Lochbay stay.A stay at this Lochbay vacation home places you within 3 miles (5 km) of The Shilasdair Shop and 6 miles (10 km) of Trumpan Church. Dunvegan Castle is within 9 miles (15 km) and Macleod's Tables is within 12 miles (20 km).
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye
The House Tern House is a traditional Skye whitehouse, restored and renovated in recent years by renowned highland architects Dualchas. Nestled in the north-west of Skye at the heart of Waternish, it now provides a relaxing island hideaway for up to 6 guests, featuring stunning views across the peninsula to the Outer Hebrides. Modern, eco-friendly farmhouse self-catering in an unforgettable location. The village of Stein with the Michelin starred Loch Bay restaurant is only an 8 minute walk away. The Space: Tern House features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, all with fitted showers. One bedroom has a Super King size bed, one has a King size bed, and the other features two single beds. The open plan downstairs living area sweeps past the Hwam woodburner with adjacent seating in to the rear kitchen extension. This is via a pair of Harris Tweed curtains which can be closed to provide privacy between the two areas if required. The kitchen is equipped with a 5 burner gas hob paired with an electric Rangemaster oven and has black granite worktops throughout. Ample quality kitchenware and crockery is provided. Waternish was recently connected to Fibre broadband and so Tern House features download speeds of up to 150mb for home workers or leisurely surfing/streaming of the internet. Wifi connectivity is strong throughout the house. Outside, the raised picnic table area provides panoramic views down to Stein below and over Northwest to the Outer Hebrides which are clearly visible on the horizon when weather allows. This aspect also allows for beautiful sunsets year round as well as a dramatic outlook to sea no-matter what the weather. There is parking for up to three cars and the site also features a small scale wind turbine which has been erected to provide power for the development and lower the carbon footprint of Tern House overall. The Area: A 8-minute stroll away is Stein, a conservation village which was designed originally by Thomas Telford as a model fishing village at the end of the 18th century. Stein boasts the renowned Loch Bay Restaurant, the only Michelin-starred restaurant on the Island. Along the pretty terrace, you will also find Skye's oldest pub, the Stein Inn, which serves good food and local ales. Waternish is home to a wealth of beautiful shorelines to walk along, as well as forestry walks where you can sometimes view amazing wildlife including golden eagles, sea eagles, seals, dolphins, whales, otters and corncrakes. It also has several popular visitor attractions including the 5-star Skyeskyns (next door to the House), Scotland’s only traditional sheepskin tannery and showroom. Guest Access: Guests shall be able to access all areas of the house plus the outdoor garden area in front of the house. This features a raised picnic table and bench from which to enjoy the spectacular views. EV Charging: Tern House has a newly fitted 7kW EV chargepoint. Guests are asked to contact their host in advance if they wish to use this. Charges are an additional 50p per kW used, payable to your host after checking out. Ideally, please bring a 5 metre cable (or longer) for easy access.
Sight Seeing: Tern House has an outstanding location from which to see Skye's major tourist sights. Roughly 40 minutes drive to the East is the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and Fairy Glen above Uig. 40 minutes drive West will take you to Talisker Bay, the Distillery and The Fairy Pools. Nearby we have Dunvegan Castle, The Coral Beach, and Waternish Point which offers panoramic views of the Outer Hebrides whatever the weather!
Food & Restaurants: As well as the Michelin starred Loch Bay restaurant and The Stein Inn within an easy 8 minute walk from Tern House, we have The Edinbane Lodge, The Dunvegan, and Greshornish House all offering excellent food and all within a 15 minute drive from the Tern House, door to door. Slightly further afield is The Three Chimneys, at around a 25 minute drive. Whatever your taste and price point, Tern House and the surrounding area has an outstanding selection of high quality options for dining out if desired.
Property manager
Iain Allinson
Languages
English
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Bathtub
Hair dryer
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Garden
Terrace
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Unit size: 2,045 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.
Property Registration Number HI-30089-F
Property is also known as
453350
Frequently asked questions
How close is Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye to the airport?
This vacation home is 76.8 mi (208-min drive) away from the Benbecula (BEB) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye to the beach?
This vacation home is 12 mi (34-min drive) from Claigan Coral Beach and 12 mi (34-min drive) from Coral Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
What time is check-in at Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye have a pool?
This vacation home does not have a pool.
Does Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye to downtown Waternish?
This vacation home is 1 mi away from Waternish.
Tern House, Waternish, Isle of Skye Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 8 reviews
10 - Excellent
8
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 8 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 8 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Margaret M.
Jun 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Best self-catering rental ever
This property was really special, and was definitely the best self-catering rental we have ever stayed in. The attention to detail and the understated elegant aesthetic of the house, the beautiful wild garden and the incomparable setting overlooking Loch Bay was exquisite and elevated our time in the Highlands. We loved and used the fireplace, soaked in one the tubs and appreciated having a washing machine. The kitchen had everything we needed and more. We hope to return our adult in the next couple of years.
Margaret M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Bob M.
Apr 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Truly Amazing
After a long day of driving past tons of sheep from Inverness, we arrived at the house on Skye. It was indeed remote, exactly as we expected. Thankfully, the wifi information was posted visibly in a window so we could check the app for entry instructions, because there was a triffling amount of cell signal out there.Once inside, the sunny kitchen was glorious. The entire house was comfortable, with great views of the water.One night we even could see the aurora in the night sky.The only downside was the tarvern/inn/pub at the water, the only place to eat, required reservations, and was booked up. But, the weather was nice enough to sit outside and they happily served us at the picnic tables.
Bob M.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andraya T.
Oct 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful stay
Fantastic house with a stunning location.
Andraya T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Julie M.
Sep 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
McInnis
This stay was AWESOME and added great value and experience to our family vacation
Julie M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kelli E.
May 9, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Isle of Skye
This home was a wonderful spot for 5 adults and 1 infant to stay while exploring Skye. We really appreciated the 3 bathrooms and the central location to explore the area. The kitchen is fabulous, everything you could want to prepare food to eat in or to take on a picnic. We took the owners advice and stocked up on groceries when we passed through Portree. The Yurtea had amazing baked treats and a cozy atmosphere and just a few steps away. The chocolate orange brownie was amazing! The Skyeskin shop next door was wonderful for unique souvenirs as well. Thank you for a truly memorable vacation.
Kelli E.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Maria A.
Sep 12, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
One of the Best on VRBO!
This property did not disappoint! It is even more beautiful than the pictures show. The rooms were clean and comfortable and the kitchen was incredibly well stocked. The hosts were very communicative and very helpful. They helped us plan our days on the island. They also had instructions on how to use different pieces of equipment around the house. The views from the windows are lovely but are equally rivaled by the walled garden from the dining table. We were so sad to checkout!
Maria A.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
richard k.
Aug 29, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic property and location
My family of 4 had a wonderful stay at Tern house. The location is peaceful with great view but only a short walk from the local Inn. The house itself is well presented with high quality furnishings and high spec appliances. The information provided by the owners Caroline and Iain was comprehensive and timely. Would not hesitate to visit again.