Earth House is an amazing property situated just a short distance from the small village of Laide. This single-storey house is certainly unusual and quite hard to spot, with a turfed roof that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape. The location offers picturesque views over Gruinard Bay and towards the mountains of Assynt in the north.
Designed and constructed by the owner over an extended period, Earth House provides a unique experience. The main living area, which includes sofas and a dining area, features floor-to-ceiling windows and allows direct access to the outdoor patio. Adjacent to this area, one can find a well-equipped kitchen and a study space. The property comprises two en-suite bedrooms—one with a king-size bed and the other with a twin bed. A utility area and a cloakroom complete the facilities.
Although this is an underground property, it is cosy and welcoming with electric heating throughout. Outside the secluded garden, with its shoreline location, is an ideal place to sit and relax after a day of exploration.
Due to various safety factors at this property, children under 12 years of age are not permitted. At the time of booking, please insert the ages of your children in the comments box on the booking form.
Situated close to the North Coast 500 route, the area also offers a broad range of places to visit. For stocking up on supplies, the largest village of the area is Gairloch, where you can find shops, restaurants, as well as the Gairloch Museum, winner of the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020. Golfers won’t be disappointed by the Gairloch Golf Club, with 18 holes and stunning coastal views.
Closer to Earth House is the village of Poolewe, where you can find Inverewe Gardens, famous for its subtropical plants and redwood trees. Just along the road is the Russian Arctic Convoy Museum, which tells the story of the village's crucial role in a vital WWII mission to deliver supplies to Russia. Head to Pool House for a bite to eat and follow it up with a tour of the historic home.
Most visitors to the Highlands come seeking contact with nature and to explore stunning Scottish landscapes, and Wester Ross does not disappoint. Laide can be used as a base to scale impressive mountains, such as Beinn Lair, Beinn Airigh Charr, and Beinn a' Chaisgein Mor. The Corrieshalloch Gorge National Park and Nature Reserve features a suspension bridge spanning a deep, mile-long ravine that is sure to cause an adrenaline rush.
Those without a head for heights will enjoy strolling along one of the many breathtaking beaches, including Gruinard Beach, Mellon Udrigle, and Slaggan Bay. To get out on the water, get in contact with Ewe Canoe, who can arrange half tours of the area’s many bays, lochs and rivers. On-land walking tours can be taken with Wild Ewe Safaris, whether you wish to learn how to spot otters or explore Loch Ewe’s rainforest.
A maximum of two well-behaved pets are allowed at the property; an additional weekly charge of £15.00 per pet applies.
Due to various safety factors at this property, children under 12 years of age are not permitted. At the time of booking, please insert the ages of your children in the comments box on the booking form.
A Good Housekeeping Deposit of £150 is required at the property.
STL Licence No - HI-10462-F EPC RATING: PENDING
Guests rate Earth House: Excellent from 30 reviews About Reviews
We had a wonderful week's stay at the Earth House. We arrived just before Storm Amy and had a front row view of the stormy seas over the weekend - just amazing. The location is absolutely brilliant for bird watching and we were also lucky enough to see otters fishing on a couple of days. The Earth House itself is very special place & such a thoughtful design; we absolutely loved staying there. One of us is a wheelchair user and the house being all on one level made our stay very easy. We ordered supplies from the very helpful Laide Stores and enjoyed the fresh fish van that comes in a Tuesday. Did I mention the awesome views across Gruinard Bay?! With the ever changing light & stunning scenery it is an artists paradise. We have already booked another week for next year.
We had a fantastic time at Earth House - truly a special place. This was our second visit and our first trip to Scotland in the summer - braving the notorious midges. Earth House had everything we could possibly need and we enjoyed the peace and tranquility of a beautiful setting. We spent many hours watching a family of otters from the garden and were even visited by a juvenile white tailed sea eagle. Hopefully we'll be back again sometime soon. A magical place.
Delightful and as others have said quirky cottage, it was very clean and whoever looks after it does a thorough job. Views from the cottage were spectacular and we were fortunate as in the main had cloudless blue skies. Absolutely loved by the two dogs, Archie and Willow as they were able to play in the enclosed garden. Fortunately when we were there there were no sheep grazing along the shore line which allowed us even more freedom with them. On the whole though we found the area around Laide and Gruinard not great for walking dogs off the lead. We highly recommend the community woodland at Laide, the volunteers do sterling work even daily watering newly planted primroses so they wouldn't dry in the heat.
The Earth House is a very special place, a comfortable home from home with quirky architecture, unbeatable views, a garden full of wildflowers and your own, magic beach with pebbles and rock pools. The nearby post office supplied our immediate needs for food and drink, while the circular walk along the coast from Mellon Udrigle provided amazing vistas. We had amazing weather, which helped make our week extra-special. Our dog loved the enclosed garden with lots of nooks, crannies and hills to explore. None of us wanted to leave, and we will be back!
Just had a wonderful week at the Earth House. Best view we have had in 30 years of holiday cottages! Lovely to experience living in this type of house having only seen one on Grand Designs. Every need catered for. The only thing we would share with other dog owners is that there are abundant ticks in the area so make sure you treat your dogs before your holiday.
Just had the most peaceful and relaxing week here. The location is unbeatable. Fabulous views and total privacy. Loved being able to walk straight out onto the beach. Also wonderful to sit inside and watch the ever changing scenery. Such an interesting property that provides everything you need, even down to a welcome bottle of wine!
