Orkney Retreats

11/02/2025

Another loo with a view. This time from the throne in Fintray.

10/02/2025

Another day of adventure and discovery. The empty fireplace in Annie’s room was getting final touches but wasn’t quite fitting together right. When Dave adjusted it it came apart revealing all the old fire pieces pushed behind the fire bricks. What a find! They were in a bad way but they’re looking fabulous now. 😍

06/02/2025

05/02/2025

What’s this?

We stepped back to admire the first room furnished and in that very instant this trickle ran down the blooming wall that we thought we’d got watertight.

I like to think it’s the house shedding a tear of gratitude but Ken’s going up on the roof again when the wind eases just in case that explanation is more sentimental than practical.

02/02/2025

This week’s job is making curtains and upholstery. We keep falling into what we call the “taste trap” wanting to tone or match our interiors. The average Victorian had no sense of colours that co-ordinated, for them, more was more. So I’ve had to fix the master bedroom by going left field with the curtains.
“What colour would you definitely not make the curtains in this room?”
”red”
“Right, let’s do it!”

28/01/2025

We are cockahoop, jubilant, exultant and elated.

We have been told we have made the TOP THREE for the "Best Self-Catering Accommodation" in the Orkney Tourism Awards.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who voted for us.

We are in good company because our friends at 59 Degrees North have made the top three in the eateries category too.

So, it'll be a sanday trip to the awards in March once again this year.

Wish us luck 🍀🍀🍀

27/01/2025

Incase anyone wondered what we’re up to. This week some excerpts from the filming we’ve been doing.

26/01/2025

The power of the angry sea. Lucky to be filming the Boloquoy documentary during the aftermath of storm Aowyn.

24/01/2025

Similarly to the kitchen units we have a “faked oak” wood grain effect on the stairs. It was very damaged so Dave has carefully painted in the missing bits and varnished it. Good as new.

23/01/2025

Backaskaill Farmhouse still has a little availablity for summer 2025. Sleeps up to 6 in two king size bedrooms and one twin room. *new layout and more deluxe developments planned in spring 2025.

Date of stay 29 Dec 2024

Location - Excellent
Cleanliness - Excellent
Facilities - Excellent
Service / Staff - Excellent

Would you recommend this property to other travellers? Yes

Comments about this property
Gorgeous old farmhouse, tastefully renovated and fully equipped with everything you could possibly need. Fabulous location, right on the most beautiful wide sandy beach, with views across the bay to Kettletoft and out to Stronsay.
The hosts are warm and welcoming, nothing seems to be too much trouble, but they are not at all intrusive, allowing for a wonderfully relaxing stay. The is the perfect place to step out of life's hectic pace and recharge your energy.

Tips for other travellers
Sanday is a beautiful island and the locals are
Sanday is a beautiful island and there is lots for the nature enthusiast or amateur historian to do here.
Walks out to Start Point and the Holms of Ire are an absolute must do.
Visits to the chambered cairn, the Sanday Heritage Centre, and the shipwreck at Lopness should prove fascinating to anyone with a love of history.
Finally, don't worry about bringing supplies, groceries, etc with you. The island's shops have everything you need at very reasonable prices.

22/01/2025

Busy week filming at Boloquoy started off with some great interviews.