Luxury Coastal Retreat - Isle of Eday

This Luxury Coastal Retreat (known as Mount Hoolie) set all on one level is perfect for you if exploring nature, spotting wildlife and a relaxing escape are your holiday must haves. A birdwatchers haven, our luxury fully off-grid home with all modern amenities and creature comforts, is set on the north Shores of Eday. A short stroll down the private meadow leads to a stunning and secluded sandy beach with sea caves. The Retreat is also close to local ancient neolithic landmarks too. Stay for a short break or a week or two and embrace the calming powers of our unique coastal, island escape where you can “get away from it all”.

The space
Features you’ll love:

Off-grid living
Experience for yourself how living in a fully off-grid house can be an absolute pleasure, with lighting, heating including showering and other electrical appliances all coming powered courtesy of the sun with our solar panels array and air-source heat pump, making for more sustainable and independent living. In addition, you have your own private filtered water supply on-tap.

Large picture windows
spanning three sides of the seaward-facing part of the house, the large picture windows offer unparalleled views of the Calf of Eday (a small neighbouring island) and the distant Red Head cliffs, ensuring an ever-changing maritime panorama to relax with.

Spacious Living Areas
As with its sister property in Kirkwall, this coastal retreat boasts a large, modern open-plan kitchen and dining area where your family or group can gather, cook, or relax together. The kitchen island doubles as both a workspace and breakfast bar — and with those stunning views, you’ll definitely want to enjoy your cornflakes or a cooked breakfast here. Be prepared to compete for the seat that faces the Red Head!

Comfortable Bedrooms
The house has two bedrooms — one double and one twin — each with super-comfy mattresses to ensure a great night’s sleep, leaving you refreshed and ready for the next day’s adventures.

Modern Bathroom Facilities
Freshen up or carry out your daily morning ablutions in our spacious and stylish bathroom, complete with a large shower — perfect after a long day exploring the island. Hot water is provided by an efficient air-source heat pump, powered by our solar panels.

Central Heating Throughout
While you may have chosen to spend your holiday in the far north of Scotland, that doesn’t mean you’ll be cold. The house benefits from fabulous underfloor heating throughout — all powered by our solar energy system.

Private off-road parking space:
There’s plenty of room for multiple cars to park adjacent to the house, ensuring that even if you are unlucky enough to experience some inclement weather, you don’t have far to reach the car if you need to pop out for some groceries!

Wi-Fi Heaven
Eday has historically struggled with poor internet services — so due to this, we’ve installed premium satellite Wi-Fi (in keeping with our off-grid aims), for your viewing and listening pleasure, and allowing you to stay connected with the outside world and loved ones whenever you wish.

Naturally, while on Eday, you’ll likely be keen to share lots of photos on social media, showcasing what a fantastic time you’re having at our fabulous retreat, (hint hint) 😉. You might also want to unwind with a spot of YouTube or a movie when the weather isn’t so kind (it happens!) so we’ve got you covered on both fronts.

Strong phone signal
As a bonus to the above, our coastal retreat also enjoys a surprisingly good mobile data signal in Calfsound (the northern part of Eday), thanks to a radio mast on the neighbouring island of Sanday. So, you’ll be able to stay connected while out and about too.

Escaping the Digital World
Of course, despite the excellent WIFI, staying in a fairly remote off-grid location does offer you the perfect (if not rare) opportunity to take a short break from your usual online life – which, let’s be honest, can be both a blessing and a curse when people can reach you 24/7 from almost anywhere in the world.

With that in mind, we wouldn’t blame you one little bit if you’d rather tell your friends and family that A) You can’t message very often (if at all) because well, you are living off-grid (kind of true I guess…). or B) The connection is dreadful (hmm, naughty… that’s just outright fibbing!).

Either way, you’ll have the perfect excuse to switch off and enjoy some well-earned “me time”, free from the usual digital distractions, and hey, you can always place your device in airplane mode so you won’t get disturbed by anyone while you soak up the tranquil Eday vibe!

