A converted 19th century school set within the wild, magical landscape of an Outer Hebridean isle, Tigharry Schoolhouse is a unique contemporary property found in the beautiful western reaches of North Uist, the central island of the famed archipelago, 40 miles off Scotland’s west coast. Surrounded by fields, farmland and meadows of wildflowers, the Schoolhouse is an idyllic retreat providing spacious, stylish accommodation, a short stroll from the shores of the Atlantic.
The islands of the Outer Hebrides are renowned for their unparalleled natural beauty, abundant wildlife and expansive white-sand beaches, often cited as the very best in Europe. Here, at the furthest fringes of the British Isles is a beguiling landscape of loch, moorland, machair and ocean; where the elements cast their captivating spell over the sky; and the hypnotic otherworldly light filters vast panoramas across land and sea.
Originally constructed as the village school for the crofting hamlet of Tigharry, a large-scale renovation has since transformed the Schoolhouse into a modern home, perfect for groups of family or friends. Light-filled, open-plan spaces provide the backdrop for relaxed, contemporary living, while large windows afford vistas across loch and machair, allowing the landscape to permeate in.
The social history of the house lends it a distinctive charm. Generations of island children were educated at the school and elements of the building’s previous life have been reflected in its conversion and design. The former classroom and dining hall have been stripped back and reinstated to their original scale, resulting in the creation of two, large vaulted spaces that now form the social heart of the house. In the attached cottage, rooms that once served as the teacher’s lodgings have been sensitively updated to provide comfortable sleeping quarters and cosy private spaces.
The house offers the perfect combination of contemporary accommodation, home comforts and an unspoilt, away-from-it-all location. Ideally situated for exploring the very best of the Western Isles, empty beaches, wonderful walks and wildlife wait to be discovered on the doorstep; while for those who decide to venture further afield, the wonders of neighbouring Harris and Barra are only a day-trip away.
