The View House · Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay

Portbahn House

Self-catering holiday home · Sleeping 8

Sleeps8 guests

Bedrooms3

Bathrooms2

PetsWelcome

Portbahn is a family 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 ensuite shower room with slate tile walls and glass enclosure, Portbahn House Islay Scotland

“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 (5 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 Eco 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 →

Where You Are

Bruichladdich

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

Bruichladdich Distillery5-minute walk (coastal cycle path)
Port Charlotte5-minute drive

Guest Reviews

What guests say.

226+ reviews across platforms

4.97

Airbnb · 156 reviews

9.5

Booking.com · 33 reviews

5.0

Google · 37 reviews

Google · September 2024
★★★★★
“Being able to walk to Bruichladdich Distillery and back after a tasting was perfect. The location is unbeatable for whisky lovers.”
Airbnb · November 2024
★★★★★
“This is honestly one of my favorite stays in all of Scotland. The house exceeded our expectations in every way - the pictures don't do it justice.”
Airbnb · August 2024
★★★★★
“Immaculately clean and thoughtfully equipped. Every detail was considered - from the coffee setup to the beach toys for kids.”
Airbnb · December 2024
★★★★★
“The views from the master bedroom are absolutely stunning. Waking up to the sunrise over Loch Indaal was magical every single morning.”
Booking.com · October 2024
★★★★★
“The kids absolutely loved the trampoline and we loved that we could watch them from the kitchen. Perfect setup for families.”

See every review on the platform

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.

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 5-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

Ten 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.

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