A Quiet That Speaks Volumes
Talking about vibes, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better location in the UK in which to relax and unwind without all the usual traffic noise (just the occasional tractor or perhaps the hum of the small Loganair light aircraft serving the North Isles). In fact for most of the time, other than the breeze or the melodic trill of a Skylark hovering high overhead, you’ll most likely hear pretty much nothing, it’s quite uncanny at times how peaceful it is.

You’ll also notice at night that there is little in the way of light pollution, so on clear nights you’ll be able to see a multitude of stars, adding a new dimension of clarity that you’ve likely never experienced before. This truly is a place where you can allow the pressures and stresses of modern daily life to just melt away, leaving you feeling totally refreshed and ready to return home and face life once more with renewed vigour.

Eday

Meet the Neighbours
While there are a few smallholdings, homesteads, and farms nearby in Calfsound, I’m really talking about your terrestrial, aerial, and seaborne neighbours — the local rabbits, seabirds, and seals that you’ll have for company! Take a walk down to the shore, and you’re bound to spot plenty of seabirds, including kittiwakes, guillemots, Arctic skuas, and terns, so don’t forget a pair of binoculars.

You’re also very likely to see scores of seals in the fast-moving tidal waters of Calf Sound. Whistling often catches their attention — they’ll lift their heads from the water and drift closer, curious to see who’s visiting their stretch of sea. You may even catch a glimpse of the occasional rabbit hopping across the fields, nibbling on some fresh blades of grass.

Visit the caves
Situated at the bottom of the field below the house and a little to the right from your perspective from the house is a set of caves “The Castles” plus a small secluded sandy beach which you can explore. Do take care when negotiating the grassy slope down to the beach as there are no hand rails or actual steps.

The Stone of Setter
The Stone of Setter is a striking Neolithic standing stone on the island of Eday, part of the Orkney archipelago. Rising about 4.5 metres (15 feet) high, it’s one of the tallest single monoliths in Orkney. Thought to date back over 4,000 years, the stone is thought to be connected to ancient ceremonial or ritual practices. Set on a gentle rise with wide views across the island, it creates a dramatic and atmospheric link to Eday’s prehistoric past.

Vinquoy Hill Chambered Cairn
The Vinquoy Hill Tomb is a Neolithic chambered cairn located on one of Eday’s highest points, offering sweeping views across the surrounding islands. Dating to around 3000 BC, it’s a fine example of an Orkney Maeshowe-type tomb, with a long entrance passage leading into a central chamber and side cells built from local stone. Though partly reconstructed, much of its original structure remains, and its elevated position gives it a strikingly atmospheric setting — suggesting it was chosen as both a burial place and a prominent landmark in the prehistoric landscape.

The Eday Heritage Centre and renewable energy projects
The Eday Heritage Centre, located in the middle of the island in an old chapel, offers a fascinating introduction to Eday’s history, landscape, and community life. It features displays on archaeology, geology, wildlife, and local culture, including information about the island’s sandstone industry and its role in Orkney’s wider story. The centre is run by the local heritage trust and serves as a welcoming starting point for visitors, providing maps, walking guides, and insights into Eday’s unique natural and historical sites.

Learn about Eday’s renewable energy at the Heritage Centre – Eday is home to one of the UK’s pioneering hydrogen projects, part of the Surf ’n’ Turf initiative. Installed in 2016, the 0.5 MW electrolyser was one of the first in the country to turn renewable electricity from wind, wave and tidal power into clean hydrogen fuel (creating fuel from water).

The hydrogen produced on Eday can be stored and transported, then converted back into electricity or heat when needed — demonstrating a sustainable way for remote communities to use surplus renewable energy. While it’s not the largest system in the UK today, it is a trailblazer, which has helped pave the way for larger hydrogen projects on neighbouring islands like Shapinsay and beyond. There are already well over 100 buses in London and Surrey, all the way down to Brighton that run on hydrogen such as that being produced on Eday.

Mill Loch Bird Hide
The Mill Loch bird hide overlooks one of the island’s key freshwater lochs, offering excellent opportunities to watch wetland and moorland birds in a peaceful setting. It’s located near Milldale, opposite the Eday COOP, and is easily reached by a short walk from the main road. The hide provides shelter and good views across the loch, where you might see red-throated divers, wigeons (a type of duck, not a pigeon!!), lapwings, and curlews, among others. It’s a tranquil spot that highlights Eday’s rich birdlife and unspoilt natural environment.

