Welcome to The Smiddy - a beautiful small traditional island home on the idyllic Isle of Lismore. Steeped in history this lovely stone cottage is snug, cosy,comfortable & warm. Originally the Smiddy forge, dating 1800s, it's now a favourite destination, just 5 mins to the pristine shores of Balnagowan Loch, 15 mins to seashore. Beautifully renovated, this warm, cosy cottage has everything you need for a true island experience, with essential indoor comforts after exploring the big outdoors. Set in the stunningly fertile, historical heart of Lismore, this traditional small detached cottage sits peacefully in 1 acre of private wild ground, in one of Lismore's most beautiful historic areas, 3 miles from each ferry point. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, & is just a short walk to the freshwater loch or seashore (beaches/ coves), the Heritage Centre & Cafe, & other historic sites. Your stay: Please note the cottage is ideally let now for a minimum of week long stays (but will consider shorter stays by special request with slight alteration to tariff, sadly simply due to Covid guidelines for cleaning ). Originally 'The Smiddy' to the island's blacksmith & many working horses from the 1800s, it is beautifully & simply renovated. This is a charming traditional cottage with many original features, including thick stone walls to ensure peace & quiet, and with modern comforts such as a woodburning stove & underfloor heating throughout to keep you comfortable & well looked after. Ideally sleeps 2 (1 couple) but can also stretch to 3 with a single pull out bed in the adjacent annex (separate entrance) if you don't mind cosy camping-style arrangements as this is a put-up arrangement in a basic living space rather than a dedicated bedroom. The cottage has two reception areas - one inside the main cottage & the other in its adjacent sunny conservatory annexe with open views & separate external entrance. The annex is a warm cosy but fairly basic lean conservatory, very popular with artists, musicians and wildlife enthusiasts for birdlife and is glassfronted against the main cottage stone warm with its own separate door/ entrance. Inside the main cottage is the traditional small cosy sitting room designed around the fireplace. This space opens up this end of the cottage to the full one and half floor height of the building, with exposed roof beams high above the underfloor heated stone floors. Simple whitewashed walls & with simple furnishings - a multi-fuel stove, 2 seater sofa, armchair, a small table & chairs. A basic galley-kitchen runs off this sitting space with fridge, cooker, butchers trolley, kitchen dresser & shelving. Also books about local produced food & island wild foraging. Other features include mantelpiece, spot lighting, lamps, cosy throws. The sash window view opens onto the stone patio & peaceful wild uncultivated garden area, with private parking & well set back from the quiet single track island road. The bathroom is a pretty blue/aquamarine & white mosaic tiled power shower/wet-room, with wide basin & WC. The bedroom has a John Lewis brass ended double bed, simple wooden furniture & sash window again with lovely garden view. Separate & adjacent to the main entrance from outside the building is the lovely heated conservatory (that is easily turned into a second bedroom with fold out double or single bed) that is often used for recreations, relaxing or as an art or music studio - stunning views all round. The stone patio outside has bench seating; & wild uncultivated rough area beyond. Stunning open views across farmland with trees, & an easy walk to the loch or seashore. After a day's exploring, enjoy a candlelit supper, put your feet up in front of the wood burning stove, & enjoy the small library of books. The thick stone walls & private setting ensure your peace & quiet. Or, stretch out next door in the larger conservatory space, with open views all round across herb rich pasture & farm land. There is a small range of board & card games, jigsaws & puzzles. Or simply sit back & enjoy the swallows, sunsets, quiet island life & stunning open views. 5 mins walk across the fields is a fresh water loch for swimming, enjoying its rich haven of bird & wildlife, or picnics on the pristine shores. Fishing rods & lines may be provided.