experience peace and quiet like never before

 

about

Island accommodation, for the adventurers

Verracott is a cosy, rustic cottage in a unique location: a remote Scottish island in the Orkney archipelago.

You’ll find relaxing, characterful accommodation steeped in history and perfect for peace-seeking people looking to get off the beaten track.

the space

Verracott is said to be the oldest house on North Ronaldsay. Built in approximately 1800, it has been in the owners’ family since this time, and retains many of the original features: thick stone walls, a flagstone roof and kiln.

A traditional “butt and ben” style cottage, it has been lovingly modernised: it features a cosy living room, with original box bed in one end of the property; and a family kitchen, both with wood-burning stoves. A separate double bedroom and bathroom with an over-bath electric shower are in the middle of the cottage.

The cottage sits on its own in a wonderfully private but easily accessible location, looking out east to the North Sea and west over the Atlantic.

 
inspiration

Explore the house

happy holidays

  • "A very memorable visit."

    “Verracott is a beautiful place to stay on an extraordinary island. The house itself is very comfortable and has good wifi while retaining many of the traditional features of an island house. We enjoyed the chickens who liked to follow us around outside the house. As to the island, we have seldom been anywhere where the people are so friendly and welcoming. There is plenty to see, and the beaches are stunning. We loved walking along a beach and being followed from some distance by a curious seal or two. We rented bikes, which were great for getting around the island, and enjoyed the North Ronaldsay mutton at the Bird Observatory cafe. A very memorable visit.”

    Kate, July 2021

  • "A perfect base to return to after a long day exploring"

    “Verracott is a beautiful house on a fascinating, unique island. It’s situated perfectly in the middle of the island, with stunning sea views out of every window. The house is a perfect base to return to after a long day exploring, with a super cosy interior and log burners in the kitchen and the living room to warm yourself up next to. Helga is the perfect host, very accommodating, very kind and is quick to respond to any questions you might have. We had the most amazing time here and will miss it dearly!”

    Nadia, October 2019

  • "...cozy, characterful, homely"

    “We had the most amazing few days staying at Verracott. The cottage is perfect; great location, cozy, characterful, homely. North Ronaldsay is a fascinating little island. We walked all around the perimeter outside of the walk, had lots of doggy play time on the beautiful beach just down the road, and spent our evenings in front of the cozy fire. Simply magical. Would highly recommend Verracott to anyone. Thank you Helga for sharing this wonderful place; we hope to be back one day.”

    Angela, September 2019

a unique location

North Ronaldsay, Orkney

Verracott is located on a tiny, remote Scottish island famed for its seaweed-eating sheep, diverse bird species and historic lighthouse.

North Ronaldsay can be found on the outer edges of the Orkney islands archipelago, either by a short flight or by boat.

The tiny island–three miles long and two miles wide–has close connections to its past, but its inhabitants have a keen eye on the future.

With a famous and rare breed of seaweed-eating sheep among its attractions, North Ronaldsay is a special place with lots to offer those looking for a relaxing, unique location.

 

all you need to know

Questions and Answers

 

  • Verracott sleeps up to 5 guests: there is a bedroom with a double bed, a queen size traditional box bed in the living room and…

  • Yes, pets are welcome at Verracott.

  • Children and babies are very welcome. The cottage has a travel cot, high chair and buggy available, and there are some books and toys, too.

  • Verracott is heated by woodburning stoves in the sitting room and kitchen. Some wood and coal are included in the rental price (depending on the length of stay) and there's more available to buy should you need it.

    There is also an electric radiator in the bedroom.

  • There's a small but well-stocked shop on the island at North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory (head for the pier and take a right at the cattle grid); it's open daily from 12pm - 2pm and until 5pm on Tuesdays. It also has a cafe and off-licence.

    During the summer months there's also a wonderful cafe, gift shop and heritage centre open in the lighthouse buildings.

    Groceries can also be ordered from Kirkwall and sent out on the freight plane or boat - get in touch for further details.

  • Yes, all of the house is accessible, but guests are recommended not to enter any outbuildings.

  • You can fly or sail to North Ronaldsay. Loganair operates an 8-seater Islander plane which flies 3 times daily in summer and twice daily in winter from Kirkwall Airport (flights are 15 minutes and cost £21 return). It's a beautiful flight out over the North Isles, Fair Isle and Foula (Shetland islands) can often be spotted on the horizon too if it's a clear day. For further details see Loganair.co.uk

    Orkney Ferries operate a service from Kirkwall on Tuesdays and Fridays. For further details on Orkney Ferries sailings see OrkneyFerries.co.uk.

    There is also a mooring buoy in Nouster Bay for private boats.

  • Some of the highlights of a stay on the island are watching the famous ancient breed of seaweed-eating North Ronaldsay sheep graze in the ebb at low tide; wandering the incredibly beautiful sandy beaches at Nouster and Linklet and the 13-mile walk around the shore of the island taking in the fascinating history, geology and wildlife.

    North Ronaldsay is also an incredible place for star gazing and seeing the Northern Lights (currently in the process of applying for 'Dark Sky Status'). The heritage centre in the New Kirk, Wool Mill and Visitors Centre at the Lighthouse are all well worth a visit, as is climbing the 176 steps to admire the amazing views from the top of the UK's tallest land-based lighthouse.

  • Bike, car and taxi hire are all available on the island (book separately). Please get in touch for details.

 come and stay

Get In Touch

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