2 Bed in Tankerness oc-q32730

This is a single-storey cottage on the Tankerness side of the East Mainland, set back from a quiet country road with open farmland rolling away behind it. The gravelled forecourt gives you space to park right outside, and a pair of dark doors under the rendered gable — one flanked by tubs of pink geraniums — make the arrival feel cared for and easy.

Inside

The open-plan living room is bright and uncluttered, with pale walls, wood-effect flooring and an air-conditioning unit overhead for warm spells. There's a comfortable grey armchair, a wall-mounted TV on a solid oak stand, and a nest of side tables on a patterned rug. A tartan curtain frames the window, and the Northern Lights canvas on the wall sets the tone. The dining table seats four or six on grey-and-oak chairs — laid out, when we looked, with bowls, wine glasses and a cheeseboard, ready for a slow evening in.

Where you'll sleep

With two bedrooms, the cottage sleeps four. The main room has a wide bed dressed in soft floral linen, a painted chest of drawers and a bedside table with fresh flowers — towels rolled and waiting on the bed. There are two shower rooms: one a roomy walk-in with a glazed enclosure and heated towel rail, the other a neat second bath with WC, basin and its own shower, both finished in white with wooden floors.

The setting

Tankerness sits in farming country a short drive from Kirkwall, handy for the airport and the East Mainland beaches. From here the whole of Orkney opens up — the Italian Chapel at Lamb Holm, the Churchill Barriers and the islands of South Ronaldsay are all an easy run south.

Perfect for

A good fit for two couples or a small family of four who want a quiet rural base with two bathrooms, parking at the door, wifi, a washing machine and a hot tub for the evenings.