Restored coastal cottage, contemporary living by the Atlantic Ocean in the Scottish Highlands.
Responsibly sourced firewood
100% green energy supplier
Recycling of all recyclable waste
This stylishly restored traditional crofters cottage offers contemporary living in a spacious light-filled Highland escape. Soak up the vintage and contemporary style that gives a unique Caledonian cool vibe and revive, relax and restore whilst enjoying the soundtrack of the ocean.
The large contemporary, spacious kitchen has a panoramic dining space, whilst Siemens, Smeg, Dualit & Sage appliances all star to make life fun and easy for the cook. This is the perfect place to tuck into breakfast whilst gazing out over the loch. There’s also a coffee station for the inner barista, with those dreamy views for that first morning coffee hit. Large sliding glass doors open out onto a generous wrap-around larch deck, where you can enjoy alfresco dining at a solid larch dining table. This is the perfect outdoor social space in which to relax and recline whilst watching dramatic sunsets out over the loch.
Next door is a super comfy living space with Bronte moon fabrics and leather lounge pugs for the kids. The space has a log burner for crackling hypnotic fires, whilst sheepskins and wool throws make for a real Coorie feeling - this is the Scots’ version of Hygee, which is all about being snug and cosy. There is a plentiful wood store so logs and kindling are available on demand. You can play endless board games or enjoy the ultimate movie night on the smart TV, with Freesat, Amazon Prime and Netflix. Glass doors open out into the bothy garden, where wild flowers, rocket and fresh herbs grow. These provide the wildlife with a natural haven and also yield a favourite hidden relaxation corner for you to discover.
The three bedrooms all face east, meaning guests can wake to a spectacular sunrise and far reaching views out over the loch and the Torridon mountains. Everyone gets a cool vibe in their room and there is one king, one double and a twin, with super comfy beds, crisp white sheets, and wool throws.
There are two bathrooms. The first is an indulgent glamorous art deco space with bright uplifting colours, fun art on the walls and a walk in rain shower. Whilst upstairs sits a big double ended roll top bath for that ultimate soak in the tub. Guests are also supplied with big fluffy towels for that added touch of luxury.
The garden gate gives you direct access out onto the pebble beach where the water is cool, clear and teaming with sea life. The is the ideal venue for some early morning otter spotting, fossil/quartz hunting, or paddle boarding. Swim towels, buckets and spades are all at Loulou for you. There is also a handy laundry/boot room which is ideal for beach stuff and an outdoor wash down area for bikes, wetsuits and sandy children. If you have a small boat, RIB or kayak, there is a handy slipway super close with public access.
You may wish to spend your time out by the water’s edge, but many guests will love simply relaxing together by the fire pit watching the sunsets unfold over the loch and listening to the sounds of the wildlife that inhabit the shore. There’s no light pollution here, so you can enjoy the northern constellations and enjoy some excellent star gazing. You may even get a glimpse of the spectacular Northern Lights!
The small vibrant crofting community of Aultbea is located on the incredible North Coast 500 driving route, which offers 500 miles of driving heaven, exploring the outer reaches of the North Highlands.
Aultbea Stores is foodie heaven and offers you your own version of a Highland Waitrose, you can pre order and they will kindly deliver for your arrival. They offer all the essentials plus a deli/bakery, fresh fish, seafood, charcuterie, cheeses, and a vast range of artisan Gins and Scottish whisky, and of course those stunning views.
For the outdoor adventure junkies there are guided kayaking options available locally by Conor of Ewe Canoe or Charlie of Climb Ride Explore, which offer adventures for all ages and levels of experience as well as SUP, coasteering and canyoning.
For an overview of the wartime history a visit to the Russian Arctic Convoy Museum is engaging and a totally inspiring curation of the huge part Aultbea played in WW2.
Whale and dolphin watching trips with Gairloch Marine Wildlife go from the pier in Gairloch village just 12 miles away. There are plenty of maps and walk books available for the keen hill walkers or mountain bikers. Nearby is The Fisherfield Forest - also known as the Great Wilderness - containing the most remote Munros in the whole of Scotland.
Please note that the minimum stay for this property is 7 nights
Loulou by the Ocean is owned and managed by Calum and Katie.
You can ask a question or make a booking request directly with Calum and Katie.
Prices from £800 - £1,950
Minimum stay is 1 week, rentals begin on Fridays.
From Previous Guests
Have you stayed here?
Leave a reviewWe have had such a good time staying at Loulou by the Sea. We love the house, so comfortable, beautifully decorated, amazing views from all aspects, wonderfully quiet and so welcoming. We have enjoyed exploring the area but feel like we have only scratched the surface. Particular highlights were firemore beach (which can be seen from the kitchen), Mellon Udrigle beach, Aultbea views over the loch, Corries Halloch gorge (just hold on to your children - tight!) and Ullapool, especially the West Coast deli and a very friendly Tesco! A wander off to the right of the garden was a nice way to explore some local sandy beaches at low tide. Thanks so much Callum and Katie - Jon and Anna, Guernsey
Stayed February 2024
I loathe to leave a review for this gem of a place because I want to keep it allllll to myself! Lou Lou by the sea is a beautiful slice of paradise. Your every whim is catered for activity wise thanks to a well stocked bothy of gear. The kitchen is darling, and the thoughtful addition of local produce in the fridge when you arrive is delicious. The indoor and outdoor fireplaces crackle and spit away like you are in a movie, the rooms have beautiful views, and the entire place is kitted out in the finest style - really, I loved it so much I went home and ordered the same plates! Everything is modern and kitch and homey as well. The views are breathtaking. Walk a few steps to the loch, greet the neighbours dog, drive a few minutes to beaches and waterfalls or just hearty local restaurants. There are books to read and warm blankets to snuggle under. The lighting is wonderful as are the picture windows. It was an idyllic stay, your heart and mind will be refreshed, your lungs will thank you. The only problem with Lou Lou is that once you get there you won’t ever want to leave.
Stayed September 2023
A great week at Lou Lou by the Ocean on Loch Ewe. My family loved relaxing around the house with fantastic views of the loch and mountains. Great for walks and wildlife spotting from the garden. Lots to see and do in the area in all weathers. Ideal base for hill walking and boat trips.
Stayed August 2022
We really enjoyed our stay at Lou Lou. We had a small issue on arrival which was resolved very quickly. Lou Lou then had everything we needed, and super comfy beds! The views were just like the pictures show, and the ever changing Scottish weather kept the views interesting. Really helpful info packs provided in Lou Lou with good local walks. The property is a good base for short drives to other places of interest such as Gairloch and the beach at Mellon Udrigle. We would definitely recommend a stay at Lou Lou.
Stayed July 2022
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