off and we also enjoyed seeing your artwork on display!
Gill & Kenny
An idyllic, rustic cottage with wonderful views. A great place for the creative person, the outdoors person and the lover of wildlife. Simple, quirky accommodation . Plenty of radiators, an open fire and if necessary hot water bottles and electric blankets! It was a wonderful few days in a beautiful location.
Occasionally you find a place that has a soul all of its own, where the very walls welcome you in. Rubha Charnain is such a place. In spite of the simplicity of the cottage, there were shades of indulgence in the deep bath, the charming coal fire and the huge comfortable bed.
We have travelled to many places but our Barra experience was one of the most restorative. You take a step back from the rush of modern life – reading a book by the fire, strolling along the beach as the Atlantic waves crash to the shore; watching boats until they become specks on the horizon.
We travelled from Glasgow Airport with Logan Air – landing on the beach was a uniquely memorable experience, so glad we chose to fly on the Twin Otter!
Tony at Barra bike hire was brilliant, the electric bikes were amazing and allowed we as mediocre cyclists to explore all of Barra and Vatersay with no problems!
Dan’s Taxis were good for getting around when we weren’t using the bikes.
The owner Anke gets top marks from us for her excellent communications and her generous care – thank you Anke for your great stock of books on the history of the island!
Rubha Charnain is embedded in our hearts like an old friend. We will return, and soon!
Dave and Amanda, West Yorkshire, October 2019
I stayed here for a week in August 2020. The cottage overlooks the water and the views from the lounge and double bedroom are just wonderful. Rubha Charnain combines rustic charm and all the home comforts you will need from a very well equipped kitchen complete with dishwasher and washing machine to sumptuous bed linen and a good over bath shower with no shortage of hot water. There may not be full central heating but get the open fire going and use the heaters and it’s soon cosy…there are fleece blankets if you need them and electric blankets on the beds! A wonderful place to stay on a beautiful island. Andrew
Rubha Charnain is a lovely cottage in a quite exceptional setting. The house is simple but both functional and comfortable. All the rooms have lovely views and the living room is exceptionally cosy with its coal fire, which was very easy to manage. Sleeping arrangements were also very comfortable. The house has real character which fits in with its setting. It was hard to leave!
We had a fabulous 5 nights here in October 2023. The cottage is delightful and wonderfully situated with a great sense of tranquillity. We love the western isles and Barra is certainly up there among our favourites. The weather was very kind to us which enabled us to enjoy the flights in and out to the full, and to explore the hills and beaches of Barra and Vatersay. It was incredible to have such beautiful beaches to ourselves. We also took a day trip across to the Uists and Benbecula where we were able to see St Kilda from the viewpoint. We’d love to return with our bikes and sea kayaks.