Enjoyed our stay, very comfortable and peaceful. The cottage provides a home from home, nice and warm with everything you might need. Carefully maintained we foundation it excellent value for money. The Berneray people are sooo friendly! We will never forget the view from the french windows, looking over open land, seeing cows and sheep wandering up and down. Very relaxing! We can only highly recommend this place!
Cornelis A. from Oosterend NH stayed at The Smiddy for 14 nights in October 2024
Fourth visit
Review submitted on Tue, 08 Oct 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
We were back for two weeks and it felt like coming home. Comfortable, clean and well-equipped! We will be back again.
Susan from Callander stayed at The Smiddy for 14 nights in September 2024
Ruth replied 98 days ago
Thank you for your lovely review Susan and Eammon! Was lovely to have you back with us & we look forward to seeing you again sometime.
Great place to stay with lovely views & lots of bird life to see outside. Very pleasant owners .
Review submitted on Fri, 27 Sep 2024
3.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer Service
4.0
Great location for a house,looking out over machair land with arable crops and cattle and sheep. Comfortable,cosy place to stay in.
Robin from Perthshire stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in September 2024
Ruth replied 98 days ago
Thank you for your review Robin and May. It was lovely to have you back with us again. We look forward to seeing you again!
A MAGICAL PLACE
Review submitted on Tue, 17 Sep 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
A REALLY SPECIAL PLACE. GREAT VIEWS AND GREAT COMFORT-EVEN A WHIRLPOOL BATH.
LOVELY WELCOME PACK WHICH TOOK ACCOUNT OF MY BEING GLUTEN FREE
Lesley from Edinburgh stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in September 2024
A fabulous cottage, incredible location!
Review submitted on Tue, 10 Sep 2024
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
The Smiddy is run by Gloria and Ruth., they are both incredibly hands on and most helpful. The cottage is set in a fantastic location, with stunning views, and the facilities are great - with most things you need whilst on Berneray. The bathroom is spacious and warm, the kitchen is basically equipped, but more than sufficient - the fridge is small, but the little out house acts as a larder and very cool space for vegetables , wine, general provisions etc etc. and there is a freezer in the little out house.
The laundry facilities are excellent and there is a small dishwasher, should you need it. The cottage is extremely warm, and very well insulated. The sheets, duvet and towels are of good quality.
The location of the Smiddy is very close to The Berneray Cafe, which offers excellent take aways and dinners/lunch and basic groceries. It is in walking distance and a 4 minute drive by car. 30 minutes to The Co-op at Sollas, which is very well equipped and has daily deliveries and 20 minutes drive to Lochmaddy for Fuel and the Ferry.
I can highly recommend anyone staying at The Smiddy. You won't be disappointed and will wish to return!
Penelope from Beauly stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in August 2024
Ruth replied 124 days ago
Thank you for your lovely review Penelope. It was lovely to have you and Tom stay and we look forward to having you back with us again sometime down the track!
Lovely cottage with great location
Review submitted on Wed, 24 Jul 2024
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
Great cottage with a lovely outlook.
Comfortable temperatures, with good heating.
A lot of bird species in evidence as seen through lounge windows,
Robin from Perthshire stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in July 2024
Ruth replied 124 days ago
Thank you Robin and May for your lovely review. We look forward to your next holiday with us! See you soon!
A lovely cottage
Review submitted on Tue, 18 Jun 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
Our 9th stay in the Smiddy. Gloria and Ruth can help with everything, and the Smiddy was as usual clean and inviting.
Erik from Nesttun stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in May 2024
Gloria & Ruth replied 210 days ago
Thank you for your lovely review Erik! Was wonderful to see you both again! We look forward to seeing you in 2025!
our wonderful hebridian holiday
Review submitted on Thu, 23 May 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
Our 4th visit to The Smiddy and booked in for next year..
The accommodation is the last property on the road so sitting in the lounge you are looking onto the machair .If birdwatching is your thing, this is heaven, white tailed eagles, short eared owls and hen harriers past the patio window daily and corncrake in the garden and surrounding area.
The property owner lets you control the under floor heating, so it is always comfortable to come back to, and champagne and afew goodies await you arrival
Alan Nottinghamshire
Alan from Nottingham stayed at The Smiddy for 14 nights in May 2024
Completely perfect
Review submitted on Tue, 14 May 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
We stayed a week at The Smiddy. Quite delightful. Even sat out in the sun on the garden chairs. Gloria was more than generous with all the goodies left in the fridge. The bathroom was exceptionally layed out for anyone with a disability. Lovely location looking across the machair towards the sand dunes of the West Beach. We will certainly be returning.
Margery Osborne
Margery from Helensburgh stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in April 2024
Gloria & Ruth replied 242 days ago
Thank you for your lovely review Margery! It was a pleasure to have you and Cyril stay. We look forward to your next visit.
A very nice cottage in a beutiful nature.
Review submitted on Wed, 01 Nov 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
The hosts Gloria and Ruth are fantastic, and help us if we have any problems or need anything. A visit to the bistro close by is renommended.
