Skjalbrei

Our house is a recently renovated traditional Shetland croft house which has been sympathetically restored and includes a number of modern conveniences such as oil fired central heating and modern kitchen and bathroom.

Skelberry stands on a rise above Dury Voe about two miles south of Vidlin, which is on the east side of Mainland.. From our sun porch there are magnificent views over the Voe which is just a short five minute walk to the shore. We have seen seals, orcas and otters in the water and very many different types of sea birds. Our location is an ideal base for walking, bird watching and cycling and the area is rich in archaeological sites. It is also conveniently located for the inter island ferry terminals with especially easy access for Whalsay and Out Skerries. The nearest shop, which is very well stocked, is in Vidlin. Our house has been modernised but it is very much in keeping within the spirit of a Shetland croft house. It has a comfortable lounge with fine fireplace and beautiful turned staircase leading up to 2 bedrooms. Downstairs there is an additional third bedroom which has another fine fireplace. The house has oil fired central heating and heating and electricity are all inclusive in the rental rate for the property. The bathroom and kitchen have also been completely modernised with electric oven, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer. In addition there is a large shed attached to the house which can be used to store bikes.

The house faces a southerly direction amidst fields of grazing sheep and has wonderful views from a fine sun porch, which is a favourite place to sit and watch continually changing sea and sky-scapes of Dury Voe. There are many seabirds which dive into or nest around the Voe including gannets, fulmars, arctic terns and skuas. The garden also has a range of birds which visit including the Shetland wren. The garden itself is a mixture of wild and cultivated flowers throughout the summer months and there are some beautiful meadows within a short walking distance of the house. Also otters live in holts down by the shore which is just a short walk away and orcas and seals can be seen in the Voe.

Ferry terminals for access to the island of Whalsay and the Outer Skerries are within a short distance and the ferries for Fetlar and Yell with connections to Unst can also be easily reached. Although Lerwick is 25 miles away, Shetland's roads are very good and the traffic is light making the journey time by car around half an hour.

The local area is historically rich with aome interesting archaeological sites as well as more recent history represented by Lunna House where the Shetland Bus operated during the Second World War assisting the Norwegian Resistance movement.