Manx National Heritage, the organisation responsible for protecting and promoting the Isle of Man’s heritage and culture, has launched a new venture, turning a historic thatched cottage at ‘The Lhen’ into an extraordinary place to stay for self-catering holidays.

‘Yn Thie Thooit’ (the thatched house in Manx), is a registered historic building and one of only 23 examples of thatched buildings remaining on the Isle of Man.

The cottage came into the ownership of Manx National Heritage in 1989, following a generous bequest from the late Catherine Craine Guyler, a Home Economics Teacher at Ramsey Grammar School and former chairwoman in the Isle of Man Federation of the Women’s Institute. Miss Guyler originally purchased the property for ?175 in 1961.

Following Miss Guyler’s bequest, Manx National Heritage utilised the cottage for accommodation for wardens working on the nearby nature reserves at Cronk y Bing and the Ayres. It recently undertook a complete renovation and refurbishment of the cottage, restoring it to its former glory.

Following sensitive renovation, Yn Thie Thooit now offers self-catering accommodation for up to two people. The cottage has been equipped with comfortable furniture, combined with luxurious finishing touches including heated blankets, high quality bedding and a cosy log effect stove. A welcome pack promoting local Manx produce is provided for guests.

Yn Thie Thooit is located in a peaceful setting at the Lhen Bridge and enjoys access to the nearby Lhen beach and Cronk y Bing nature reserve. It is ideal for nature lovers, birdwatching and stargazing, whilst also offering an ideal location for walkers and cyclists wishing to explore the North of the Island.

Lynsey Clague, Heritage Communications Manager for Manx National Heritage said:

“Transforming Yn Thie Thooit into a new destination for self-catering visitors will provide the building with a new lease of life and a sustainable future, with income generated going back towards helping to maintain the upkeep of the cottage and other historic buildings around the Isle of Man”.

The launch of our new venture is not the first time The Lhen has been promoted as a visitor destination. Visitors once flocked to The Lhen, which was once famed for homemade bread and cakes served at the former Lhen Bridge Cafe.

Yn Thie Thooit is believed to be the Isle of Man’s only thatched holiday cottage available to rent for self-catering holidays. Neighbouring properties are also popular for self-catering holiday accommodation.

Lynsey went on to say:

“Our aim is not to compete with our neighbours, but to work in partnership, promoting the benefits of staying in this beautiful part of the Isle of Man. Having grown up in the neighbouring village of Bride, I’m familiar with the tranquillity that the Lhen has to offer. It’s the perfect location for a peaceful getaway and a location we know our visitors will enjoy”.

Bookings for Yn Thie Thooit will be taken directly by Manx National Heritage, with servicing kindly undertaken by Beth and Steve Martin, who operate nearby Smeale Farm Cottages and heritage farm. Bookings cost ?100 per night autumn and winter (minimum stay 3 nights) or ?595 per week in spring and summer.

Manx National Heritage’s next visitor accommodation project involves the sympathetic restoration of Eary Cushlin, a remote farmhouse on the West Coast of the Island. Eary Cushlin is one of many historic buildings cared for by Manx National Heritage. The organisation also operates visitor accommodation at the Calf of Man Bird Observatory, and holds over 3,000 acres of the Island’s coastline and landscape in trust for the nation. We hold property, archives, artwork, library and museum collections in trust for the nation.

Find out more and book your stay at http://www.manxnationalheritage.im/visit/staywithus/