Alasdair and Rachel Whyte welcome you into their home to sample life on a Hebridean farm, whilst the same time enjoying the luxury, services and ambience of an Islay establishment which has been awarded the very coveted 'Four Medallions' from the Scottish Tourist Board Food Grading Company.
Opened since 1994, we aim to promote a better understanding of the natural heritage and wildlife to our guests, who respond positively to our environmental ethos, which is demonstrated through every aspect of our business. Nestling between the internationally known Machrie Golf Links and Duich Nature Reserve, Glenmachrie is ideally situated for a completely relaxing holiday, being within walking distance of the Big Strand (miles and miles of golden, sandy beach backed by dunes).
Rachel and Alasdair's attentiveness to your enjoyment is unfailing, whether it is organising a distillery tour, horse riding, bike hire, a round of golf or simply helping plan your daily itinerary.
The house is furnished with antiques inherited by the family and the elegant double and twin bedrooms combine modern and traditional facilities to provide guests with luxury, comfort and service. Each bedroom has full en-suite facilities, television, electric blankets, radio, hairdryer, alarm clock, hospitality tray, iron and ironing board.
A feature of the farmhouse is that from the front sunroom guests can sit and watch the sunrise over the hills of Dunlossit and Laggan Estates, whilst from the dining room truly magnificent sunsets can be appreciated as the sun goes to bed in the Atlantic.
Glenmachrie is a mixed farm of 450 acres. We are proud to play host to families of Roe deer, hare, heron and otter. As a "Gold Standard" member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme we work closely with conservationalists including Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Scottish Natural Heritage. In wonderfully large and loud flocks, both Barnacle and White Fronted geese can be found over wintering on our lush pastureland. It may be interesting to note that 114 different species of bird have been recorded on Glenmachrie - truly an ornithologist's paradise! Allow us to help you access superb sites for excellent bird-watching for all levels of experience by joining islaybirding for a daily tour.
Rachel's knowledge of the island's rich, historical heritage gives guests an added advantage when visiting and exploring deserted villages, standing stones, monuments and ruined chapels. In the front sunroom guests will enjoy the small library of absorbing books relating to Islay's intriguing past. After an exhilarating day's walking, visiting one or perhaps two distilleries (Glenmachrie Country Guesthouse is only a few miles from Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg distilleries, to the south and Bowmore and Bruichladdich to the northwest), golfing, swimming, climbing a heather clad hill, exploring RSPB's reserve at Upper Killeyan farm on the idyllic Mull of Oa, visiting our island's wave power station near Portnahaven, fishing or simply picnicking on one of the nearby sandy beaches, you are able to completely relax and enjoy the superb ambience which leads guests to coming back again and again.
Glenmachrie offers you true highland hospitality, delicious local food and wonderful memories of an unforgettable, Hebridean holiday.
Breakfast menu at Glenmachrie Country Guest House, served from 8am till 8.45am. From the sideboard choose from grapefruit segments, yoghurts, wedges of melon, segments of oranges, homemade muesli, fresh fruits, fruit juices, compote of dried fruits, selection of cereals and porridge with a jug of cream from the kitchen followed by either kippers with grilled tomatoes or a full highland breakfast consisting of smoked bacon, pork and herb sausages made by local butcher Billy MacFarlane in Bowmore, homemade haggis, our own completely free range eggs, tomato, potato and mushrooms. Naturally you may order your eggs either fried, poached, scrambled or boiled. Then finish off with toast and one of Rachel's freshly baked oven scones ("so light you need an anchor to hold them on your plate") as quoted by a Taste of Scotland Inspector. Jams and marmalades are all homemade. Traditional, a variety of herbal or Earl Grey teas as well as traditional or decaffeinated coffees are on offer.
Our other properties
Islay Holidays Self Catering
Glenegedale House (Guesthouse)
Glenmachrie Guesthouse