Inside a stunning island holiday home which boasts beautiful views of Loch Dalbeg

Beach Cottage, a stone’s throw from Loch Dalbeg, revels in shades of the seaside and has wonderful views

Everything about this home has been designed to make you smile, even doing the chores.

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Lesley and Alisdair Wiseman already owned a self-catering property in Dalbeg on the Isle of Lewis when they decided to build their own home there.

“It really is a magical spot on the island in that it’s not far off the main road – so it’s an accessible location, but you overlook a loch full of lilies in the summer, you’re a stone’s throw from a beautiful sandy beach, and then you have cliffs on either side with ruined blackhouses teeming with archaeology,” says Lesley.

“We bought our first self-catering property about 10 years ago and then three years ago we decided to move here ourselves.

"We then realised the piece of land we had was sufficiently big at 1.5 acres and we decided to build a second self-catering property.”

With plenty of experience of family self-catering holidays, the couple knew what they wanted to build.

“It’s the first opportunity we’ve had to do something from scratch and include everything we felt a building should have in the way of comfort and facilities but also with light and views as well.”

As the couple had already built their own home on the site, realising the second property was an easier affair.

Picture: Beach Cottage, Andrew Dowsett

“As we’d fine-tuned the house we were going to live in, it made designing this one much simpler,” says Lesley.

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“We went to a local architect because the sloping site was challenging but we had very specific briefs – two pages of A4 detailing exactly what we wanted.

"We decided to build around the views but also to create a property that had the least impact on the landscape.

“Essentially Beach Cottage is a one-bedroom mini version of our house.

"We wanted to use timber because as it ages it will go grey and it will merge into the landscape.

"However, we felt if it was all timber it would look a bit like a shed.

"By adding the white render it’s given it a crisp cleanness, and it’s a nod to the past reminiscent of the traditional island houses. On the roof we chose zinc partly because we love zinc and partly for practicality.”

Internally, the layout is unsurprisingly, designed around the view.

Picture: Beach Cottage, Andrew Dowsett

“The rooms you spend significant amounts of time in have beautiful views but even the bathroom at the back of the house has a huge skylight which is great for stargazing in the bath,” says Lesley.

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“We also wanted to ensure there was no space wastage in the house, so the internal floor plan didn’t include lots of corridors and each room is a generous size.

"The sloping pitch of the roof was also intentional to add architectural interest and create a spacious, airy feel.

"However, the high-level windows not only give a beautiful north light, but in the summer they provide ventilation as well. They’re on motors and can be opened to create a through draught.”

When it came to the décor, Lesley is apparently well known as a “blue” person.

Picture: Beach Cottage, Andrew Dowsett

“I love the sea and the colours in the water here are like the Caribbean, beautiful shades of aqua, jades, turquoise and blue, so what I was trying to do was to pick up the colours you see looking out the window and bring them into the house.

“I wanted to replicate the feel of a cottage by the sea, but whilst I love the anchors and buoys outside, there needed to be a balance that was evocative of the sea without being kitsch.”

Clever rather than kitsch is the porthole window through to the utility room which also brings a smile to your face with its bespoke signage.

“The ‘laundry’ sign came about because I thought the room was a bit dull and it needed something to lift it,” says Lesley.

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“I was looking at standard signage and I didn’t find anything I particularly liked.

"Eventually I found a website where I could design my own and they sent me some colour samples and this one was perfect. Going into the laundry room always makes me smile.”

Other chores, like doing the dishes, are also made more bearable with clever design, as Lesley explains.

“We positioned the slit window at the kitchen sink, so you have a perfect view out to the loch where you can spot otters, swans and ducks – it makes doing the chores more fun.”

It would be hard to feel “blue” in this kitchen anyway with its vibrant splashback, but whilst the space has a slightly retro feel, it’s not Lesley’s normal style.

Picture: Beach Cottage, Andrew Dowsett

“I didn’t want a completely white room as I was concerned it would feel stark. Working in a bit of oak with the table and chairs in the dining area adds some warmth and brings the space together.”

Although the oak in the dining room plays a key role, elsewhere the woodwork is more muted.

“We whitewashed all the woodwork, so it has a toned-back appearance.

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"I didn’t want to draw attention to the wood, I wanted to draw attention to the outside. We’re great lovers of whitewashing as it’s very practical as well as beautiful.

"You don’t get the orange woodiness you get from pine when it starts to colour, and if it scratches it simply looks distressed.”

Picture: Beach Cottage, Andrew Dowsett

Doing two self-build projects, almost back to back,would be daunting for some, but Lesley and Alisdair seem to have taken it in their stride.

“I have to say, I love it all and I’m just thrilled with Beach Cottage. It’s nicer than I ever expected and we’re thrilled that it’s received a five star accreditation,” says Lesley.

“It’s just a really nice house to be in and it makes me smile.” Even when she’s doing the laundry…

Picture: Beach Cottage, Andrew Dowsett

Beach Cottage is available to let through LHH Scotland.

Words: Nichola Hunter

Photographs: Andrew Dowsett