FB Twitter

Garvard

Garvard

4.5
out of 5
Ratings from 37 reviews
95% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
4.6
Comfort
4.5
Condition
4.2
Location
5.0
Value
4.1
Customer
Service
4.8

Visit website

Check Availability


In a stunning location at the southern end of the island, this farmhouse has 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and is at the end of a half-mile-long rough track. It has commanding views over the tidal Strand towards Oransay.

Beautiful location but expensive

Review submitted on Thu, 20 Jun 2024
4.2
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Garvard is in a beautiful and peaceful location , but given it sleeps 10 the spaces & facilities are insufficient for 10 adults . Felt it was overpriced and electricity was an additional cost . It was clean the cleaners do a great job .

June from Lanark stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in June 2024


This farmhouse has a stunning view and position

Review submitted on Mon, 11 Sep 2023
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had a great week enhanced by fantastic weather. Colonsay is charmingly unspoilt. Garvard in perfect position for walking the Strand to Oransay. Fantastic views. Very comfortable well equipped cottage and a pleasure dealing with Colonsay Holidays.

Trisha from The Street, Ewelme stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in September 2023


Wonderful holiday

Review submitted on Tue, 27 Jun 2023
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had another wonderful holiday at Garvard. It has a magnificent setting overlooking the Strand and Oronssy. It makes for a really peaceful holiday. The house is well equipped with an excellent kitchen and efficient wood burning stove. The bathroom has incredible views.

James from Newcastle Upon Tyne stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in June 2023


Another brilliant holiday in Garvard

Review submitted on Tue, 07 Jun 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
This was our 10th holiday on Colonsay and our second year in Garvard. The location of Garvard is unique with stunning views across the Strand to the east with the Paps of Jura and Islay in the background and Oronsay to the south. Every morning we looked out to this view, we heard a cuckoo every day and saw barnacle geese feeding in the field in front of the house. Every evening we watched the sun's rays on the Paps then later the flash of the lighthouse on Islay. Each day we had a walk direct from the house and only used the car to visit the north of the island or Scalasaig for the shop or post office.
Garvard is a very spacious and comfortable house with a large well equipped kitchen and dining table adequate for up to ten people. The lounge is also spacious and very comfortable with a great stove which we used several times. It also has a very interesting selection of books. The bedrooms are very comfortable and the upstairs bathroom has a magnificent view over the Strand to the Paps of Jura. All in all Garvard is an ideal house for a holiday on this beatiful island.



William from Glasgow stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in May 2022


A lovely old farmhouse in a stunning location

Review submitted on Wed, 11 May 2022
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
We have stayed here 4 times now. The house has been refurbished recently and is very comfortable. It’s a wonderful place from which to explore Colonsay, with many walks starting from the house itself. The location with views across the Strand to Oronsay is absolutely stunning and is one of the reasons we keep returning.

One word of warning: the night storage heaters are charged at full rate and not off-peak rate, so can be very expensive.

Francis from York stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in May 2022


Wonderful and relaxing

Review submitted on Mon, 25 Apr 2022
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
Great place to stay if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and relax with the endless views which change with the weather and the time of day.

Guest from Sadberge stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in April 2022


Family Holiday

Review submitted on Sat, 11 Sep 2021
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Thankyou to all the Team at Colonsay Holidays, we had a wonderful stay and especially Thankyou for arranging the excellent weather we had !!

R from Greysouthen stayed at Garvard for 14 nights in August 2021


Our fifth stay at Garvard says it all.

Review submitted on Mon, 12 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
Apart from the company of Brown Rats and a dodgy stove, our stay was all we expected. Grass mown twice was really appreciated.

Marion from Aberdeen stayed at Garvard for 14 nights in June 2021


Stunning location and spacious house. Views to die for.

Review submitted on Wed, 30 Jun 2021
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Garvard is a large house in a remote location with beautiful far reaching views of the strand, Oransay and the Paps of Jura in the distance.
The house is well equipped, clean and comfortable. The three upstairs bedrooms are lovely and the two smaller downstairs rooms are adequate. The kitchen is well equipped and a great size for a large group as we did lots of cooking in there!
The lounge is a little tired, but having said that, it was nice not to have to worry about 'high end' furnishings on a Hebridean holiday.
The walks from the house are outstanding and a trek round the left side of the strand to the western beaches there is as beautiful a place as anywhere in the world, in my view.
A wonderful addition to the house would be a full knock down of the kitchen wall with full bifold doors to maximise the outlook.

