2 The Noust Self Catering

There aren't many places where the water comes almost to the doorstep, but 2 The Noust is one of them. This white-walled cottage sits right on the shore at St Margaret's Hope, with the bay lapping at the old stone pier just yards from the door. Pull in, and the first thing you'll notice is the quiet and the wide, open view across the water.

Inside

The living room is set up for proper unwinding, with a black leather sofa and two tub chairs gathered around a rug, plenty of seating for two and a window that lets the light pour in. There are books and a music player to hand for slower evenings. The kitchen is a galley run of cream cabinets with a tiled splashback, oven, microwave and a washing machine tucked in, so you've everything you need to cook and keep on top of laundry through a longer stay.

Where you'll sleep

With one bedroom, the cottage sleeps two, making it a natural fit for a couple. Everything is on a comfortable, easy-living scale.

Step outside

The real draw is the setting. Step out and the tidal shore is right there, the old pier curving into the bay, and on a clear day you'll catch the Pentland Ferries boat crossing in the distance. It's the kind of view that changes hour by hour with the tide and the light.

The setting

St Margaret's Hope is one of the most characterful villages in Orkney, a tight cluster of stone houses around a sheltered harbour on South Ronaldsay. The ferry to the Scottish mainland sails from nearby, and Kirkwall is an easy drive north. It's a working village with a real sense of place.

Perfect for

A couple after a peaceful waterside base, with parking, wifi and a sea view to wake up to.