We call it The Bird House because there’s never a moment in daylight you can’t see birds flying or diving nearby… there are guillemots (called ‘tysties’ in Orkney), gulls, terns, herons, ducks, eiders, bonxies, crows, dunnocks and LBJs, murmurations of starlings, and—very occasionally—a kingfisher! You can also see and hear a colony of seals across the bay on the beach of the Holms, the small islands that protect Stromness harbour.
Shared with family and friends for holidays and get-togethers, we’ve recently made it available for visitors. In addition to a couple in the king-size bed, the house can accommodate a child or adult on a fold-out bed in a tiny cupboardy-room, and a couple of kids on two sofas, bedding provided.
The main living room contains a lovely kitchen—with views across Scapa Flow—and breakfast bar, a comfortable lounge area with two sofas, TV, wifi, books and games. The bedroom has a king-size bed from which you can look across the harbour (at the Shopping Week or New Year fireworks, if you’re here at the right time). There’s an electric shower in the modern bathroom, and a washing machine, just in case. On sunny days—and light nights—you can sit out at a picnic table on the almost-private pier.
For more details and photos, please email info@stromnessbirdhouse.uk
Bookings run Saturday to Saturday, arrival after 2pm, departure 10am and prices include bedding, towels, cleaning, electricity, wifi, and a selection of local food supplies, basic cooking ingredients, tea, coffee and biscuits. And ice in the freezer for your drinks.
SUMMER and Christmas/New Year
May, June, July, August, September
£430 per week during 2018
OFF SEASON except Christmas/New Year
October, November, December, January, February, April, March
£350 per week during 2018
During the off-season it may be possible to book a shorter stay, and over weekends. For example, 4 nights @ £210, or 3 nights @ £180 – please ask if you have other timings in mind.