Hona

About

Hona is a small house in an imposing landscape of contrasts, from austere rocky mountains to soft white sandy beaches. The incredible landscape of Harris and Lewis has much to offer in terms of its dramatic natural beauty, social history, and outdoor activities such as swimming, walking, climbing, fishing, canoeing. Hona offers a comfortable and individual one-bedroom house that is well equipped to provide the perfect getaway in any season. Inside the house there are nature inspired artworks made from locally foraged material  and a ‘rustic’ bathroom cabinet made from the old pews that were in the original Mission Hall that stood here, that add atmosphere and amplify the sense of place within this wild landscape. On the shelves you’ll find a selection of specially collated books, films and music that resonate with this place. When you arrive you will be greeted with a Hona tote bag containing a reflective nightcap (Hona has its own unique whisky that embodies the elemental spirit of this location), allowing you to savour and reflect on a perfect day as well as a small gift made from a seasonal found object...

The house also contains some working tools for observation. Close focus binoculars for watching insects, birds and catching glimpses of seals, dolphins, basking sharks and whales, all local to the area. Take one of the field lenses with you on a walk to magnify your finds, revealing the architectural structures of tiny marsh plants or the whorls in a whelk shell. A series of cards detail suggested walks and places to visit during your stay (these relate to a large wall mounted aerial view of the landscape around Mangersta) and include bird-watching locations and what to look out for; the best beach to find auger shells or cowries, and where to find the best boulders. Hona’s bookshelves are stocked with helpful guides to identify wildflowers, coastal finds and geological information, as well as social historical information on the area. After a day of fresh air and exploration you can also buy fresh sea food locally and a well-stocked community grocery or visit Uig Sands for a fine dining experience with a view you’ll not forget.

We are happy to allow one well behaved dog as part of your booking, however please note this is an active crofting area, dog owners should be mindful of livestock and keep their dog under control at all times and on a lead if lambs or nesting birds are nearby, thanks.