The View House · Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay

Portbahn House

Self-catering holiday home · Sleeping 8

Sleeps8 guests

Bedrooms3

Bathrooms2

PetsWelcome

Portbahn House is our old family home, now a holiday house on the shore of Loch Indaal in Bruichladdich on the Isle of Islay, Scotland. It sleeps 8 in 3 ground-floor bedrooms with sea views from most rooms, a private garden with trampoline and swings, and walking access to Bruichladdich Distillery, Port Charlotte village, and Portbahn Beach.

Sunroom with wicker chairs and garden views through windows, Portbahn House Islay Scotland

Guest Review

“Being able to walk to Bruichladdich Distillery and back after a tasting was perfect. The location is unbeatable for whisky lovers.”

Google, September 2024 · ★★★★★

Living Spaces · 01

Inside, the hearth.

The house sits right on the shoreline of Loch Indaal with sea views from most rooms. On a clear day you can see the Paps of Jura from the sofa and look across the loch to Bowmore and the Mull of Oa. The open-plan layout is great for families and groups - a big kitchen with a huge oak dining table for 8, a sitting room with a wood-burning stove, and a conservatory that gets the morning sun. Underfloor heating throughout keeps it warm all through the Hebridean winter.

Dining room with oak table and bench, Islay map, and sunroom beyond, Portbahn House Bruichladdich

Dining area with whisky bottle shelf and pine dresser, Portbahn House Bruichladdich Islay

Kitchen with central island and bookshelves beside Loch Indaal windows, Portbahn House Islay

Kitchen island with view through open-plan living room to Loch Indaal, Portbahn House Islay

Living room with wood-burning stove and kitchen beyond, Portbahn House Islay Scotland

“Immaculately clean and thoughtfully equipped. Every detail was considered - from the coffee setup to the beach toys for kids.”

— Airbnb, August 2024

Bedrooms & Bathrooms · 02

Where you sleep.

All the bedrooms and bathrooms are on the ground floor, making it very accessible for everyone. The master bedroom has a super king and a single (sleeps 3) with its own ensuite shower room. There's a triple room with a double and single (sleeps 3), and a twin room with two singles (sleeps 2). The twin is the smallest room - fine for kids or a short stay, but couples might prefer the other bedrooms. The family bathroom has a jacuzzi style bath, a shower and toilet.

Ground-floor superking master bedroom with sea views, daybed and reading area, Portbahn House Islay

Ground-floor superking bedroom with teal cushions, Portbahn House Bruichladdich Islay

Ground-floor superking master bedroom with daybed and artwork, Portbahn House Islay Scotland

Ground-floor triple bedroom with double bed, single bed and sea views through windows, Portbahn House Islay

Ground-floor triple bedroom with double bed, single bed and sea views through two windows and Indian textile artwork, Portbahn House Islay

Ground-floor twin bedroom with colourful Scottish wool blankets and pine wardrobe, Portbahn House Islay Scotland

Ground-floor triple bedroom with double and single beds, Portbahn House Islay Scotland

Ground-floor main bathroom with jacuzzi soaker bath and slate tile walls, Portbahn House Bruichladdich Islay

“The views from the master bedroom are absolutely stunning. Waking up to the sunrise over Loch Indaal was magical every single morning.”

— Airbnb, December 2024

Outdoors · 03

Out the door, the loch.

Outside, the large private garden has a sunken trampoline and swings - kids can play while you watch from the kitchen. Sea views right across Loch Indaal to the Paps of Jura, a built-in barbecue by the decking for summer evenings, and plenty of room for dogs to run around. The decking at the front of the house is where most guests end up on a fine evening - picnic table, barrel planters, the sun going down over the loch.

The coastal cycle path runs right by the house, connecting you to Bruichladdich Distillery (10 minutes north) and Port Charlotte (30 minutes south on foot). Step out the door, straight onto the path. Dogs are welcome at £15 per dog per stay.

Portbahn House looking back from the Port Charlotte coastal path through through the reeds, Bruichladdich Isle of Islay Scotland

“The kids absolutely loved the trampoline and we loved that we could watch them from the kitchen. Perfect setup for families.”

Booking.com, October 2024

Portbahn House self-catering cottage has a huge enclosed garden and swing set and trampoline, Bruichladdich Isle of Islay, coastal walk to Port Charlotte

Portbahn House self-catering cottage at dusk with windswept reeds, 10-minute walk to Bruichladdich Distillery, Isle of Islay

Good to Know About Islay

Things worth knowing before you arrive.

Dog-Friendly Properties on Islay

All three properties — Portbahn House, Shorefield House and Curlew Cottage — welcome dogs at £15 per dog per stay, with no size or number limit. At Curlew Cottage, dogs must be kept on a lead at the front of the property and around neighbouring farmland; they can be let off the lead in the walled rear patio garden. Portbahn Beach is a 5-minute walk from all three properties. Islay is one of the best dog destinations in Scotland: empty beaches, quiet roads, and open countryside.

