Scarista House

Business Details

Luxury Hotel & Gourmet Dining in Isle of Harris

Scarista House offers a unique blend of traditional hospitality and modern comfort in a historic Georgian manse overlooking Harris's coastline. Established over two centuries ago, the property has evolved from a minister's residence to a renowned small hotel, preserving its character through open fires, period furnishings, and personalized service. Owned and operated by Tim and Patricia Martin alongside Neil King, the business combines gourmet dining with locally sourced ingredients, award-winning wines, and access to remote Hebridean landscapes. Guests enjoy sea-view rooms, a library with open fire, and a commitment to sustainability through organic produce and homemade delicacies.

The property accommodates pets and families, featuring both main-house rooms and self-catering suites in Glebe House. Regularly featured in prestigious guides like The Good Hotel Guide and Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay, Scarista House maintains its reputation through consistent quality and seasonal adaptations. The Martins personally oversee operations, ensuring guests experience the Hebrides' natural beauty alongside culinary excellence. Winter closures allow for maintenance, with reopenings timed to showcase Harris's landscapes at their peak.

Services

Accommodation Gourmet Dining Self-Catering Cottage Pet-Friendly Stays Wedding Hosting

Highlights and features

We offer 200 years of hospitality tradition in a Grade B listed building
Our restaurant features locally sourced seafood and organic produce
Award-winning accommodations in Scotland's remote Hebridean archipelago
Personalized service by owners with decades of hospitality experience
Unique combination of historic architecture and modern comfort

What people say

Warm welcome Superb seafood Breathtaking scenery Personalised service Award-winning cuisine

Website

Update Listing

Services

Luxury Accommodation

Scarista House offers six elegantly appointed rooms with uninterrupted ocean vistas. The main house features DOT, HANNAH, and ELSA rooms, while Glebe House provides LILY, LUCY, and FLORA suites with private sitting areas. All accommodations combine period furnishings with modern comforts like en-suite bathrooms and open fires. The property maintains a 200-year-old hospitality tradition while offering contemporary amenities.

Gourmet Dining

The restaurant serves daily changing menus featuring Hebridean seafood, island lamb, and organic produce. Three- and four-course dinners include house-made breads, canaps, and petit fours. With wine pairings from an 80-bottle list, the dining experience has earned recognition in The Times' top 10 UK seaside restaurants. Vegetarian and vegan options available with advance notice.

Self-Catering Cottage

Glebe Cottage provides independent accommodation for up to six guests across three bedrooms. The property includes kitchen facilities, open fire, and laundry appliances. Pet-friendly with a 25 charge per stay, the cottage offers similar sea views to the main house. Weekly rentals start at 1195, available during specific seasonal periods.

Pet-Friendly Stays

Scarista House accommodates pets by prior arrangement, with designated rooms and Glebe Cottage available. A 25 fee covers up to two dogs, while specific areas exclude pets. The policy maintains balance between guest preferences and comfort, allowing pets in most accommodations while preserving some pet-free zones.

Seasonal Events

Guests receive guidance on local activities including Harris Tweed weaving visits, outdoor adventures, and historical sites. The property partners with Scaladale Centre for outdoor activities and provides information on Kilda Cruises. Seasonal events include North Harris Trust's mountain celebrations and golf experiences at Harris Golf Club.

People

Tim Martin

Proprietor

Co-owner and operator of Scarista House with 20+ years hospitality experience. Oversees daily operations while maintaining the property's historic character. Previously worked in luxury hotel management across Scotland before settling in Harris.

Patricia Martin

Proprietor

Co-owner responsible for guest relations and culinary standards. Combines traditional Scottish hospitality with modern gastronomy. Previously trained in fine dining establishments before establishing Scarista House's award-winning restaurant.

Neil King

Co-Owner

Investor and strategic partner in Scarista House's operations. Provides business development expertise while allowing day-to-day management to the Martins. Maintains oversight of financial and expansion planning.

Questions

When does Scarista House reopen after winter closure?

We typically reopen in April each year after winter maintenance. Exact dates vary slightly annually but generally operate from mid-April to October.

Can I book a single-night stay?

While our online system requires minimum two-night bookings, we occasionally accommodate single-night stays outside peak periods. Please contact us directly for availability.

What dining options exist for non-residents?

Our restaurant welcomes non-residents for dinner nightly and breakfast during operating season. We require advance bookings for all guests.

Are pets allowed in all accommodation types?

Pets are welcome by arrangement in most rooms and Glebe Cottage. The 1st floor drawing room and dining areas remain pet-free for allergy-sensitive guests.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Visa and MasterCard for deposits and payments. Cash and card payments are accepted for incidental charges during your stay.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Malcolm Smith

Jun 15, 2022 Report

Set menu, but will cater for special requirements. Lovely food. Excellent service. Great old house with the best views of the sunset.

Neil Hemmings

May 12, 2022 Report

Went for evening meal - superb in every respect! Old-school service and attention to detail, old-school furnishings and decor; but absolutely brilliant cuisine.

Murray Edwards

Sep 22, 2021 Report

A first class evening, extremely efficient service and really friendly atmosphere. It felt like a private dinner party! Met some interesting people too!

Will Dashwood

Sep 09, 2021 Report

Excellent formal dining experience. Not cheap, but well worth it in my opinion. If you're in a campervan it's worth asking the proprietors if you can use their car park. We just parked up in a lay-by in front of the house.

Rosemary Young

Nov 30, 2014 Report

Stayed here again this year and enjoyed it all immensely. I really love everyone sitting down for dinner at 8 p.m. after getting to know other guests in the house either in the library or upstairs drawing room. The food was delicious, well presented and the sunset so good we all went outside to view it between courses. Stayed in the same room which was beautifully appointed and the fresh milk delivery a welcome addition.

Well done the team especially George the waiting on staff member! This is a very individual establishment which offers guests a different experience and one which appeared to be very much enjoyed by all.