Blackhouse - Lewis

Visitors to the Hebrides may know this view. It belongs to one of the preserved Blackhouses, in this case at Arnol on the Isle of Lewis.

This house with outhouse has no chimneys. The smoke from the peat fire in the main room went up through the reed roof. As the smoke helped to preserve the reed the fire had to be kept burning all the time. The fire was used both for warmth and for cooking. Life was very simple in these dwellings, with whole families living at close quarters.

Hebriden-Liebhaber kennen vielleicht diese Sicht. Sie gehört zu einem der früheren Wohnhäusern, der Blackhouses.

Rooves from another angle/Die Dächer aus einer anderen Perspektive:
[fc-foto:6977565]

A view from within and more explanation:
Eine Innenansicht und mehr Informationen:
[fc-foto:5850128]

View of a different house, this time with modern chimneys:
[fc-foto:6978127]