Gill from Cambridge stayed at Garvard for 14 nights in June 2021


Lovely holiday at Garvard

Review submitted on Mon, 07 Jun 2021
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Our party of 3 adults had a wonderful stay at this well appointed and equipped house. The rooms have excellent views and are comfortable. It is well located for seeing wildlife, visiting Oransay and yet not far from the shop and hotel.

Jim from Newcastle upon Tyne stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in May 2021


Looking out over the Strand towards Oransay, Islay and Jura

Review submitted on Mon, 24 May 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 great week, with children and grandchildren. Four glorious days on various beaches, interspersed with wilder weather! Other highlights included ice cream in the Pantry; visiting the Bookshop; cream teas at Colonsay House Gardens; and morning/evening visits to Oransay.

Jean from West Linton stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in May 2021


A Very happy time at Garvard

Review submitted on Tue, 15 Sep 2020
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 cant think of anything negative to say other than very tiny niggles - the kitchen sink is in an awkward position... (but who cares really) - A decent washing up bowl in a larger sink might have made things easier but you're not going to enlarge the sink just for that... some more sharp knives in the kitchen wold have been useful - in fact that was probably the most annoying thing. Some smaller sharper ones and a decent bread knife that didn't bend.
As large houses go i think it is in as good a position as any. We'd go back, if we wanted a house that size. We were sorry to leave. The weather wasnt great but that isnt the fault of the house, and at least there was space and capacity for drying. The garden is great, and the washing lines. More pegs might be useful.
The chimney smoked so we couldnt use the fire - something must have been blocking it.... That was a shame as a fire would have been nice. but it wasnt the end of the world.
All in all it was great. Cosy, spacious, a happy house to be in.
oh - one downside perhaps - we saw a rat in the garden several times.... Perhaps inevitable given the farm buildings behind the house. He/she never appeared when we were playing in the garden. All the same - a bit creepy.

BUT - an excellent house. Wonderful views when you could see them.... and peaceful - wonderfully gloriously peaceful.

Bridget from Hexham stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in August 2020


Garvard

Review submitted on Tue, 08 Sep 2020
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
Garvard is in a wonderful location with beaches within walking distance (even for little people). The views over the Strand towards Oronsay, Jura and Isla are superb.

Helen from East Hagbourne stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in August 2020


A remote cottage in beautiful surroundings

Review submitted on Mon, 07 Sep 2020
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 cottage feels very peaceful and remote. It has wonderful views from all the windows, many looking out across the Strand. It is well situated for walking across the Strand to Oronsay and the wonderful beacches on the south of Colonsay. Also convenient for setting off from with Kyaks at high tide. Cosy, well equipped and comfortable for 10 people. This was our second visit and we would happily return.

Guest from Kingston Upon Thames stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in August 2020


Wonderful views

Review submitted on Tue, 25 Aug 2020
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
The cottage suited our needs perfectly. The views were amazing whatever the weather, as were the beaches and many walks we took. It was wonderful to escape to Colonsay.

Guest from London stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in July 2020


Escape

Review submitted on Mon, 17 Aug 2020
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Just a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle. Space to breathe!! Amazing location, fab views.
Felt very safe with precautions in place to reduce risk of Covid transmission.
Cottages team responsive to queries.

R from Greysouthen stayed at Garvard for 12 nights in August 2020


Autumn glory at Garvard!

Review submitted on Mon, 21 Oct 2019
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 for a week in mid-October in lovely Garvard, 2 adults, 3 children and a lively puppy, and we had a wonderful time. The house is big enough for everyone to either gather together or have some peace on their own, and the walled garden is absolutely ideal for keeping the dog contained safely.
The views south over the Strand and on to Islay and Jura are stunning, ever changing, with light reflecting off the water, or wet sand when the tide is out. The geese are gathering at this time of year, and the spectacular morning fly-past is really special.
A female hen-harrier must be a local resident, we saw her fairly regularly.
The house is well-equipped, warm and cosy, with an excellent little solid fuel stove, kitchen is lovely to work in, with those southerly views through the sliding doors into the garden. We were obviously lucky with the weather, it was mostly sunny, but then our memories of Colonsay is that it is mostly sunny!
Can't wait to come back to Garvard! Thanks again, Willie

William from Bridge Of Allan stayed at Garvard for 5 nights in October 2019


Hebridean Hideaway

Review submitted on Tue, 03 Sep 2019
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Lovely and peaceful, away from all the modern distractions of phone, TV or internet. Delightful.
Thankyou.

