About this property
At a Glance
Two historic cottages
Dry stone courses
Sleep 2 & 6
Stunning gardens & views
Central Orkney location
About this Holiday Cottages
The Quoys of Houton are two historic stone built cottages on Orkney. Lovingly renovated and with spectacular gardens, the cottages are brimming with original features including stone flag floors and wooden beams. Living space is appointed to the highest standard throughout and the cottages are surrounded by pretty wildflower fields and have glorious views towards Scapa Flow. Look out for flocks of Curlews and Oyster Catchers regularly spotted in nearby fields.
The beach is only a short walk away and the cottages are centrally situated for exploring Orkney's not to be missed historic sites including Maes Howe chambered tomb and the Ring of Brodgar. The North Link Stromness to Scrabster ferry services are only a 10 minute drive away.
Owners Kevin and Caroline Critchlow offer the warmest of welcomes and a particularly spectacular feature is the beautiful Quoy Gardens which are open as part of the Scotland Gardens, and they also feature in Ken Cox's book 'Scotland Gardens.
The Old Granary - Sleeps 6
Lovely stone built cottage with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms - Sleeps 6.
Original features, stone walls and stone flagged floors.
Open plan lounge and kitchen.
The lounge has stunning sea views towards Scapa Flow and across to Flotta, Hoy and the Barrel of Butter.
Dine in the spacious dining room with antique furnishings and fabulous sea views.
A cosy informal snug is also available in the dining room area with extra large armchairs.
A spacious lobby area is a good spot for storing outside equipment and boots.
Utility room with an extra downstairs wc.
Ground floor twin room with private wet room ideal for our less mobile guests.
Upstairs - two bedrooms and two bathrooms including 1 king-size double and a bathroom with whirlpool and 1 twin with a wet room. This bedroom can be a super king double if preferred.
Puffin Quoy - Sleeps 2
Luxury romantic retreat perfect for couples - sleeps 2.
Accommodation includes a spacious lounge with deep comfortable sofas and a cosy log burner.
The dining area has glorious sea views.
A well equipped kitchen has all you'll need for a comfortable stay.
King-size double bedroom with a fabulous garden and sea views plus an en-suite wet room with a shower and whirlpool bath featuring mood lighting.
The Garden, Dry Stone Courses & Awards
Owners Caroline and Kevin have created a magical garden setting around the two cottages. The Quoy's garden is part of the Scottish National Garden Scheme and is the proud home of the Orkney Garden Festival, a biennual event (the next Orkney Garden Festival runs from 4th July to 14th July). The garden has featured on BBC2 and in magazines including the Scottish Field Magazine and Coast Magazine. We also won Gardeners World Britain's Best Challenging Garden last year and we were finalists for Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards for best self-catering.
Dry stone wall building courses are available to guests staying in our self-catering cottages. Courses are available throughout the year and are charged on a half day session basis of 2.5 hours. The price is £50 per person. Discounts are available for 2 or more guests applying and we do have longer courses available on request - please call us direct for more details.
Availability
Short breaks, minimum 3 night stays, are available during low season. Changeover day for weekly breaks is usually a Saturday.
Accommodation
Facilities
Close to Beach
Garden
Ground Floor Room/s
Historic Romantic
Open fire / Wood burner
Outdoor Furniture
Parking
Patio
Sea Views
Self Catering
Weekend Breaks