Guests say
Burnside Cottage in Bruichladdich offers a cosy and well-equipped base for exploring Islay, with guests praising its quiet location near the distillery, comfortable beds, and spacious garden. The cottage is appreciated for its cleanliness, reliable WiFi, and ample kitchenware. While some mention the exterior and porch could use further attention, and a few found the lounge compact for larger groups, most found the property warm, functional, and ideal for couples, families, and dog owners. The cottage provides good value for money and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for repeat visitors.
Most guests found the cottage clean and well-presented, with several reviews specifically mentioning spotless arrival and tidy interiors. However, a few guests noted issues such as soiled bedding and wet floors on arrival, indicating occasional lapses.
The location is highly praised for its proximity to Bruichladdich Distillery, local amenities, and easy access to other parts of Islay. Guests appreciated the quiet cul-de-sac setting and countryside views.
Guests frequently commented on the comfort of the beds and the warmth of the cottage. The property is described as cosy and suitable for families and dog owners, though a few found the lounge small for four people and noted the bathroom layout may not suit everyone.
The cottage is generally well-equipped, with a good kitchen, large TV, reliable WiFi, and laundry facilities. Some guests noted the need for minor improvements, such as more microwave dishes, bathroom shelving, and ongoing exterior maintenance.
Some guests mentioned a welcome pack with tea, coffee, and biscuits, and appreciated dog-friendly touches and helpful communication from the owner. However, the welcome pack is not consistently provided and cannot be guaranteed.
About this property
Set in the whisky village of Bruichladdich, in the heart of the beautiful Hebridean Island of Islay, this welcoming, pet-friendly, family cottage lies close to sandy beaches. Enjoy wild adventures, exploring, visiting distilleries and birdwatching..
Ground Floor:
Living/dining room: Sky Glass TV, Woodburner
Kitchen: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Washing Machine
Bathroom: Corner Bath, Cubicle Shower, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Bedroom 2: Zip And Link Super Kingsize Bed (2 x Singles On Request).
Oil central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Travel cot, highchair and 2 stairgates.. Enclosed rear garden with sitting-out area and garden furniture. Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: It is advisable to book the ferry in advance.. This semi-detached cottage lies in the heart of the village of Bruichladdich, a short walk from the distillery, village shop and the beach front. Recently renovated in 2022 with loving care by the owner, it has an enclosed garden and is tucked away in a lovely sunny position in a quiet residential area, with open fields on one side. Perfect for a small family or couple, its spacious open-plan living/dining room to relax in. There are views over the rear garden from this room and there is a well-equipped kitchen where you can rustle up your favourite meals. A handy porch is great for storing outside gear and wellies, and this leads into an enclosed, sheltered rear garden with a sitting-out area, the perfect place for making the most of the sunshine or relaxing in the evening gazing up at the stars. The ground floor bathroom features a large corner bath as well as an amazing shower cabin, ideal after a day’s walking! Upstairs are two welcoming bedrooms, one with a comfy kingsize bed and the other with zip and link super kingszie bed.
Bruichladdich is a distillery village, situated on the peninsula known as the Rhinns of Islay on the shores of beautiful Loch Indaal and is an excellent base for visiting the wonderful and unique Isle of Islay. As well as the distillery, there is a handy mini-market where you can buy daily groceries. Just 2 miles down the road, is the bigger village of Port Charlotte, with its charming white stone cottages, hotel, restaurant, café, village shop with post office, as well as a museum and wildlife visitor centre. There’s also a restaurant, bar and children’s playground at Port Mor, just outside the village. A recent addition for walkers is The Loch Indaal Way, a coastal walk connecting the two villages of Bruicladdich and Port Charlotte, ideal for any ability.
Bruichladdich is about 20 minutes’ drive from the two ferry ports of Port Ellen and Port Askaig (advance booking advisable) and just 10 minutes from the main town of Bowmore, which has a charming small village character, with plenty of amenities and a good variety of shops, hotels and restaurants, banks, post office and swimming pool with fitness centre. There are many small villages within a short driving distance, with Port Ellen being the principal fishing port and ferry terminal on the island with shopping facilities, hotels, restaurants, post office and pontoons available for yachts.
The world famous, challenging golf links at Machrie are about 15 miles away nestled alongside 7 miles of pristine beach. At the ferry port of Port Askaig, you can catch a ferry to the Isle of Jura which also has a world class reputation for whisky and beautiful scenery. Islay is known as ‘The Queen of the Hebrides’, and can be easily accessed by ferry from Kennacraig in Kintyre or from Oban. The island is quite large and is a paradise for birdwatchers, ramblers, fishermen, golfers, artists, lovers of fine food and, of course, there are nine (and counting!) whisky distilleries to visit and savour. Ideal for an adventurous family, with sandy beaches to explore, fabulous walking and, being fairly flat, it is perfect for cycling. Beach 500 yards.
Free WiFi
Electric vehicle charging is not permitted at the property.
It is advisable to book the ferry crossing in advance
Scottish Letting Licence No: AR02222F
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Reviews (14)
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Caitlin
Our second time at Burnside Cottage on Islay - We wouldn’t stay anywhere else on the island. The cottage is fantastic and is always spotless on arrival. Located on a quiet residential street and a stone throw from Bruichladdich Distillery and Bruichladdich Mini shop, you aren’t isolated but still get the island charm with views of the fields from the garden. You will sometimes catch a sunset from garden (depending on the time of year), which is a great size complete with seating area and fully enclosed for our dog who is made to feel right at home at Burnside Cottage. There is also BBQ equipment in the shed for your use and storage if you need to put bikes in there. The cottage is decorated to a high standard and is within an extremely affordable price point in comparison to other properties on the island. Peter has made noticeable improvements since our last stay in 2024 (small extension/porch completed, CCTV outside near the parking area for safety, new fencing outside, driveway area renovated, electricity meter upgrade, new carpets). The large TV with Sky Glass in the lounge was more than appreciated where we watched films at night and caught the last few games of the World Cup. The WiFi is strong and reliable. The kitchen is well equipped where we spent each night making lovely dinners. There are plenty of dishes, picnic equipment, cleaning materials, washing detergent and even a wee welcome pack with coffee/tea and some biscuits for your arrival which is great after travelling. The washer and dryer are very good quality and well maintained - We went home with no laundry to do, brilliant! The beds are very comfortable and there is plenty of storage for your belongings. The bathroom is a great size and the bath is personally my favourite thing about Burnside Cottage. As expected, Peter is on hand should you need anything at all during your stay. I really can’t get my head around the bad reviews, don’t come to Islay and expect something from the Ritz unless you want to stay at The Machrie - Support the locals and embed yourself in island life. For the person complaining about not having a shelf for their fancy toiletries, use the bath ledge (not rocket science) and please, if you bring a pet, clean up after yourself and take the hoover for a walk around the place as to not spoil this wonderful dog friendly property for the rest of us. See you again in 2027!
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Ronald Pierce
Burnside Cottage is very comfortable and well equipped with a most efficient central heating system. It's in a very quiet location at the end of a narrow road next to the Bruichladdich Distillery There is plenty of space for guests' belongings and lots of cooking utensils. Don't be put off by the kerbside appearance of the property which looks a bit run down, the interior is just fine. We highly recommend the cafe at the Port Mor campsite and the Port Charlotte Hotel for posh food. EV owners beware however, there are not many charging points on Islay (only 2 50kW charge points which can be a bit temperamental).
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Rini
Fijne bedden, lekker rustig en aan het einde van het straatje. Alles was aanwezig zelfs een droger.