More about Dog-Friendly Properties on Islay →

Walking Distance to Bruichladdich Distillery

You're a short walk from the pioneering Bruichladdich Distillery along the coastal cycle path — 10 minutes from Portbahn House and Shorefield House, 15 minutes from Curlew Cottage. Tour the distillery, then walk home. Portbahn Beach is 5 minutes the other way. Port Charlotte village (restaurants, shops, museum, and petrol) is a 5-minute drive. Bruichladdich's central location means all eleven distilleries and Islay's best beaches are within easy reach.

More about Walking Distance to Bruichladdich Distillery →

Port Charlotte Village

Port Charlotte village is a 5-minute drive — perhaps Islay's prettiest, with the Port Charlotte Hotel (300+ whiskies, live music Wed & Sun), Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen (order the platter 24h ahead), Islay Museum, local shop, and the Port Mor playground for families.

More about Port Charlotte Village →

Ferry Basics

Getting to Islay isn't easy. And that's what makes it so special. With the right planning the journey is as much a part of the holiday as being here — not something to push through in choruses of "are we nearly there yet?". From the moment you leave Glasgow and reach Loch Lomond, the scenery changes dramatically. Bye bye Lowlands, hello Highlands. We make this crossing all the time, in all weathers — get in touch if you're not sure and we'll help you find the best route. Plan your journey →

More about Ferry Basics →

Where You Are

Bruichladdich

Shoreline location on the coastal path between Bruichladdich Distillery and Port Charlotte village

Bruichladdich Distillery
Port Charlotte

Guest Reviews

What guests say.

235+ reviews across platforms

4.97

Airbnb · 156 reviews

9.6

Booking.com · 37 reviews

5.0

Google · 42 reviews

Airbnb · September 2025
★★★★★
“Views over Loch Indaal in the morning were quite spectacular.”
John
Airbnb · August 2025
★★★★★
“We loved the view and easy access to Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte.”
Christian
Our reply
Oh heck, this makes my heart grow big Christian, and it's not even my house! Pi will be thrilled to hear her home being so enjoyed by your families! We really hope you get to stay again, it's quite obvious you had the most wonderful time making memories on Islay! Fingers crossed. Best wishes, and safe onward travels. Amba (and Pi)
Booking.com · August 2025
★★★★★
“With beautiful furnishings spacious rooms and incredible views, it was warm & welcoming.”
Jane
Our reply
This is a lovely review Jane, thank you! Thrilled that we have been a part of such a good holiday! Best wishes, Pi & The Team
Google · August 2025
★★★★★
“Spacious and homely with beautiful views.”
Jane Pritchard
Our reply
You would be very welcome to come back Jane! Thrilled you had such a wonderful stay, and thank you being super guests. Best wishes!
Google · July 2025
★★★★★
“we love Islay and are now glad to have found this gem of a place to stay.”
Jane Rennie
Our reply
Thank you Jane and family. We would love to you have back! Best wishes to you all!
Google · February 2025
★★★★★
“We appreciated the beautiful views and the very well stocked kitchen.”
Katie Ersland
Our reply
This is such a bubbly review Katie, and we really appreciate it, thank you! Best wishes, Pi & The Team!
Google · December 2024
★★★★★
“We enjoyed the views of Loch Indaal, walked to Port Charlotte and Bruchladich and made the short drives to several distilleries.”
James Goolsby
Our reply
Thanks James. We hope you are able to return to Islay soon soon, and look forward to welcoming you all back to Portbahn!
Airbnb · September 2024
★★★★★
“The location was gorgeous, with the windows facing the hills of Islay so we could watch the sunset.”
Katherine
Our reply
Oh Katherine, that first line! Thanks so much for this super review, truly. Portbahn was our home on Islay until our move to Jura, and we are really, really happy that our guests get to enjoy it as much as we did. Let's hope you get to come back and cosily soak up that sunset again some day soon x
Airbnb · September 2024
★★★★★
“Pi's place is located in the little village of Bruichladdich and offers plenty of comfort and space with incredible views!”
Michael
Our reply
Great review Michael, thanks! We agree, it's a cracking walk to Port Charlotte, along past the lighthouse. And, if you didn't get to visit all the distilleries, come back, you would be very welcome!!
Airbnb · October 2023
★★★★★
“Wonderful cottage right along the bay with absolutely stunning views!”
Brendan
Airbnb · September 2023
★★★★★
“The sunrise from the bedroom window was stunning.”
Matthew
Google · July 2023
★★★★★
“Very comfortable and would definitely book again if we return to Islay.”
Shona MacPherson
Our reply
Lovely to have you come stay and we’re glad you enjoyed the food and drink at Aileen’s Mini Market in Bruichladdich!
Airbnb · August 2022
★★★★★
“Beautiful house with amazing views.”
Lucy
Airbnb · June 2018
★★★★★
“Communication was great, check in and out was seamless & Pi was very helpful on our last day, the hottest day of the year!”
Andrea
Airbnb · April 2018
★★★★★
“Great view on the sea, clean, great rooms size and 15 minutes from Bowmore district and 2min from Bruichladdich distillery.”
Stan
Airbnb · June 2017
★★★★★
“Secluded and quiet, the location is more than just beautiful.”
Bobby
Airbnb · May 2017
★★★★★
“Lynton and Pi have a comfortable, cozy house with a beautiful view of Loch Indaal.”
Monique
Airbnb · January 2026
★★★★★
“The nature is absolutely beautiful and I would definitely wish to come back again.”
M.
Our reply
You were a pleasure to host Marwan. Until next time, best wishes to you both!
Airbnb · January 2026
★★★★
“Very beautiful space with a wonderful view”
Colton
Airbnb · October 2025
★★★★★
“The setting is beautiful, the house in every way comfortable and consistent with the description.”
Arnaud
Booking.com · September 2025
★★★★★
“The location is beautiful and there is a wonderful path in front of the house which is perfect for morning runs or walks.”
Megan
Our reply
Almost a glowing report! Thank you for mentioning the the icky bits Megan. There can be a little situational blindness toward the end of the season, as everyone becomes quite tired, and it's better for everyone if those that see it with fresh eyes point these things out! And sorry about the whiff! Kindest wishes!
Airbnb · September 2025
★★★★★
“Nearby Port Charlotte has some amazing seafood and we all enjoyed the distillery tour at nearby Bruichladdich.”
Chris
Our reply
This is a very thoughtful review Chris thank you. And what a weekend to travel! Wind and Water and a Wedding! Best wishes to you all, Pi & The Team.
Airbnb · September 2025
★★★★★
“We had an incredible time on Islay and this was a perfect place as home base.”
Saku
Our reply
Love this! Saku, you would be incredibly welcome to come and stay again, it was a pleasure to host you all! All the best, Pi & The Team
Airbnb · September 2025
★★★★★
“Quebec City, Canada Incredible and quiet spot, could stay there full time!”
Jonathan
Our reply
That's as good as it gets! Guests saying they could stay forever! Thanks heaps Jonathon, and best wishes!

