ODIN
Odin is spectacularly situated in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, where the Stenness Loch and Harray Loch meet.
Accommodation
Accommodation comprises four bedrooms all with en suite facilities, main bathroom with shower over bath, sitting room with peat burning fire, sun porch, dining room with adjoining large kitchen, utility room, fully equipped rod room, toilet and summer house.
Odin was built in 1936 by Captain Cooper, a retired master mariner, who wanted to see water from each room in the house. The house was constructed using wood from the Cunard liner RMS Mauretania. Some of the original fittings are still in evidence in the kitchen, hallway, stairs and wooden seat in the front porch.
The Odin garden has been simplified, in the last few years, so that it both reflects and contributes to the encompassing landscape with its nearby archaeological remains. Odin garden in The Scotsman
The cost to rent Odin ranges from £825 to £1150 per week, please contact me for an up-to-date price: olivetaylor@btinternet.com
Archaeology
http://www.odinorkney.com/pages/worldheritage.html
“What a beautiful house, very tastefully decorated and such an idyllic setting. I also don't think there will be another house on the planet from which you can see 6 World Heritage class Neolithic monuments from either the house or the drive! I couldn't get over that alone!” Liz Howard-Thornton
Watch Stone, Standing Stones of Stenness and Barnhouse Neolithic Village are beside Odin. The internationally acclaimed Ness of Brodgar and Ring of Brodgar are just up the road and Maeshowe is within one mile of Odin.
Fishing
http://www.odinorkney.com/pages/rodroom.html
Odin has a fully equipped rod room with toilet. The adjoining summerhouse has tea and coffee making facilities and a table capable of seating up to 10 people should you wish to share your catch in a relaxed atmosphere. A ghillie can be arranged.
Bird Watching
www.odinorkney.com/pages/wildlife.html
The house is a luxury bird hide where a large variety of birds can be seen from each window. “A hen harrier arrived while we were having lunch and a red throated diver was sited on the loch the following day.”
Odin in Winter
Northern Lights
www.odinorkney.com
We have seen wonderful displays of the Northern Lights at Odin. We cannot guarantee this amazing phenomenon but we can provide local information relating to the likelihood of seeing the lights.
Winter Solstice
http://www.maeshowe.co.uk/maeshowe/stones.html
At the Winter Solstice when viewed from the Watchstone, the sun disappears behind the top of the Ward Hill of Hoy for several minutes, and then reappears momentarily at the bottom of the north flank of the hill. We have seen this mid-winter sun flashing several times at Odin. You may also experience the mid-winter sun, light up the Maeshowe tomb.
Bird Watching
www.orkney.com/about/nature/birds/migrating-ducks
In Winter, there are large numbers of ducks on the lochs as well as Whooper Swans.
Ba’
http://www.orkneyjar.com/tradition/bagame/index.html
Christmas Day and New Years Day – a unique experience to watch!
Craft Trails
http://www.orkneydesignercrafts.com/index.php
Discover diverse and varied crafts, many of which can be seen in galleries nationwide.
Pier Arts Centre
http://www.pierartscentre.com/
4 miles from Odin Part of “Tate Plus” initiative
Established in 1979 to provide a home for an important collection of British fine art donated to ‘be held in trust for Orkney’ by the author, peace activist and philanthropist Margaret Gardiner (1904 – 2005). Includes works by Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and Naum Gabo among others. As well as its permanent collection you can enjoy exhibitions from local and international artists.
Ness Battery
http://www.nessbattery.co.uk/
4 miles from Odin
This important relic of Orkney’s wartime heritage once defended Scapa Flow against enemy attack and after being closed for many years is finally open to the public.