Sark’s self catering properties are ideal for getting a taste of local life at your own pace. Explore the Island's winding lanes, hidden beaches, wild swimming spots and more, all whilst enjoying all the comforts of home.
Where to Stay
There are many different self catering accommodations on Sark, ranging from boutique cottages to beautiful Scandinavian-style log cabins. Here are a few examples of what we have to offer.
La Moinerie Village
From the ruins of an old farm and on the site of a mediaeval monastery, La Moinerie Village has been restored. Its rustic charm is located on the west side of Sark. Nine guest lodges are furnished with twin or double rooms and can accommodate 4 guests, whilst the 18th century farmhouse has double, twin or single rooms available. All rooms are fully equipped and include a flat screen TV, free WiFi and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. This unique village setting is the perfect location to explore the paths that reach down into the valley and the rocky beach below.
Clos a Joan
Built in 1700, Clos a Joan was a pair of cottages with a barn, built of Sark granite. A project was undertaken in 2015 to renovate the buildings. There is a cobbled courtyard with lavender flower beds, an original well and wine barrels, with a small garden and outside dining area. It boasts a recently refurbished mature ‘kitchen garden’, with raspberries and strawberries, seasonal and organic vegetables and herbs, a small apple and plum orchard, an asparagus bed and a chicken pen where organic free-range eggs are collected. There are five buildings, each with central heating, TV, washing machines and free WiFi.
Pourquoi Pas (Temporarily Closed)
A traditional Scandinavian-style log cabin with coastal views, Pourquoi Pas is found in the grounds of Plaisance, where the internationally renowned Caragh Chocolates is based. It is a 15 minute walk from the village and close to some of Sark’s most popular beaches, as well as La Coupee. The garden and swimming pool provide the perfect family setting. The cabin can accommodate 9 people, with a double room with a balcony and sea views, a triple room and two twin bedrooms. All rooms have flat screen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. The property has three bathrooms, a washing and ironing room and a fully equipped kitchen with a large twin gas cooker, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. It is heated throughout, with a log burner in the living room to keep you warm even on the coldest winter nights.
The Den
This chalet is situated within a two acre property, has views of meadows, and is a ten minute walk from the shops. It comprises an open plan kitchen diner/sitting room, one double bedroom, one single bedroom, a shower room and a utility room. There is a full length balcony with access from both the kitchen and double bedroom through sliding French doors. Facilities include a washing machine, electric oven, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, TV, free WiFi and a wood-burning stove for the colder months.
La Chasse Marette
A newly refurbished house opposite the church and just five minutes from the village, with easy access to beaches, shops and restaurants. It accommodates 6 people, plus one child and one infant, in one double room and one twin/double room, both with en-suite shower rooms. A third twin room has a separate shower room. There is a large lounge with a TV and excellent views, a fully equipped kitchen/diner with a gas hob, electric oven, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher and a utility room with a washing machine. There is central heating throughout and free WiFi. Outside, there is a deck with a table, chairs and a barbecue, perfect for summer evenings.
To find out more information, or to find an even larger variety of unique self catering accommodations, click here.
Self Catering Food Options
Self catering holidays are great fun, but there can be the added pressure of knowing where to find food. Below are some of the most popular local food and produce sellers on Sark to help you create your perfect meal.
Please be aware that bread, milk and Sark butter or cream may need to be pre-ordered to avoid disappointment and shops have reduced opening hours in the winter months.
Food Stop
For all of your essentials, Food Stop, located in the middle of The Avenue, is the Island’s largest premium food supplier and an official Waitrose stockist. Grocery orders can be arranged before your arrival with three days' notice, with deliveries on Tuesdays and Fridays. To place your order, call 01481 832660 or email foodstop.sark@cwgsy.net.
Mon Plaisir
Mon Plaisir is a family owned store, stocking Iceland products, situated opposite the Methodist Chapel. It sells a variety of food and household products, including freshly caught mackerel, lobsters and other fish as well as local beef and lamb and homemade cakes and scones. Orders can be arranged with three days' notice and they deliver every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can email them on home.deliveries@monplaisirstores.sark.gg or call 01481 832600 to place your order.
The Sark Yard
The Sark Yard, on the avenue, is a shop and deli selling everything from freshly baked cakes, chutneys and jams, to packaged dry foods, jewellery and clothes. You can sit in for a coffee and freshly baked cake at the deli or take your goods away with you.
Caragh Chocolates
Internationally renowned Caragh Chocolates sells a wide range of hand-made chocolates, as well as ganaches, truffles, pralines and manons, perfect for picking up something sweet. The rich cream is sourced locally and the chocolates are handmade on site. The chocolate kitchen, shop and tea room and garden is just up from Maseline Harbour. Visit https://www.caraghchocolates.com, phone 01481 832703 or email info@caraghchocolates.com.
Eating Out & Takeaway Options
Sometimes even the best cooks don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen - you are on holiday after all. Here are some alternatives that will allow you to find quality food that you don’t have to cook.
Restaurants
If you don’t want to cook, Sark is known for its quality restaurants, bars and bistros. Some local favourites include Stock's Hotel and Bistro, Hathaways, Time and Tide and. There is something to cater to every taste and dietary requirement; for a full list of restaurants, click here.
Takeaways
Food Stop and Mon Plaisir will deliver produce directly to your door, and Nova’s Bistro and Harbour Cafe both offer takeaways, so you can return to your accommodation or sit on one of the beautiful beaches enjoying the scenery.
Travelling around the Island
Sark is one of the few remaining places in the world where cars are banned, making it the perfect place to safely walk and cycle around with the whole family. There are plenty of options available for you to travel around Sark that allow you to explore all that the Island has to offer. From walking and cycling, to horses and tractors, there are lots of alternative means of transportation.
The ‘Toast-Rack’ Tractor
When you arrive in Sark, you are greeted by a long, steep hill that takes you from the harbour to the village. For those who wish to walk, there is a pleasant woodland footpath that runs parallel to harbour hill. However, if you don’t fancy the walk, the ‘toast-rack’ tractor, an open-sided tractor-drawn trailer, meets all scheduled boat services. For a small charge you will be transported to the village, just remember to have cash on you. If you have luggage, this will travel separately and is taken care of by the team of local carters, which is why it is important to have all luggage labelled with name and accommodation details.
Bike Hire
Cycling on Sark is probably the most popular way of getting around; it gives you easy access to key attractions and allows you to explore at your own pace. Because bike hire is in such high demand on Sark, there are three different shops to choose from; Avenue Cycles, A to B Cycles and Bam’s Bikes, leaving you spoiled for choice. There is a wide range of bikes to suit everyone’s needs, from mountain and electric bikes for adults, to bikes for kids, with tag-a-longs, tandems, trailers and child seats all available. Sark does not allow cars, so is the perfect place to safely enjoy riding a bike with the whole family.
Horse and Carriage
Another popular way to see Sark is on a horse drawn carriage. Enjoy the sights as your driver tells you about the Island’s history. Carriages vary in sizes, with the largest carrying 10 people, and you can choose from a one or two hour tour or book a private carriage ride. It is advised that you book your carriage in advance, particularly during the busy Summer months. However, there are some carriages that aren’t bookable and instead work as a taxi service; just approach them and ask if they are available to take you where you want to go.
There are three different local carriage tour operators; Sark Carriages, the oldest established carriage company on Sark based at Le Grand Fort Farm, Danny Wakley Carriage Tours, the only wheelwright in the Channel Islands, owned by Sark-born Danny Wakley, and Stocks Hotel Carriages, offering a range of carriages directly from Stocks Hotel.
