When you travel to the Isle of Lewis, you do not see many old houses. For a long time, farmers have migrated to more comfortable homes. They are less touristic, but much nicer to spend winter in!
To get an idea of the traditional life of the inhabitants of Lewis, you have to go to the village of Gearrannan, on the west coast of the island. A dozen houses, « black houses » stand as in the 19th century. I was told that the last villagers had left in 1974, but the village was faithfully maintained.
The black houses are cut to withstand harsh weather conditions. The houses are low to offer the least wind surface area and the thatched roofs ensure the houses are water tight. To understand the everyday life, you can even spend a night there! Several black houses have been renovated and are now available for rent. I can tell you that the stay is magical at a few hundred metres from Dalmore beach!