The Happy Bishop

Perched overlooking the stunning coastline of the Isle of Lewis, this striking, energy-efficient house is surrounded by rugged mountains, sandy beaches and beautiful clear waters. Explore the breathtaking natural beauty around you or head out to explore Lewis or Harris nearby, with the opportunity to spot wildlife such as seals, dolphins and seabirds along the way. Or, you can simply take it all in from the glass-fronted balcony with a glass of something and soak up the serenity of this patch of unspoiled coastline.

You'll find The Happy Bishop in one of the island's traditional crofting communities with a remote, wild feeling to the location. The contemporary style of the house was designed with sustainable living and the surrounding environment in mind. It features a sloping living roof that mirrors the dramatic shapes of the landscape beyond and is clad in Siberian Larch, helping it blend in with the natural surroundings. You'll be warm and cosy while enjoying the stunning views through huge windows thanks to the underfloor heating, all powered by an air source heat pump. And thanks to the Bluetooth speaker, you can play your own tunes throughout your stay.

The open-plan living area is the heart of the house with the huge windows that overlook the water providing the focal point. Relax on the sofa or sit down to a meal at the dining table and enjoy the stunning views. On warmer days, open the big sliding doors and extend your living space out onto the balcony, the perfect spot for a cup of coffee to start your day off. There's a fully-equipped kitchen with all the essentials to get you started and a picnic bag and flask for your outdoor adventures.

You also have a study area that is ideal for anyone who needs to do a bit of work during their stay. The study area is spacious and is separated off from the open lounge living area and has a large desk.

Move through to the bedroom where you'll find a luxurious king size bed, complete with soft, crisp linens and with Egyptian cotton towels waiting for you. The ensuite bathroom features a walk-in shower and natural, ethical toiletries are provided.

There's plenty of exploring to do in the surrounding area, from hiking along the coastal trails to visiting historic landmarks and cultural sites. Get your bearings with a stroll along the coast to Cliff or Reef beach or hop in the car and head to picturesque beaches like Dalmore and Uig Sands where you might be lucky enough to spot some seals. Alternatively the Kneep/Valtos beaches are literally on your doorstep.

For history enthusiasts, a trip to the ancient and mysterious Callanish Standing Stones is a must. Or you can learn a bit more about the island's traditional crofting heritage by visiting the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. For a change of scene, the bustling town of Stornoway is less than an hour's drive with a range of shops, restaurants and a museum to explore.