Scottish private island cottage for sale: three-bedroom 'house of peace' comes with luxury spa suite - and is reached only by 125ft footbridge

Space-deprived city dwellers fed up with rush-hour trains and sky-high rents may wish to consider battening down the hatches in the heart of the Outer Hebrides.

This three-bedroom cottage on the western coast of Great Bernera, part of the Isle of Lewis, is as remote as they come. One of two properties in the hamlet of Valasay, it can only be accessed by a 125ft footbridge over a sheltered lagoon and the nearest shop is over a mile away.

Inside is a luxurious spa-style relaxation suite, complete with indoor Endless Pool swimming machine and sauna. There is a modern kitchen, newly refurbished bathroom and a cosy, yet contemporary living room, but the property's biggest pull is the breathtaking panoramic views across the Atlantic from the large first-floor deck.

Outside, an ornamental bridge, ponds, secret seating areas, three sheds and a patio are to be found in the pretty garden grounds which cover 1.5 acres. Should you crave more space, additional land is available to purchase by negotiation.

The house has a Gaelic name, Tigh Na Sith, which appropriately translates to House of Peace. It dates from 1910, but has been extended by the current owners, who are moving because of a change in circumstances. It is on the market for £310,000, well below the London average of £491,000.

Although small, the historic village of Breaclete offers amenities including a post office, a school, a doctor's surgery and mooring facilities, with regular services bringing in fresh produce.

The village is connected by a 45-minute bus service to Stornoway, the largest town in the Outer Hebrides with a population of 8,000. It has a highly acclaimed secondary school, a choice of primary schools, a university, a hospital and a large number of shops and restaurants.

The Isle of Lewis is popular for its sandy beaches, while its moorland is a haven for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts thanks to the seabirds, otters, deer and eagles that call it home.

Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow can be reached by plane from Stornoway, with daily ferry services to other islands and the mainland.

Estate agents CKD Galbraith have reported a lot of interest in Tigh Na Sith, which is attracting buyers thanks to its excellent potential as a permanent home, holiday home or guest house.

Tigh Na Sith is for sale through CKD Galbraith. Call 01463 568 020 for more details.