R from Greysouthen stayed at Garvard for 28 nights in August 2019


Beautiful remote location

Review submitted on Mon, 29 Jul 2019
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
Garvard is a lovely house in a quiet, remote location. It has stunning views and you can walk out of the door and carry on walking for miles along paths and beaches. The kitchen is very well equipped and we had plenty of hot water for everyone!

Joanna from Moreton In Marsh stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in July 2019


Holiday in Garvard

Review submitted on Mon, 24 Jun 2019
4.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Excellent holiday in Garvard on a beautiful island that is doing a wonderful job of keeping free of litter

Guest from Hertfordshire stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in June 2019


A comfortable house and one of the best locations we have stayed in over the years (34!!)

Review submitted on Mon, 27 May 2019
4.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
the house was perfect for our party of 6 adults, a baby and two large dogs. the accommodation provided everything we needed and there is always something to see from the windows as the tides and weather change.great walking for the door and also a fab spot to nothing ...juts being!.

Moya from Sheffield stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in May 2019


Another magical stay

Review submitted on Tue, 14 May 2019
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We adored garvard house and had another amazing week on Colonsay. Incredible views from the house, especially the bathroom! We hope to be back before too long!

Poppy from Castle Douglas stayed at Garvard for 14 nights in May 2019


GARVARD our ancestor’s home

Review submitted on Thu, 18 Apr 2019
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
Two brothers and a sister (with spouses) came to GARVARD Farm House because it was from GARVARD that our Great Great Grandfather was born and emigrated to Canada from in 1843. We simply loved our stay, and the location, and all of the people we came in contact with on Colonsay Island.

Bryce from Waskada stayed at Garvard for 5 nights in April 2019


An excellent big comfortable family home from home, with a sunny safe garden.

Review submitted on Fri, 12 Apr 2019
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 house is located in utterly beautiful surroundings, with an ever changing view of the tides. The big south facing walled garden is accessed directly from the kitchen, and is ideal for all kinds of games.
The little private track is a bumpy but great cycle practice run for younger children, and the lack of light pollution means that the starscape is wonderful on a clear night.
The kitchen is very well equipped, and the little living room coal stove is just the thing for the cold Spring evenings.

William from Bridge Of Allan stayed at Garvard for 5 nights in April 2019


Great week at Garvard

Review submitted on Tue, 02 Oct 2018
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 week at Garvard in all kinds of weather. The location is perfect for walks along the coast and over to Oronsay. The house is beautiful and comfortable and the view from the bath is sensational!



Heather from Glasgow stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in September 2018


Stunning views

Review submitted on Mon, 27 Aug 2018
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Beautiful place, very comfortable house, couldn’t have had a happier week. Kitchen facilities were very good, just two bathrooms which got a bit crowded but the views from the bath are unbeatable!

Honor from London stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in August 2018


Beautiful Island, shame about the house.

Review submitted on Mon, 23 Jul 2018
2.8
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
2.0
Condition
2.0
Location
5.0
Value
1.0
Customer
Service
4.0
For over £2200 per week on a cottage rental,you might expect a few special touches, you should expect a flourish of luxury, you definitely expect a functioning oven!

Sadly, non of these things are on offer at Garvard.

The house is beautifully set on the southern end of colonsay with views to die for. Sadly, the owners seem to feel that the cottages elevated position and grand vista views are reason enough to charge a premium holiday cottage rate.

Now all would have been forgiven if a few basic mod cons had been included. After all, we DID come here for the outdoors and the stunning setting, not a state of the art high end property.

However, to rent a house out with a broken top oven, no television, no radio, no sound bar or music hub of any sort, a broken toaster, damp rot patches in every room and an emersion heater that appears to hold enough water for one bath, (in a cottage that is advertised as sleeping over 10) I mean come on guys, time to up your game and re-invest some of these colonsay estate earnings back into the property.

There is also no phone line, broadband or mobile phone reception, so these who have young children or even teenage children, beware.

The final point I’d like to make about Garvard is their policy of charging additional for electricity use. I’d be happy to do this if the property was costed less expensively, but at the rates they are charging, surely there should not be extra costs such as this.

Please up your game Alexander Howard and the Colonsay Estate! Perhaps aspire to making your rental properties as luxurious as your own lovely home, Colonsay House and gardens!