Mussetter and Doomy Beaches
Mussetter Beach is a lovely, sweeping bay of pale sand on Eday’s west coast just to one side of Eday’s London Airport, with dunes and gentle slopes leading down to the water. It’s one of the island’s most tranquil spots — great for walking, picnicking, or watching seals hauled out on the rocks.

Just to the north, Doomy Beach is smaller and more rugged, where bands of red and yellow Eday sandstone are beautifully exposed. It’s a striking location for geology and coastal photography, with a wilder, more dramatic feel than Mussetter. Together they show off the western coastline’s mix of soft sands and sculpted rock, with views across to nearby islands on a clear day.

Eday Heritage Walk
The Eday Heritage Walk is a well-marked circular trail that links many of the island’s most interesting historical and natural sites. Starting near the Eday COOP and bird hide towards the north end of the island, it follows a mix of moorland paths, farm tracks, and gentle coastal stretches, offering fine views throughout. Just remember to wear suitable outdoor clothing such as raincoat and walking boots or wellingtons (recommended) as it tends to be a bit wet in places, even during the summer months.

Along the route, you can visit highlights such as the Stone of Setter (as mentioned above), Vinquoy Hill chambered tomb and ultimately the Red Head cliffs, as well as passing remnants of old crofts and peat cuttings that tell the story of Eday’s past life. The full loop is around 6 miles (10 km) and takes about 2–3 hours at an easy pace. It’s a rewarding way to explore the island’s landscape, archaeology, and wildlife — all in one walk.

You may wish to bring a pair of binoculars too as there is a wealth of seabirds to be seen nesting on the Redhead cliffs, especially the western face, along with a few puffins if you’re lucky. If you look west you can see Westray and Papa Westray (Papay) and on clear days if you look north-east, you may be able to see Fair Isle too.

Cycling
While there are no bike hire facilities on Eday, you’re very welcome to bring your own bicycle. There are plenty of quiet roads to explore, with little to no traffic, making cycling a real pleasure. The island’s many sandy beaches also make perfect picnic spots — ideal for a rest and to take in the stunning views.

Local shops
There is one small shop on the island – The Eday COOP open 6 days a week and closed Sundays, with limited opening times on those days. The COOP stocks a surprisingly decent range of food and sundry essentials including fresh bakery bread and sliced loaves from the mainland, fruit, vegetables, tinned and packed items, chilled and frozen food, plus a range of beer, wine and spirits.

Local cafes etc
Being only a small and relatively remote island, there are no restaurants, or pubs at this moment in time, however, the Eday COOP, run by Eday Community Enterprises does run a small cafe on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 10:30am and 12:30pm (2 hours) serving hot drinks and snacks. It’s best to enquire in the shop or phone for up-to-date information, as opening times may vary depending on the seasons.

Kirkwall
When it comes to visiting the other surrounding islands, it’s only really feasible for a same day return to visit Kirkwall and surrounds located on the largest island in Orkney – which locals simply call “mainland” (not mainland Scotland). Kirkwall is the vibrant heart of the Orkney Islands, blending rich Norse heritage with a welcoming small-town charm. At its centre stands the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, surrounded by quaint stone lanes, independent shops, and cosy cafés. As Orkney’s capital, Kirkwall offers an ideal starting point for exploring the dramatic coastal scenery, and fascinating archaeological sites — all within easy reach of the harbour.

Vehicle & passenger ferry – If you fancy a day trip out to Kirkwall and Mainland Orkney, you can catch the Ro-Ro (vehicle & passenger) ferries that run five days a week – except Tuesdays and Sundays. The ferry leaves Eday just before or after 10:00am, depending on the day (crossing takes 1hr 15 minutes) and returns from Kirkwall to Eday around 3:00pm – 4:00pm, again depending on the day and seasonal variations, with Thursdays and Fridays generally being the best days to sail due to the later 4:00pm sailings back to Eday, so giving you an extra hour on the main Orkney isle (five hours instead of four).

