Alona Croft Cottage

ALONA CROFT COTTAGE

 
Alona is an old Gaelic word meaning exquisitely beautiful, a description which clearly applies to our delightful cottage and its idyllic surroundings. Alona stands just a few yards from the famous Cockle strand beach (Traigh Mhor) with its vast bay of white sand fringed by turquoise sea. It is here that the daily plane from Glasgow lands on the beach. The only runway in the world washed twice daily by the sea.
Traigh Mhor is separated from an even more beautiful beach by a narrow isthmus of land, largely made up of sand dunes. This beach, Traigh Eais, is a wide expanse of pure white sand stretching for over a mile, lapped by Atlantic rollers.
Alona is the perfect place to stay in Barra. It is situated in the hamlet of Ardmhor in what is generally considered to be the most beautiful part of the island. Ardmhor is conveniently located just one mile from the Eriskay ferry and a similar distance from the airport and Northbay. Northbay is the second largest village on the island and is home to an excellent hotel, The Heathbank, which has a public bar and serves meals to non-residents.
We acquired the cottage in October 2010 and spent most of last year undertaking a full renovation with new furniture, floorings and fittings in every room. The work has been completed to a very high standard throughout as can be seen from the following photographs.

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Lounge

 

Kitchen

Bathroom

Stairwell

Kitchen Dining Room
The cottage can accommodate four people in two bedrooms – one double with king size bed and the other with two single beds. It is ideal for a family of up to four. The accommodation comprises the following-;
Lounge – Lounge with two settees, multi fuel burning stove, television and DVD player.
Kitchen/ Dining room - halogen hob, built in electric oven, fridge with freezer compartment, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, dining table and four chairs.
Bathroom  – Curved shower bath, toilet and washbasin.
Bedroom 1 – King-size bed with 1500 spring mattress and duvet.
Bedroom 2 – Twin beds with duvets.
Alona was substantially rebuilt 13 years ago and is highly insulated. It is very warm and cosy and provides the opportunity to stay in an authentic crofter’s cottage whilst enjoying all the comforts and mod cons of the 21st century.
We have almost 40 years of experience in visiting the islands and therefore know them almost as well as many of the locals. We have prepared a comprehensive guide of things to do and what to see on Barra and neighbouring islands such as Vatersay, Eriskay, and Mingulay and are in the process of compiling a library of local books and DVDs. If there is anything you wish to know about the cottage or the island, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our terms (inclusive of all linen, towels and electricity) are -:
£400 per week July and August.
£350 per week May, June and September
£300 per week October to April
Special terms Christmas, Easter and New Year
Bookings will normally be from Saturday to Saturday but it may be possible to vary this on application, particularly in early and late season.
Alona is a non-smoking cottage and we are sorry but we cannot accommodate pets.
If you require further information please call either 01995 670931 or 07833 644200, or write to -:
Paul and Martine Hayhurst
10 Linden Fold
Elswick
Preston
PR4 3YF
Email alona@ardmhor12.plus.com 
Last year the cottage was let for six weeks in late summer following the renovations and everybody loved it. The following are some of the comments we received -:
‘We found the cottage to be lovely warm and beautifully looked after and had a great week. Many thanks’
‘Just a note to say that we thoroughly enjoyed your lovely cottage. You have done it up beautifully and sympathetically, and it made an excellent home from home for us’
‘I can see why you bought the cottage and it must be a real thrill to have it. I wish you many happy times there. I feel very lucky to have found a place to retreat to, and very much hope to be back soon’
‘Just to let you know that we had a very enjoyable time at the cottage. Everything was perfect and the bed was extremely comfortable. You are very lucky to have such a lovely spot’
‘I have enjoyed my break and staying at the cottage. It felt quite like home’