We atayed a the Ard for the first week of our Honeymoon. Firstly, Norma, the owner was extremely welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. The cottage (it was more of a home to be honest) was perfect. It was quiet, remote with all the home comforts and very well appointed. The views, especially in the evening from the decking, over the Atlantic were outstanding. Great place to have a drink and watch the sun go down. The area was very quiet but you are not far (we walked it and cycled it) from Bosta beach, a most stunning beach with Iron Age fort. It is worth exploring Great Bernera, the islanders are all friendly and you get hat real sense of community. Jo and I stay in cottages all over the country. The Ard is the best, most homely and comfortable cottage we have stayed in. It took us a couple of days to adjust, but we really took to the area and the cottage. Great wildlife in/around Bernera and the surrounding area.

Our stay was completely relaxing. The Ard's owner Norma extended a warm welcome and was a wealth of knowledge of Bernera and Lewis and the myriad places of interest...some right at our doorstep. We wanted quiet and off the beaten track - a good home base to day trip out from - and we got it! What a perfect spot to come home to. Never tired of the view from the kitchen window or out on the deck. Loved hearing the sheep and cuckoos. The Ard was comfortable, well equipped and appointed it was home away from home. Well rested from a good night's sleep, each morning we set out for a new adventure. While groceries and petrol were obtained in Stornoway, the Breacleit shop was handy to have just a short stroll away.

You wouldn't be able to imagine how amazing in reality Ard is! The place is quiet, high standard accommodation, well equipped/stocked kitchen (wow even in my scale!), AGA stove for rainy evenings with a glass of wine. Sue Lawrence's Scottish Cookbook and local school kids Cookbook were best reads in the bookcase. There is a pile of maps, "To-Dos", books (Harris Tweed by Ian Lawson is real gem).

It’s very good start for exploring surrounding areas - Bernera (Bosta beach), Uig (bay beach, salmon smokery, Abhainn Dearg Destilery), Callanish (stones). There is no problem to do day trips through Stornoway to other parts of the island - Ness/Butt of Lewis (trail to the lighthouse), Tolsta (beach/coast trail).

We love Norma, how she took care of us! At the same time we had a privacy we would expect. Being lucky enough to have full sunny week in early May 2015, we would definitely recommend Ard as amazing "break and relax" place to enjoy beautiful scenery, wildlife, nice and kind people. All you need...

I do understand now, why almost all people are giving 5* - Norma there is nothing to be done better! ;-)

For other visitors few tips:
- get groceries/stocks in Stornoway upon arrival, hard to get anything later (quite a drive to Stornoway)
- Waterproof boots are must, even in dry days, trails are still swampy
- Paper maps are still good as there blind spots for GSM signal for digital trackers, old good sense of the direction is more than helpful :-)
- There is no "bad weather", just bad "outdoor clothes", counts double in Outer Hebrides

We took the chance for a week back on the Island for the first time in many years. Lewis is a great Island and the Ard is the perfect spot to explore it from. Made very welcome by Norma and Amy, the Cottage is wonderfully equipped in a fantastic location with stunning views out to sea. All the peace quiet and scenery we could hope for. If anyone is after a relaxing break with all the comforts of home I would strongly recommend you pay the Ard a visit.

This cottage is wonderful, it is so peaceful, ideal if you want a break away from it all. The owner lives close by and was so helpful, without being intrusive. An extremely well stocked kitchen, like home from home, furnished to a high standard. We will be back.