Foot Passenger Ferry
During the winter months and early spring, the small MV Nordic Sea operates foot-passenger ferry services — perfect if you fancy a quick trip into town for a bit of shopping or some retail therapy, or if you’re already missing the buzz and noise of “civilisation.”

For accurate, up-to-date timetables, please visit the Orkney Ferries website: https://www.orkneyferries.co.uk/

** Please also remember to choose your days carefully as ferries can be cancelled without little warning if the weather takes a turn for the worst. **

o- Town centre -o – Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle in the capital of Orkney and stop for a coffee and relax in one of the cafes while getting your shopping and gift-hunting done at the same time.

o- Local crafts -o – Kirkwall is renowned for its talented silversmiths and jewellery makers, whose craftsmanship reflects Orkney’s Norse roots and natural beauty. Several long-established workshops and family-run studios can be found in and around the town, creating distinctive pieces that blend traditional techniques with modern design. Local silversmiths often draw inspiration from Orkney’s landscapes, wildlife, and ancient heritage — from swirling sea patterns and runic motifs to Celtic knots and Viking symbolism.

Visitors can watch skilled artisans at work, explore small galleries and boutiques, and take home unique hand-crafted jewellery made right in the heart of Kirkwall. These silversmiths have helped make Orkney a centre of excellence for Scottish jewellery design, admired far beyond the islands. Brands include: Ortak, Sheila Fleet, Aurora and Ola Gorie.

Judith Glue is one of Kirkwall’s most loved shops, celebrating Orkney’s creativity and craftsmanship. Located opposite St Magnus Cathedral, it offers locally made jewellery, knitwear, crafts, and artisan foods. Founded by Orkney designer Judith Glue, the store and its adjoining Real Food Café provide an authentic island experience filled with warmth and local flavour.

o- Orkney Brewery shop -o – This outlet for Orkney Brewery (otherwise known as the “Peedie Bottle Shop” – peedie = small/little) offers a great range of local Orkney beers which you can also sample before you buy. Well worth a visit if you are a fan of craft beers.

o- St Magnus Cathedral -o – Explore the cathedral, often called “The Light of the North,” and is one of Scotland’s most remarkable medieval buildings. It was founded in 1137 by Earl Rognvald Kolsson in honour of his uncle, St Magnus, the patron saint of Orkney. Built by Norse craftsmen using striking red and yellow sandstone, the cathedral reflects both Viking and Scottish influences.

Over the centuries, it has stood at the heart of Kirkwall’s history — witnessing Norse rule, Scottish annexation, and Reformation change — yet it remains beautifully preserved. Today, St Magnus Cathedral continues to be a place of worship and reflection, admired for its stunning Romanesque architecture, intricate stone carvings, and deep sense of peace and history.

o- Earl’s Palace & Bishop’s Palace -o – Two Renaissance-era ruins facing St Magnus Cathedral; built by notorious Earl Patrick Stewart in the 1600s (no relation to the Shakespearean actor that starred in the Star-Trek and Xmen franchises!).

o- The Orkney Museum -o – , opposite St Magnus Cathedral and housed in the historic Tankerness House on Broad Street in Kirkwall, the museum offers a free, fascinating journey through Orkney’s story—from the Stone Age through the Picts and Vikings right up to the present day.

o- Local Kirkwall distilleries -o – Visit the Highland Park Distillery at the top end of the town and take a tour sample this popular single malt and maybe buy a bottle or two or visit their shop near St Magnus Cathedral. There’s also The Orkney Distillery near the pier which produces a great range of gins, a spiced rum, plus two blended whiskys. You can sample their range at the bar or take a tour of the distillery.

o- The Pickaquoy Centre -o – Locally known as the “Picky Centre” this is Kirkwall’s main leisure and community hub — a modern, well-equipped complex offering something for everyone. It features a large swimming pool, gym, fitness studios, cinema, sports halls, and outdoor pitches, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Ideal for days where the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor adventures.