Monica from Nesttun stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in October 2023
Relaxing week in early October exploring the beaches of Berneray and North Uist
Review submitted on Wed, 18 Oct 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
A very enjoyable week in a clean and pleasant cottage with lovely views down towards the Machair. Well provisioned kitchen with a thoughtful welcome pack including some nice home baking and locally made marmalade amongst other things. The underfloor heating provides a gentle background heat. There is a gas stove as well which we never needed. Bedroom was very roomy with a good Super King bed. Can also be split into two singles. We found the duvet just a bit heavy for our liking but that is more personal choice. We wouldn't hesitate to return (and likely will).
David from Kingussie stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in October 2023
Most things perfect
Review submitted on Tue, 26 Sep 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
Wonderful situation overlooking Machair farmland. Lot of BirdLife seen .
Very comfortable & warm cottage.
Robin from Perthshire stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in September 2023
Ruth replied more than 1 year ago
Thank you for your lovely review Robin! Was lovely to have you and May back with us and we look forward to seeing you next time round!
Everyone deserves a week at the Smiddy!
Review submitted on Mon, 14 Aug 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
We have just returned from one of the very best holidays we've ever experienced! The Smiddy on Berneray is a truly special place to stay and relax, with the most amazing views of the machair. We enjoyed exploring the island by foot, watching basking seals and visiting the island museum which was fascinating. Everyone deserves a week at the Smiddy!
Trish from Pechey stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in July 2023
Another excellent stay at the Smithy
Review submitted on Tue, 18 Jul 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
It was good to return to the Smithy for another excellent stay. The accommodation and setting is excellent and cannot praise them enough.
Ruth went out her way to get langoustines straight out the creel for our arrival as well as trying to source local venison for us. John Angus got lobster and crab for us to take home.
It was also relaxing to sit down with Gloria for a cuppa and catch up. Looking forward to your next stay.
Iain from Errol stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in July 2023
Quiet Place
Review submitted on Tue, 11 Jul 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
The Smiddy is an bright, clean and comfortable cottage with views onto farmlife, wildlife and weather.
Susan from Callander stayed at The Smiddy for 14 nights in June 2023
A very Nice cottage situated in wonderful nature.
Review submitted on Wed, 21 Jun 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
The Smiddy is a perfekt stay if you like walking in the nature watching fantastic beaches.
The hosts Gloria and Ruth are very nice and helpful, and can tell you a lot from the history
of Berneray.
Erik from Nesttun stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in June 2023
Perfect location
Review submitted on Fri, 16 Jun 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
Lovely walks from the cottage, a different walk every day. Beaches, machair, wildlife and sunsets made it a fantastic week, as did the nearby cafe and bistro, highly recommended! Berneray is a great island to explore and The Smiddy is in a superb central location, Gloria and Ruth were so kind and helpful, they made it a memorable stay.
Jonathan from New Mills stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in June 2023
Perfect
Review submitted on Wed, 31 May 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
This is as close to perfect as we have ever found in a holiday let . Location remarkable - great having bikes , twice daily sea swims . All you need in the cottage with view of the mach air and all the wildlife it supports . Thank you Gloria and Ruth
Louise from Edinburgh stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in May 2023
Our third visit
Review submitted on Tue, 23 May 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
If I could give The Smiddy a 6 for each of the section of the review I would gladly do so.We have just returned from our 3rd visit, and will be going to Bernarey next year too.With extensive views of the Machair from the lounge window it is a birdwatchers paradise.
Alan from Nottingham stayed at The Smiddy for 14 nights in May 2023
Beautiful accommodation and location
Review submitted on Tue, 18 Apr 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
The Smiddy is very contained, with everything on hand to make for a comfortable and memorable stay in this beautiful Hebridean Island. It was spotlessly clean when we arrived with a thoughtful welcome pack containing local foods, tea, coffee and also some very welcomed bubbles!
The bed and bathroom were very comfortable, with luxury toiletries to use in the shower and jacuzzi bath and the bed linen was of a very high standard (important to me for different reasons). We had a change of linen mid-way through our stay as we were there for a fortnight, there were plenty of towels for us to use and we could wash and dry our clothes with ease. The Smiddy is located in a beautiful spot, with fantastic and unforgettable views. Owners Gloria and Ruth are very helpful and friendly, being available whilst maintaining respectful distance.
Sarah from Darlington stayed at The Smiddy for 14 nights in April 2023
A very nice cottage on Berneray
Review submitted on Wed, 05 Oct 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
The Smiddy is very comfortable, and the owner Gloria and Ruth will do anything to give you a pleasant stay.
Erik from Nesttun stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in September 2022
Ruth replied more than 1 year ago
Thank you for your recent review. We greatly value your feedback and look forward to seeing you in 2023!