See every review on the platform

Read all on Airbnb →Read all on Booking.com →Read all on Google →

Good to Know

Twin bedroom is quite small

Mentioned in 8-10 reviews. Fine for kids or short stays, but couples may prefer the other bedrooms. Two other bedrooms are spacious with sea views.

Underfloor heating takes time to warm up

3-4 reviews mention this. Wood-burning stove provides instant warmth. Not an issue if heating is on before arrival.

Can hear wind on stormy nights

Mentioned in 2-3 reviews. Part of the coastal experience - most guests love the drama of Atlantic storms. Well-insulated and cosy inside.

Indicative rates

What Portbahn House costs

Portbahn House indicative nightly rates by month
Period	Per night
Jan	From £161
Feb	From £161
Mar	From £173
Apr	From £300
May	From £300
Jun	From £356
Jul	From £300
Aug	From £333
Sep	From £310
Oct	From £315
Nov	From £173
Dec	From £173
Fèis Ìle week28 May–6 Jun 2027 · book well ahead	From £450

Accommodation only. Cleaning fee £120 per stay.

We update our rates week by week based on a number of local factors, so always check the live rates for the dates you'd like to book. These are average rates for the time of year, to give you an idea.

Check live rates and availability →

Common Questions

Everything guests ask before booking.

Can we check in early or have late checkout?

Standard times are 4pm check-in and 10am checkout, but contact me about your ferry or flight times—I'm flexible when the property schedule allows. I can almost always accommodate bag drop-off before check-in or storage after checkout. Over 30 reviews specifically mention my flexibility, and I hold a 5.0/5 communication rating across all properties.

Can you provide synthetic bedding for allergies?

Yes—just let me know about allergies when you book and I'll provide synthetic pillows and duvets for the affected bedrooms. This is a common request and easy to accommodate at any of our properties.

Is there parking at Portbahn House?

Yes—there's off-street parking for 2-3 cars directly adjacent to the property. You won't need to compete for street parking. Additional vehicles can park on the road nearby if needed for larger groups.

How many bedrooms does Portbahn House have?

Portbahn House has 3 bedrooms sleeping 8 guests across the ground floor: master bedroom with ensuite (superking + single, sleeps 3), triple bedroom (double + single, sleeps 3), and twin bedroom (two singles, sleeps 2). All bedrooms are ground floor with no stairs, making the property accessible for guests with mobility concerns.

Which distillery should we visit first?

Start with Bruichladdich—it's a 10-minute walk from Portbahn House along the coastal path. Tour the distillery, sample The Botanist gin, then walk home without worrying about driving. From there, choose based on your preferences: heavily peated (Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroaig), balanced (Bowmore, Kilchoman), or gentle/unpeated (Bunnahabhain). Book tours 2-3 weeks ahead, especially for summer.

While You're Here

Explore Islay

Eleven distilleries, miles of deserted beach, barnacle geese, white-tailed eagles, and a whisky festival in May. We've been here since 2017 — ask us anything.

Availability