3 The Noust

St Margarets Hope, Orkney Islands, Scotland

"Situated on the waterfront and in the centre of St Margaret's Hope in South Ronaldsay, 3, The Noust provides an ideal base for exploring Orkney or just simply away from it all."

Things You'll Love

The view from the front lounge and main bedroom windows gives a peaceful isolation - despite being in the centre of the village and it's amenities.

On the 20th of October 2006 looking out of the front window, I noticed something unfamiliar closer investigation it was a baby seal. Seal on a slipway - consultation with daughter and he was duly named Slippy!! He became a celebrity in the village that morning, a bit sad really because the reason he was there was that he had lost his mother. If anybody knows what happened to him, please contact us.Of course we cannot guarantee a seal visit, other guests have spotted Dolphins swimming in the bay and then there was two errant ducks who had decided to skip captivity and have a bit of freedom - what else but 'Donald and Daphne'!! Donald and Daphne were, of course, well fed from the front window. Now back where they belong, I'm sure they enjoyed their break at the Noust!!

Owner's Description

The house is our Holiday home and is equipped and maintained to that standard.

The house has been variously described as 'cozy' 'comfortable' 'a tardis' 'friendly' 'cute' 'bijou' - get the idea? Not the largest house in the world, but a clever use of space has created a comfortable holiday retreat.

With views over the bay the lounge is the real feature of the Noust, it's like being in a boat without the motion - and no reason ever to close the curtains!

Just so everyone is completely clear as to exactly what 3, The Noust is!!

There is a comfortable three piece suite (convertible bed settee), dining room table with six chairs available, coffee table, LCD television, video recorder, dvd player, radio/cd player and a selection of books, dvd's and video's.

Situated at the end of the lounge is the kitchen, with full size cooker, fridge, washing machine, microwave, kettle and toaster. Dishes, glasses galore - far more than ever required - Christmas dinner in the Noust - no problem!! Left and right handed can openers, knife sharpener, toast rack, egg cups etc etc - get the idea? Even proper Brandy glasses for a nightcap overlooking the bay.

Along the hallway, first door on the right as you enter the Noust is the downstairs shower room and toilet. Full size shower cubicle with 'Mira' power shower backed by the latest technology Heatrae Sadia pressurized water system. Heated towel rail, sink, mirror, shaving light, toilet and ample storage space.

Upstairs on the left as you go up stairs is the upstairs bathroom and toilet, full size bath, sink, toilet, shaving light, heated towel rail and ample storage space.

Past the stairs is the bunk bedroom, bunk beds, bedside cabinet, chest of drawers, mirror and wall mounted hanging rack and shelf. (Our daughter's favourite room!!)

Next door along is the single bedroom, oh so cozy single bed, chest of drawers, mirror and wall mounted hanging rack and shelf.

At the end of the landing is the main bedroom, this overlooks the bay - coffee in bed looking out at fishing boats and the poor souls on their way back from holiday on the ferry - bliss!!

Double bed, bedside cabinets, chest of drawers, mirror and wall mounted hanging rack and shelf. This has replaced the dressing table and wardrobe you see in the pictures.

We constantly try to improve and replace, so things may not always be as per picture, but hopefully better.

Directions

View Map

Orkney by land and sea:
Whether you travel by car, coach or train, the main approach follows the A9 from Perth to Caithness. The A9, which has been much improved and shortened in recent years, connects from central Scotland and England's main motorway and rail networks. Dual Carriageway connects Aberdeen to central Scotland.

By car from Perth to Inverness is 114 miles through some of Scotland's most beautiful landscape. From Inverness to Scrabster is a spectacular 111 miles.

By train you can travel to Thurso, where a bus connects to the ferry at Scrabster, or Aberdeen where the station is near to the harbour area. There is also a coach connection from Inverness/Wick to Gills Bay. By coach you can either go to Scrabster or John O'Groats (but remember that the John O'Groats route is a summer, passenger-only service).

Which Ferry?
John O'Groats Ferries Ltd www.jogferry.co.uk
40 minute crossing from John O'Groats to Orkney. 1st May to 30th September. Day Trips, Short Breaks and Express travel from Inverness to Kirkwall. Passengers only. Capacity 250 passengers.

NorthLink Ferries www.northlinkferries.co.uk
Regular sailings between Aberdeen/Kirkwall/Lerwick. Scrabster to Stromness, the gateway to Orkney with a crossing time of just 90 minutes. Call 0845 6000 449 for a brochure.

Pentland Ferries www.pentlandferries.co.uk
Offers the shortest most sheltered route to Orkney only an hour cruise for passengers and vehicles.

If you are coming by car the choice is Northlink or Pentland, as Pentland ferries operates into St Margaret's Hope it offers the fastest, cheapest route and The Noust is about 2 minutes drive from the terminal. They have a brand new Sea Cat on order which should be operational early 2008 which promises to shorten journey times and with the double hull, should be more comfortable.

Northlink operates into Stromness from Scrabster and Kirkwall from Aberdeen. Longer journey time and a drive at the other end to St Margarets Hope. The voyage passes by the Old Man of Hoy and the drive across the Orkney mainland is very pleasant about 30 miles.

By Air
Flights are operated by Loganair on behalf of British Airways www.ba.com from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.

St Margaret's Hope is 15 miles from the airport.

Other Information

Car Hire
We always use Orkney Car Hire and find them first rate, excellent vehicles and good rates www.orkneycarhire.co.uk fast, friendly and efficient service and they collect you from the Airport. If you are used to dealing with the mainstream car hire companies, you will find this long established Orkney family run business a refreshing change!