Portbahn Holiday Homes & Cottages, Isle of Islay

The village of Bruichladdich, dominated by its progressive Bruichladdich Distillery, sits on the western shore of Loch Indaal on the Rhinns of Islay, a fifteen-minute drive from Islay's main centre of Bowmore.

The Rhinns has a character all of its own and is geologically completely different to the rest of Islay — part of the land mass connected to South America, comprised primarily of incredibly ancient gneiss rock, with a fault line running the centre of Loch Indaal through Loch Gruinart. Earthquakes are frequent, though rarely felt!

We love this part of Islay, from Bridgend Woods, down through the pretty harbour villages of Port Charlotte and Portnahaven at the tip, to the dramatic west coast beaches and rock formations at Machir Bay, Saligo and Sanaigmore.

The village is a great base to explore everything the island offers. You're a scenic 10-minute walk to Bruichladdich Distillery along the coastal cycle path — tour the distillery, sample world-renowned, record-breaking single malts and, of course, The Botanist gin, then walk home.

The coastal location of our houses gives immediate access to Portbahn Beach just down from the war memorial — one of Islay's hidden gems with three sheltered bays perfect for wild swimming, rock pooling, and coastal ambling.

It's also just a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk from Port Charlotte village, perhaps Islay's prettiest, with two outstanding pubs/hotels with excellent local food and extensive whisky selections — The Port Charlotte Hotel and Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen. There's also the fascinating Museum of Islay Life about the history of the island, a local shop, post office and petrol station, and the children's playground at Port Mor.

From Here, Everything's Reachable

From Bruichladdich, all eleven of Islay's whisky distilleries are within easy reach. The island's renowned beaches — Machir Bay to Saligo Bay to the dunes at Ardnave Point — offer miles of golden sand and dramatic Atlantic surf. RSPB Loch Gruinart provides exceptional birdwatching, with over 30,000 barnacle geese arriving each winter from Greenland. The countryside is perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting, from golden eagles to seals.

Bruichladdich's central west coast location on the Rhinns makes it an ideal base for experiencing the very best of island life on Islay — but from a different angle than the ferry ports.

Our Numbers

• 600+ guests since 2017
• 4.97/5 average rating across platforms
• Airbnb Superhost status
• 5.0/5 communication rating
• 30+ reviews specifically mention our ferry crisis support

We've never had a booking collapse due to CalMac disruptions. Guests say we're legendary at helping them navigate Islay travel challenges, and we're proud of that track record.

What Guests Say

"Home from home — we felt welcomed from the minute we stepped in." — Sarah & Family, Portbahn House

"Better than the pictures. The house has a story, and Pi looked after us like family during the ferry chaos." — James & Emma, Shorefield

"Like a big hug — exactly what we needed after a stressful journey. Pi's support was incredible." — Louise, Shorefield

Some guests return year after year. They recommend us to friends. They describe our homes as "exactly what you'd want from Islay." That's what we hope for every time of course. We really do want you to enjoy our homes as much as we have and experience the best these two islands have to offer.

What Makes Us Different

Real family homes, not rentals

These aren't purpose-built AirBnBs. They're homes with history, personality, and owners who care about them. We manage them with that same care.

Legendary ferry & travel support

CalMac disruptions happen. When they do, we've got your back. Guests consistently say our communication and crisis support are outstanding — 30+ reviews mention it specifically.

Local knowledge & recommendations

We know Islay and Jura inside out and have lived on both islands with two children growing up. Our favourite beaches, distillery tours, restaurants, walks — we love to share all of it. You're not just renting a property; we hope you're getting a bit of our local expertise too. And if we don't know something, we can certainly tell you who does!

Port Charlotte is perhaps Islay's prettiest village, just a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk along the coastal path from our properties. It's the social hub of the Rhinns, with regular live music at the Port Charlotte Hotel and immense local seafood platters at the Lochindaal — it has everything you'll need for a self-catering break.

Where to Eat & Drink

Port Charlotte Hotel — Owned and run by Grahame and Isabelle, with Scottish fare and an outstanding whisky bar with 300+ bottles on their single malt menu. The restaurant takes bookings (advised), but the bar is walk-in. Good Sunday roasts. Traditional Scottish live music on Wednesdays and Sundays is popular and a lovely way to spend an evening by a roaring log fire, dram in hand.

Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen — Exceptional, run with huge heart by Jack and his father Iain. An absolute highlight (we'd say a MUST), the seafood platters from the local fishermen's catch feature oysters, langoustines, crab, lobster and mussels. You need to order the full platter 24 hours ahead and it may vary depending on catch — but it is worth planning around. Also a great whisky selection if you just want to drop in for a pint or a dram. Our guests consistently rave about this place and it's one of our favourite spots on the Rhinns. See the full food & drink guide →

What Else You'll Find

The Museum of Islay Life tells the history of the island. There's a local shop, post office and petrol station for essentials. For families, the children's playground at Port Mor has sea views and is a favourite with our kids and our guests' children. There's also a good café serving great comfort food.

All three properties — Portbahn House, Shorefield House and Curlew Cottage — welcome dogs at £15 per dog per stay, with no size or number limit. At Curlew Cottage, dogs must be kept on a lead at the front of the property and around neighbouring farmland; they can be let off the lead in the walled rear patio garden. Portbahn Beach is a 5-minute walk from all three properties. Islay is one of the best dog destinations in Scotland: empty beaches, quiet roads, and open countryside.

Two distilleries per day is comfortable; three can feel rushed. The south coast cluster (Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Port Ellen) makes a natural full-day; the north coast (Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, Ardnahoe) makes another. Tour bookings fill fast for summer and Fèis Île — book direct with each distillery as soon as your dates are confirmed. Most distilleries close on Sundays and reduce hours November–March. Full distillery guide →

Islay has dozens of beaches — from our hidden gem Portbahn Beach (5-minute walk, safe swimming, rock pools) to dramatic Machir Bay (2 miles of golden sand, stunning but not safe for swimming). Ardnave Point has rolling dunes perfect for kids running wild. [Islay's beaches — safe swimming, rock pools and golden sand →](/explore-islay#islays-beaches)

Islay is a precious place to spend time with children. We have two of our own, now 12 and 14, who've spent nearly all their lives on the islands and who still love it here. Being here feels like winding the clock back fifty years — safe beaches, empty roads, wildlife on your doorstep, playgrounds, swimming in the sea. And best of all: island time. Time to actually enjoy it all.

Islay's food is created from the land and seas that surround the island — seafood straight from the boats, prized lamb and beef from the farms, venison from the hills and, of course, whisky from some of the best distilleries on the planet. It's not fancy food, but the best of it is excellent — the kind of meal you savour, enjoy and remember. We've put together some of our own particular favourites, from simple fish and chips to a freshly caught seafood platter.