Skerrols House, Islay, Scotland

Situated opposite Loch Skerrol, just a short drive from Bridgend, this stunning house is more than just a Bed and Breakfast. Dave and I drove up the road to an isolated homestead where we were warmly greeted by Thomas, the manager. Skerrols House has 7 luxury rooms, and due to a slight mix up in dates, Dave and I spent our two nights in 2 different rooms.  Our first night was in room 7, the King Room, which is situated on the ground floor away from all the other rooms.

The bathroom included a huge shower and stunning bath and we were provided with Arran Aromatics shampoo, conditioner shower gel and soap, as well as tissues, ear buds and cotton wool. There was a radiator in the bathroom which doubled as a towel heater, and the heat from this was enough to warm the entire room. I am sure that in winter one would need it on full blast together with the radiator in the bedroom. The water pressure in both showers was high and I could get the water hot enough for me. There was a small rack in the shower for all the bottles which most places seem to overlook. Plenty of towels were provided which for me is a huge plus as I use two for showering. We were also given bathrobes that were thick and fluffy and on hindsight I should have inquired about buying one for home as mine needs replacing and I cannot find them locally. There were slippers in the cupboard as well as a hair dryer, lantern and extra blankets. Hangers were plentiful and had we been staying a while, we could have made use of the chest of drawers. As a huge plus, this room had 2 luggage racks and it is something I am considering getting for our guest bedroom. The side tables next to our beds had decent reading lamps, and enough space for books and everything else I have stashed next to my bed. There was also a clock, which I hid in the drawer as the ticking was too loud for me. Pillows were plentiful, with us having 3 each. There was also a couch and chairs in the room where we could sit and read, or watch satellite TV. The blackout curtains meant we could sleep later than sunrise. I loved the vanity mirror and door hooks for jackets. Such a small touch, but in guest rooms a necessity. Had it rained a lot, we could have made use of the separate boot room for muddy shoes. Had I been inclined I could have ironed clothes in this room as well.

Our second night was spent in room 4, a standard double room, upstairs, that had no couch or bath, only one luggage rack and 2 pillows each. Both rooms are amazingly appointed and the beds were extremely comfortable, with high end quality linen. A turn down service is offered if required. There was complimentary bottled water in the rooms, Deans shortbread rounds, as well as a choice of coffees, teas and hot chocolate and the kettle was a two cup size, perfect for a guest room. If we had wanted to, we could have made use of the guest sitting room where there were complimentary bottles of water and an open log fire perfect for cold winter nights. Plenty of books were placed around the house for people to read and there was the option of watching the TV in the guest lounge. Free wifi is provided throughout Skerrols House, and the coverage is excellent.

Breakfast is served in the breakfast room, just off the kitchen and there is a buffet choice, as well as hot breakfast choices. The first morning I made short work of the fresh cherries and indulged in porridge, whereas the second morning I went full out and had the Scottish breakfast. Skerrols House has a small room for playing chess, a library and snug as well as beautiful gardens with outdoor seating. Parking is on site, free and secure and there is also lockable storage for bicycles. The reception area has plenty of tourist information brochures and maps. Nothing is too difficult for Thomas, and at a ring of a bell he helped me with a pen (mine had run dry) as well as extra coffee for our room, after we had turned down his offer of making it for us when we arrived.

If we are fortunate enough to visit Islay again, we will return to Skerrols House. Contact them on +44 1496 810 520 or use this link to book your accommodation and get 10% back after your stay.

What I blogged March 23:

• one year ago – Pistachio Paste

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