Russell from Edinburgh stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in July 2018


Beautiful place on a beutiful island.

Review submitted on Mon, 21 May 2018
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Garvard House is located at the south end of the island with superb views across to Oronsay and Jura beyond. Lots of easy walking with surprise views everywhere. Kiloran bay in the north a main attraction (but still only two dozen folks on a mile of sand) - Loads of other beaches where you can find space just for yourself. Plenty of craggy landscape and seascapes too - with some esoteric rock climbing if you like that sort of thing.

The local folk are as friendly a group as you will meet anywhere. The staff at the Colonsay hotel likewise; but take your football kit as they will likely dragoon you into their beach game on Wednesdays.

All in all - a great holiday.


William James from North Shields stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in May 2018


Hebridean fling

Review submitted on Mon, 04 Sep 2017
3.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Lovely location. Stunning views, escape from a busy working life to Hebridean retreat with no TV Internet or phone reception...
Bliss

Guest from Greysouthen stayed at Garvard for 14 nights in August 2017


Garvard

Review submitted on Mon, 03 Jul 2017
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This was our third year at Garvard. It is in an amazing location, has everything you could need, and feels like a home from home. We'll be back next year!

Peter from Aldwincle stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in June 2017


stunning location hidden up a long track. isolated with a delightful island to explore

Review submitted on Tue, 11 Oct 2016
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
A well appointed house in a stunningly isolated location.
Warm snug with the wind at times howling around the tin grooves.
Although the details say it has enough room for10 people I would dispute this.
Six comfortably upstairs but only one bathroom and the two bedrooms downstairs are really only for children.
!0 grown ups is not feasible.
Could not recommend it highly enough
Thank you

Elizabeth from Moreton In Marsh stayed at Garvard for 13 nights in September 2016


Garvard is an excellent holiday house; loved it, and look forward to returning in April.

Review submitted on Mon, 10 Oct 2016
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The Hotel staff were very helpful in arranging the booking and throughout our week. The property would benefit from a small multi- fuel burner rather than an open fire, and (regrettably) Wifi

Fiona from Haddington stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in October 2016


Amazing location for comfortable but remote cottage

Review submitted on Tue, 20 Sep 2016
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Colonsay is a truly lovely island, and Garvard Cottage has one of the most beautiful settings in the world – its views over the strand to Oransay are sublime. We really loved staying there: it's clean and comfortable, with a large sitting room, good sofas and an open fire. The downstairs bedrooms at the back do smell a little musty though. And another key point to be aware of is that the cottage stands quite some way up a very rough track. Our low-slung estate car grounded repeatedly trying to drive it the first time. We ended up leaving the car at the bottom of the track and walking the 10mins to and from the cottage. A 4x4 with good ground clearance would be fine. But without one, this is probably not the place for parties whose members can't walk a decent distance over rough ground.

Guest from London stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in September 2016


Wild , remote, beautiful

Review submitted on Sun, 22 May 2016
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Beautiful views, no TV , no phone signal, no internet ......what more could you want? Lovely big rooms . nice well stocked kitchen. Walled garden , bumpy track.

Katherine from Newbury stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in April 2016


Garvard - June 2015

Review submitted on Mon, 29 Jun 2015
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
The location of Garvard is its greatest selling point - the view is magnificent and it has the most amazingly scenic bathroom.

The kitchen facilities were much improved from previous visits a few years ago. Accommodation is relatively basic, but comfortable enough and reasonably priced.

If you are looking for a holiday home that really does enable you to get away from it all, we would recommend Garvard. We have spent a couple of happy holidays there.

The Tranter family.

Guest from Orpington stayed at Garvard for 7 nights in June 2015


Fabulous position for exploring the southern end of the island.

Review submitted on Thu, 19 Mar 2015
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
Very comfortable farmhouse with excellent heating. The house has a brand new stylish kitchen. Sitting room is a good size with an open fire. Bathroom has best view I have ever experienced - straight out over the tidal strand towards Oronsay, fabulous!

Guest from Isle of Colonsay stayed at Garvard for 102 nights in December 2014


Gloriously peaceful

Review submitted on Mon, 01 Sep 2014
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We love the views and peace at Gatvard
The cottage clean and had comforts like cosy sofas
There is no TV / phone reception / internet, which for us is part of the joy.


R from Greysouthen stayed at Garvard for 13 nights in August 2014