Beyond its sports and fitness facilities, the centre also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year, serving as a lively social focal point for the town. Whether you’re looking to relax with a swim, catch a film, or enjoy a local performance, the Pickaquoy Centre adds a vibrant and welcoming dimension to life in Kirkwall.

o- Garden Centre -o – If you’re a keen gardener, the Wellpark Garden Centre is only a few minutes from the pier. Stop here and browse through the various shrubs and border plants on offer, all of which are chosen to be hardy in the sometimes harsh Orkney climate (perfect then for impulse buys if you live in a maritime location back home). There’s also a cafe where you can stop for refreshments.

o- Cafes and Restaurants -o – while some restaurants are only open in the evening, there are plenty of places to choose from that will be open to catch a spot of lunch before you return to Eday, including takeaways (handy, so you can take it with you to eat while you get in the queue for the Eday ferry or on the journey if short on time). These include:
Helgis which faces the pier is a great spot with plenty of character and overlooks the harbour at Kirkwall Pier, where you can go for a pint and a plate of fish and chips plus other tasty meals on offer .
Wellpark garden centre cafe as mentioned above is a great place for a coffee, snack and a cake as you browse around.
Willows Takeaway A local favourite on Willow Road, just past the garden centre off the main winding shopping street, this spot serves both classic fish & chips and a full Chinese menu. Generous portions, friendly staff, and quick service make it ideal after exploring the island. Note: chips are cooked in beef dripping, but vegetarian/vegan options can be arranged if you call ahead. (Lunch serving is 12:00pm – 2:00pm)
Trenabies is a long-established cafe bistro located along the winding narrow main pedestrian street, serving customers since the 1920’s. They now offer Starbucks coffee too if you are a fan.
Twenty One is a small plates restaurant and cocktail bar literally on the other side of the road to Trenabies and also has a good selection of local beers.
Archive Coffee cafe is located in the old former town library archive room and just off the main shopping street. It offers various refreshments and breakfast or lunch options (including vegetarian and vegan options).
Busters Diner a no-frills American-style diner serving food with an Orcadian and Scottish twist. They offer burgers, hotdogs, pizzas, fries, battered fish, gougons, scampi, wraps and other fried delights as well as salads and baked potatoes (“baked tatties”) with various fillings.
Empire Chinese Restaurant a popular and inexpensive spot in Kirkwall for classic Chinese dishes, from chow mein and spring rolls to salt & chilli chicken. Takeaway or dine in, perfect for a casual meal after a day exploring Orkney. (Lunch serving is 12:00pm – 2:00pm)
Dil Se Restaurant A small cosy Indian restaurant at the start of the narrow shopping street near Kirkwall Pier. An ideal spot for lunch if you fancy a curry, due to its location near the Kirkwall pier, ensuring you have a relaxed meal with plenty of time to catch the ferry back to Eday! (Lunch serving is 12:00pm – 2:00pm)
Sakura Kitchen a takeaway‑only Japanese spot in Kirkwall near to Kirkwall Pier, delivering fresh, authentic dishes like bento boxes, chicken kara‑age and ramen with a twist. They also offer various vegetarian and vegan options as well. (Open from 12:00pm)

o- Supermarkets -o –Kirkwall is a great place for stocking up on a few treats or favourite brand products that you cannot easily buy on Eday if you’re staying on the island for a longer period. There is a COOP on the main shopping street just a few minutes walk from the pier, plus a larger COOP on Pickaquouy Road on the edge of town with an adjacent fairly large Tesco. Next door to that is a Lidl so you are spoilt for choice at this particular location and the Pickaquoy Centre is a couple of minutes away if you fancy a swim or to watch a movie.

Why not also visit William Shearer General Store, an independent shop at the end of Victoria Street a few minutes walk past the cathedral, which has been serving the Orkney public since 1857. They stock a wide range of groceries including fresh bread, fruit and vegetables including locally grown food (you may see Orkney tomatoes on sale during the summer) as well as tinned food, preserves and chilled products, plus some vegan options. In addition, they sell various hardware items, fishing equipment and pet supplies plus some garden equipment and seeds too, so well worth a visit!

