Snishival - a magical Hebridean retreat. Fantastic views of S Uist. Pet-friendly

Very comfortable and well-equipped hilltop house, close to the west coast of South Uist, in an idyllic location with stunning 360 degree views of hills, lochs, machair and the Atlantic.

Snishival is unique. Designed for up to six people, the panelled sitting room welcomes you and lets you view the whole length of the island in front of a glowing fire. The downstairs twin bedroom has its own bathroom and upstairs you will find a double bedroom and a large twin bed room, with a bathroom and a separate shower room to share. You can watch the sun setting over the Atlantic as you eat dinner, and sometimes you can even see St. Kilda, 60 miles away. It is a warm, cosy, family house with a very special atmosphere.

There is a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and sitting room all in one creating a convivial family space. There is an enclosed lawned garden with stunning views. There is a warm laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer - perfect for the dogs to sleep in. Two of the best sea trout lochs are at your feet, Loch Fada and Loch Roag; both brown trout and sea trout fishing is available by arrangement via Storas Uibhist office.

South Uist has wonderful birdlife. An enormous variety of birds can be seen from the comfort of the kitchen table - hen harriers, short eared owls, kestrels, plovers, curlews, cuckoos and even sea eagles. Not to mention hearing corncrakes croaking and snipe drumming. The scenery is stunning with view of the lochs and Atlantic to the West and the three hills: Hecla, Corodale and Behn Mohr to the East. There are glorious walks both uphill and along the varied coastlines. Wander for miles along deserted white sandy beaches or enjoy the fun and drama of the huge sand dunes on Benbecula.

An 18 hole old Tom Morris links golf course, Askernish, is only a few miles away from the house. Stand on the 11th tee with the Atlantic rollers crashing 100 metres away and drive your ball across to a pinnacle in the distance. It is a very special golf course with a recently renovated club house, and clubs you can hire easily.

There is plenty of local history - the fascinating Kildonan Museum is only a few miles away. You can swim and picnic at the beach on the south of Eriskay where Bonnie Prince Charlie supposedly landed in his attempt to reclaim the crown, and challenge yourself to find Prince Charlie's cave (where he hid for several weeks) in one of the island's three hills on the East coast. Flora MacDonald birthplace (she who was instrumental in Bonnie Prince Charlie's successful and daring escape to Skye) is just down the road.

Take a trip down to the southern tip of the island to have a drink at the Pollachar Inn and learn the story of the SS Politician which sank nearby in 1941 with 24,000 cases of whisky on board. If you walk along the beach there you will find evidence of a petrified forest in the sand. Or cross over via a causeway to Eriskay to find a charming fishing harbour and famous Eriskay ponies living wild on the hillside.

For a choice of Hebridean fish and shellfish, drive north to Grimsay island, beyond Benbecula and find Kallin Harbour; you will not be disappointed.

Make no mistake - South Uist is a haven for bird lovers; greylag geese flourish on a Nature Reserve at Druidibeg; golden eagles fly around the three hills of 2000 feet, buzzards, merlin, black and red throated divers can be seen as well as a wide variety of duck - mallard, shovelers, teal, shelduck and widgeon, for example.

Given the house's idyllic remote location, and the opportunity it provides to escape from it all, it does not offer Wifi. There is, however, a good mobile signal and 4G, so you can easily hotspot/bluetooth to your devices.