Lovely place with everything covered by the owner.Always wish we were not leaving when holiday finis
Review submitted on Wed, 28 Sep 2022
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer Service
4.0
Cottage has a wonderful outlook over the machair farmland which is situated in front of a panoramic view from living room. Many birds are seen from this window , including Sea Eagles & Hen Harriers.Very comfortable & warm & any problems dealt with quickly.
Robin from Perthshire stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in September 2022
Ruth replied more than 1 year ago
Thank you for your review. We’re glad you enjoyed your stay & we look forward to having you back with us again sometime in the future.
A very nice house.
Review submitted on Tue, 02 Aug 2022
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer Service
5.0
A nice modern house in the middle of the island of Berneray, a couple of minutes walk from the community hall. (I only gave it 4/5 for location as many other island properties are actually on the coast.)
The house is very well fitted out and had everything I needed in the kitchen. It is slightly inconvenient that the freezer is outside in the shed. The WiFi and TV worked well, but there was no mobile signal in the house - either connect over WiFi or walk to somewhere higher on the island. Washing machine and dishwasher were useful
The welcome pack was very good, including North Uist smoked salmon and home baked oatcakes.
The island is great - walk around it in less than a day, including a 3 mile sandy beach and colourful wild flowers on the machair.
Guest from Edinburgh stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in July 2022
Return visit
Review submitted on Tue, 19 Jul 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
We had a lovely holiday at The Smiddy 7 years ago and decided to return this year.
We were thrilled to find the property was every bit as good as before.
It has the best position on the island, a beautiful walk through the machair to West Beach and beyond.
The cottage is very well equipped with everything you could need, we especially enjoyed the jacuzzi bath after a days walking.
We were provided with a lovely welcome pack which even included champagne and smoked salmon!
We will definitely be back!
Maryclare from Aboyne stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in July 2022
Perfect
Review submitted on Tue, 31 May 2022
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
Lovely cottage on a beautiful island, only negative was the sofa....needs a new one hence the 4 out of 5. Host amazing, very friendly, welcome pack wonderful, bed comfortable and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this cottage to everyone.
Fiona from Ballachulish stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in May 2022
Ruth for Gloria replied more than 1 year ago
Thank you for your review. We welcome your feedback. Re sofa: we are in the process of upgrading the cushion seats for the sofa which we hope will give it a new life (the sofa itself is a fairly recent & expensive purchase). We will be passing our own views & those of our guests on to the manufacturer. Glad you enjoyed Berneray & your stay at The Smiddy.
Berneray, silver sands and turquoise seas
Review submitted on Wed, 25 May 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
We have been guests of Gloria and Ruth at The Smiddy on two occasions and are already booked in for 2023.
With views down to the Machir from the patio and Corncrakes in the garden. It's just paradise.
A comfortable accomodation and an excellent Bistro & shop just down the road, sit back and relax with a bottle of something nice.
Alan from Nottingham stayed at The Smiddy for 14 nights in May 2022
Ruth for Gloria replied more than 1 year ago
Thank you for the great review! It was lovely to have you stay with us again & we look forward to seeing you in 2023!
Two wonderful weeks on Berneray
Review submitted on Wed, 27 Oct 2021
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
We had an wonderful visit to an island we have come to love. The Smiddy was perfect and the views were amazing.
Eammon from Callander stayed at The Smiddy for 14 nights in October 2021
A perfect place to relax.
Review submitted on Sat, 25 Sep 2021
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
Lovely cosy cottage with everything you might need. Great location and very helpful owners. Berneray is a super island with a magical beach.
Guest from Perthshire stayed at The Smiddy for 11 nights in September 2021
Excellent stay at The Smiddy
Review submitted on Wed, 18 Aug 2021
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
A fantastic location for exploring Berneray and the surrounding islands. Clean, comfortable and relaxing accommodation. Highly recommended
Guest from Dunfermline stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in August 2021
Great location on a fantastic island.
Review submitted on Wed, 11 Aug 2021
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer Service
5.0
Five star property but furnishings now dated. No coffee table..What is the point of having a dishwater when there is only two of everything?Two cups, saucers, plates etc. Also makes it impossible to invite friends for a meal..
Great location and hosts. Would return. An island with fantastic scenery and wildlife
Excellent welcome package and lovely hosts who were very helpful and available
Guest from Ayr stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in July 2021
Gloria replied more than 1 year ago
Thank you for your positive review and valuable feedback.
We have now added more specific and clear information about the steps we have taken to help keep our guests & staff safe during the COVID pandemic (e.g. reducing the number of touchable surfaces – crockery, cutlery etc). We are now also explaining to our guests where the coffee table is exactly.
We’re glad you enjoyed our service, the welcome pack & the island itself and would welcome you back.
Stay safe & well as we navigate our way through these challenging times.
All the very best,
Gloria
Top quality all round
Review submitted on Tue, 27 Jul 2021
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer Service
5.0
The accommodation, welcome and location on the edge of the machair make this a very special retreat for a holiday for two. Enjoy!
Sandra from Aberdeen stayed at The Smiddy for 7 nights in July 2021
