If you enjoyed my Isle of Harris itinerary and are thinking of visiting, then look no further for somewhere special to stay than the newly developed Kirklea Island Suites by Hotel Hebrides. As you arrive by ferry to the harbour of Tarbert, the suites could not be located in a better position. The four 5 star serviced suites are housed in a quaint building situated a stone throw away from the ferry terminal. After collecting the keys from the Hebrides Hotel which is located opposite the property, the suites are a few minutes drive away. A narrow road leads you towards the suites, which are situated on an elevated position overlooking the charming harbour and village below.
With their very own private entrance, each suites has a specific name inspired by the Isle of Harris, including; Winter Winds, Sea Thrift, Shealing and Hills of Home. Although each suite is similar in size, they have been individually designed, exuding the colours and tones that reflect the characteristics of their unique names. I stayed in The Sheiling which harks back to the corrugated shacks of years gone by.
Whichever one you stay in, you can expect bold designs with the perfect mix of contemporary touches and nods to Harris throughout. The suites are situated over two floors; the ground floor containing an impressive open plan living, dining, kitchen and large bathroom, whilst the upstairs includes two generously sized bedrooms.
On entering, you can see how much effort has been put into the design, providing its guests with a luxurious and restful stay. You will immediately notice the wonderful fragrance that hangs in the air, courtesy of all the beautiful locally-made Essence of Harris diffusers dispersed throughout the property.
The ground floor of The Sheiling is mainly open plan and this spacious area provides a sense of cosiness and comfort due to the clever design touches. Wallpaper resembling wood adds warmth to the room, almost cocooning the space with its tactile texture and tone. Bursts of orange are used throughout, breaking up the space and again adding an extra depth and contrast.
Robust wooden furniture, comfortable seating and patterned accessories bring textural interest. The wall and ceiling lighting hark back to the islands nautical influences using fisherman’s lamps and lanterns.
Leading from the lounge, french doors take you out to a shared garden that has outdoor seating area for each apartment. It’s the perfect place to sit back, take in the views across the harbour and enjoy a glass of wine (or Isle of Harris Gin) after a long day of exploring the island.
The adjoining kitchen is contemporary and blends beautifully into the room, providing guests with everything they need during their stay. The addition of numerous appliances such as the Nespresso Coffee machine, dishwasher and washing machine makes it feel like a home from home and is perfect if you are staying for a longer duration.
The impressive bathroom is spacious and modern with a clean white tiled canvas. It includes a very deep freestanding bathtub, large waterfall shower along with the usual sink and toilet. Toiletries are included which allows you to free up some space in your bag; perhaps for any purchases from the nearby Isle of Harris Gin, Essence of Harris or the world famous Harris Tweed.
Upstairs there are two bedrooms, a double room that looks out to the ferry port and a twin room that looks out towards the back of the property. Both are generous and airy, again exuding the contemporary design touches that can be seen throughout the apartment. The twin room is adorned with bold orange zig-zag patterned wallpaper which certainly adds some fun to the design. The room also contains a few items of furniture including a small writing table come dressing table and large cupboard. A skylight window fills the room with light and provides glimpses of the natural landscape outside.
The double room is a more subdued affair with grey checked wallpaper and a mix of modern and traditional lighting. It does however have a rather impressive oversized headboard which has been beautifully upholstered containing the pops of orange which run through the theme of the design. The bed was extremely comfortable and despite it being so close to the ferry port, you didn’t hear anything at all.
The contemporary Kirklea Island Suites exude a warm, cosy and inviting ambience, and are the perfect home away from home experience. Their fantastic location is the perfect base to explore the Isle of Harris and everything that it has to offer. If you are looking for a relaxing and luxurious getaway, at an affordable price, in a remarkable location, then look no further than the immaculately presented Kirklea Island Suites.
Blu Blazer Guy Rating:
Location – 5/5 – Located close by the ferry terminal and main tourist areas.
Accommodation – 4.5/5 – Stylish, Comfortable, Luxurious and homely.
Cleanliness – 5/5 – Clean and Tidy and adhering to all covid guidelines.
Food & Drink – 4/5 – Self catering but condiments, coffee and tea provided and restaurants close by.
Kirklea Island Suites
Manse Road, Tarbert,
Isle of Harris, HS3 3DF
BLU BLAZER GUY 