Testimonials
Cottage Break
Rosemary and Donald’s cottage was the perfect base for our Islay holiday. Warm and comfortable, this little slice of the farm quickly felt like home and we were very sad to leave it. They were the perfect hosts, friendly and approachable when we needed something, but gave us our privacy when we didn’t. Would stay here again in a heartbeat.
Farmhouse Stay
The stay at the Persabus Farm was really delightful! It was easy to feel comfortable and the surroundings are beautiful. The hosts are really sweet and welcoming and they brought us breakfast in order to benefit our plans of the day. We will definitely recommend others going there!
Farmhouse BnB: Exceptional Hosts
Rosemary & Donald were exceptional hosts and Tiggy was a delight.
Rosemary helped juggle our individual needs and Donald greeted us to make sure we arrived well.
Both came in to see us and share a wee dram of the local nectar – they are a terrific couple and sensational hosts.
Fabulous Hosts
Rosemary and Donald are absolutely lovely and very supportive in every way you could think of! Without them Islay wouldn’t have been such a great experience. Location is stunning in the wilds of Islay. And if you fancy Whisky you’re close to Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain.
Wonderful Accommodation
Just come back from a wonderful long weekend on Islay (our first visit) and so pleased we chose to stay at Persabus in the B&B suite. Rosemary and Donald are lovely owners and were extremely helpful with suggestions on places to eat which was particularly helpful with us staying off season! Location perfect for walking to Ardnahoe and Bunnahabhain distilleries. Absolutely delicious bacon (and tattie scone!) rolls and coffee every morning. Very comfy bed. I can’t fault it. Will be our base for inevitable future visits. Thank you so much.
Perfect Place to Stay!
We’ve been to Islay a lot and can safely say you won’t find a better welcome than here from Rosemary and Donald or a cottage better located for views and for touring round. It was just perfect and we had a lovely week and would not hesitate to stay here again.
Best B&B on entire trip
Best B&B on entire trip. Man this place was amazing. This is my first and probably last review I’ll ever do but Donald deserves this. My now wife went on my dream trip to Islay with her mother and step-father. I was on cloud 9 to be on Islay to go to Laphroaig and thought my trip couldn’t get better. Was I wrong! The rooms were more the nice. Quaint and homey comes to mind. Nothing that blows you away but the seating area upstairs was a really nice touch between the two rooms. Soft beds and comfortable rooms will meat you and the beautiful countryside surround this place and make you feel like you are home. If you have a pair of couples this place is ideal as you can get the entire upstairs (2 rooms) to yourself. The kitchen downstairs is comfortable and the food was always top-notch to start our day.
For how nice and quaint the room was it doesn’t match the service we got. Donald (the owner) was by far the nicest person I have meet on my years of travel. From the moment we walked through his door he was there to make sure Islay was everything we could dream it be. His suggestions for food, awesome. His thoughts on what to explore (besides the planned distilleries) truly enjoyable places. His love and appreciation for Scotch (which he might share if you aren’t a dumb ar$e) made the Island that much more magical. My trip to Islay was 7 years in the making and Donald made sure I got everything I could possibly dream from outa Islay.
Moral of the story. This slice of heaven might be a little drive from the towns but if you want a nice quite place to escape to this is your dream. Donald will bend over backwards to make sure you enjoy your time and is one of the funnest/nicest/friendliest persons I have ever meet. I hate to share such a good place as I don’t want to ever have competition when I return but Gad Dam this place deserves the credit!
5 Stars for Rosemary & Donald
5 Stars for Rosemary & Donald. Every part of our experience at Persabus Farm Cottage stag was warm, welcoming, friendly and helpful. Welcome tea and cake on arrival (very tasty). Our trip was researching family history for one of our party and Donald was a walking library of information knowing every farm’s location and much of the history, even those not in the area directly around Persabus farm. Donald generously gave us a lot of his time and knowledge that made locating the family farms and talking with the current occupants both easier and pleasurable. He and Rosemary were genuinely interested in what we were trying to do and in us also. Thank you both for making our mission / adventure successful which in turn made our time in Islay even more special.
Wonderful experience
Wonderful experience. Our first experience of Persabus was Don’s smiling and welcoming face. He showed us to our room, which was spotless then informed us of various places of interest could be found. Had a great two day stay and with Don’s help, experienced the best of Islay. Breakfast was outstanding each morning with Rosemary doing the cooking and Don filling us in on other things to see… what a neat couple. Guys, hope you received the key we forgot to leave, we mailed it as soon as we could. We thoroughly recommend a stay here, you cannot ask for better care or experience. PS: Be sure to visit the Islay Wollen Mill, Don wil tell you how to get there.
Persabus Farm, Port Askaig
Persabus Farm, Port Askaig. Thanks to the excellent cottages at Persabus we had a really great 1st holiday on Islay. We were a party of 4 adults and five children and, by taking both cottages, we had plenty of room and enjoyed meals around the ample farmhouse table in Persabus cottage. Rosemary and Donald have kindly provided everything required for a good holiday. Right out of the door, there’s fantastic scenery, with views over to the famous Paps of Jura. A lovely quiet lane winds up the coast to the distillery at Bunnahabhain (excellent and informative tour by Scott). Close to ferry at Port Askaig so you could easily walk and go as foot passengers to Jura if you wanted to leave the car behind. We took the car and went up to Ardlussa, deer watching. We briefly explored most parts of Islay accessible by car. Interesting museum of Islay life at Port Charlotte. The one wet day was taken care of by Rosemary in the pottery- the children all loved doing their pots and I’m pleased to report no breakages on the way home. Having enjoyed plenty of Hebridean holidays in the past to other islands I have no hesitation in recommending Persabus and Islay. Many thanks Rosemary and Donald.
Great hosts and great views nearby
Great hosts and great views nearby! As a lone traveler and someone who had taken up a last minute trip to Islay, the hosts – Donald and Rosemary Fletcher were a delightful company. They made me feel at home and even provided detailed information to visit nearby attractions including a map. Since I was keen to visit the Finlaggen ruins, and it was almost getting dark, Donald was kind enough to give me a lift one way to the historical site and also made sure that I had a torch light with me on my way back. We had a great Indian dinner with Donald and Rosemary always ready to entertain with the stories on the farm and beyond. Even though I was staying over for just a night, I was touched by the hospitality of the Fletchers. I would highly recommend anyone wishing to have a terrific islander experience to go have a stay at the Persabus farm! It is located a wee walk from the Port Askaig and located a few minutes’ walk from the Finlaggen ruins as well. Rosemary also runs a pottery craft workshop with fabulous art works too. Moreover, if you are just looking for a good humored stay, you won’t be disappointed either.
Comfortable and well-equipped self-catering cottage with great views of the Paps of Jura
Comfortable and well-equipped self-catering cottage with great views of the Paps of Jura. 4 of us (two couples) stayed in the Millhouse Cottage for a week in July 2018. Donald was a great host and the cottage provided an excellent base at the north end of Islay, within walking distance of Port Askaig (with its ferries to Colonsay, Oban, Kintyre and Jura) and stunning views (from the front-door) across the Sound of Islay to the impressive Paps of Jura.