Outside of Kirkwall:
Most of the locations mentioned below are easily reached by car within around 30 minutes (give or take), but if you visit Kirkwall on foot, then you’d be advised to stay within Kirkwall, as while you can take a taxi or catch a bus somewhere, time can pass very quickly, and you don’t want to miss your ferry back to Eday if there are any delays enroute with your transport! 😉

o- Visit archaeological sites: -o – Explore all that mainland Orkney has to offer from Kirkwall, and of course some of the most well known landmarks are its numerous archaeological sites. Must-sees are:

Maes Howe, a neolithic chambered cairn located near Stenness and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is reputed to be around 3000 years old (15 minute drive from Kirkwall via guided tours only).

The Ring of Brodgar — Just a short 20 minutes drive away, this vast Neolithic stone circle consisting of 30 tall stones – some over 4 metres tall, stands between two lochs in one of Scotland’s most atmospheric landscapes. Dating back nearly 5,000 years, it’s free to visit year-round and offers breathtaking views at sunrise or sunset — a true Orkney icon.

Skara Brae — Only a bit further on from the previous two monuments is Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village, uncovered from the sand after a winter storm. Step back 5,000 years and see stone houses complete with hearths, beds, and cupboards, set beside sweeping views of the Bay of Skaill and includes a modern visitor centre with displays and a café.

Earls’ Palace, Birsay, a majestic 16th-century courtyard fortress built by the powerful Stewart Earls of Orkney, now a haunting ruin overlooking the sea on the north-west tip of Mainland Orkney. Free to visit year-round, it evokes a dramatic age of ambition, strength and island history. Constructed around 1574 by Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney (illegitimate son of King James V) and extended by his son Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney in the 1580s.

Brough of Birsay – Adjacent to the Earls’ Palace is the Brough of Birsay, a tidal island accessible at low tide, with remains of Pictish, Norse and medieval buildings plus a lighthouse and dramatic views.

o- Marwick Head -o – Like Mull Head in the entry below (The Gloup) Marwick Head is the perfect spot to do a bit of bird watching and where you may be lucky enough to see a puffin. Marwick Head can be visited in conjunction with the above two archaeological sites in Birsay.

o- Ancient sea-caves, dramatic seascapes, walks, ruins and whisky -o – Discover one of Orkney’s most dramatic coastal landscapes at The Gloup — a massive collapsed sea-cave (or “gloup” from the Old Norse gluppa, meaning chasm) on the east coast of Mainland, in the Mull Head Nature Reserve. Alongside the sheer sea-cliffs, heathland and seabird colonies, visitors can also explore the nearby Brough of Deerness with its remains of a Norse chapel. A memorable, wild & beautiful spot for nature and history lovers.

This is a popular spot for dog walkers and hiking along the various tracks across the headlands with incredible views out to sea. The Deerness Distillery along with its in-house cafe The Dashing Deer Kitchen & Bar is the perfect stop for refreshments after building up an appetite exploring the headlands and Gloup. Sample a collection of spirits brewed on site, consisting of a whisky, three gins, a vodka and a chocolate liqueur.

o- The Churchill Barriers & Italian Chapel -o – The Churchill Barriers are a remarkable piece of wartime engineering and history. Constructed between 1940 and 1944 on Winston Churchill’s orders, these four causeways were built to block Scapa Flow’s eastern entrances following the German U-boat attack that sank HMS Royal Oak. Today, they provide a permanent road connection from Mainland Orkney to South Ronaldsay, Burray, and Lamb Holm.

Along the way, visitors can explore the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, an extraordinary little church decorated by Italian prisoners of war who helped build the barriers. The site offers dramatic sea views, a tangible link to Orkney’s strategic role in WWII, and a unique combination of history, engineering, and artistry, symbolising hope and creativity amid hardship and makes it a memorable stop for any visitor.

The barriers are an ideal addition to your itinerary in conjunction with The Gloup and Deerness Distillery, depending on how long you spend at the latter.

o- Orkney Brewery (Quoyloo) -o – The main brewery site (with visitor centre and café) if guests want to go beyond the scope of the Peedie Bottle Shop in Kirkwall. Located near Skara Brae, this could naturally be included as part of a tour of West Mainland Orkney (along with Maes Howe and the Ring of Brodgar).