FAQs
Here at Islay Cottages, we can get some questions from our guests prior to coming to stay with us. So we have created a helpful list of popular queries with an answer to them on this page. See a list of our FAQs below to answer any queries you may have about coming to stay with us at Islay Cottages. And if your question is not listed then please just get in touch…
We will fully refund deposits up until two months of arrival, within two months we will attempt to re-let and deposits will be returned only if we are successful
Please book online here. Alternatively, you can contact us here or call 07880 706356 and our manager will be happy to help.
When you make a booking, you will receive an email confirming all of your details. Please check your junk/spam folder as this may go there. If you can’t find this, or have any questions about your booking, please contact us here or by calling 07880 706356.
Bookings will be confirmed on receipt of a 25% deposit (net of any bank charges) for your stay. The balance of your stay should be received by us at least two months before arrival.
Payments should be made by bank transfer in Sterling net of any charges.
Islay Cottages: Sort: 83–91–37. Account No: 04212600
BIC/Swift: ADAGGB2S IBAN: GB24 ADAG83913722965201
Cheques can also be used which should be payable to: Islay Cottages and mailed to: Ardnave House, Gruinart, Islay, PA44 7PP.
Access to your accommodation is from 15.30 on the day of arrival and we request you depart by 9.30 on your departure day. Once you have arrived at your accommodation the door will be unlocked, at Kilchoman the cottage names are on the front doors, Dundonald is the black and white house to the right of the Harbour Inn.
No. All our accommodation is strictly non-smoking and pets of any description are unfortunately not permitted. However, we do allow guide dogs.
Yes. It is a satellite system and has limited usage for light browsing and emails only. It is not suitable for large downloads or streaming movies etc.
Yes. The water is collected from the burn on the hill and goes through an extensive filtering process. The water is tested regularly by Environmental Health to ensure quality. The brownish colour is the higher peat content and is not harmful.
Short breaks are available out with our peak season (April – September & December) and will be a percentage of the tariff. Ask us for details by contacting us here or by calling 07880 706356.
Everything was to a good standard, the beds were comfortable and the wi-fi connection was more than adequate for such a remote location (we didn’t use the TV/DVD). The living room and kitchen area is perfect for relaxing in the evenings, and you’ll be amazed at the quiet ! If your idea of the perfect holiday is getting out into the wilds and exploring miles of unspoilt beauty, this is the place for you. I am certain it is popular with walkers, but you can also do many exciting trips by car (which you’ll need anyway to get around !). Some of the roads do get a bit funky in places, and it’s largely single track with passing places, but you soon get used to this, and the courtesy between drivers is generally a joy to experience.
The Kilchoman cottages are near three absolutely stunning beaches, all within 4/5 miles: Machir Bay, Saligo Bay and Sanaigmore, it was impossible to choose between them, but we visited each one at least twice. Perhaps the most scenic beaches we’ve ever seen, with beautiful rock formations, white sand and totally unspoilt (and indeed generally deserted !)
There’s also the possibility to take a day trip over to the nearby island of Jura, the famous `paps’ (mountains) add a stunning back drop to so many places on Islay. It is a photographer’s dream. Life is simpler here, and in many ways it had not changed at all for me since 1972 ! A lifetime dream fulfilled to come back here, and I wasn’t disappointed ! We were very very lucky with the weather, which does help, and on a good day I wouldn’t hesitate to call it paradise.
Handy hints: Take plenty of basic provisions with you, but the Co-op in Bowmore is up to modern standards for most of your needs, we only needed a couple of trips there to restock in two weeks. If you’re big on nightlife and bustle, give it a miss…but if you love nature, beauty and fresh air….it can’t be beaten.
