8 Thoms Street

Arrive at 8 Thoms Street and you're greeted by a tidy single-storey home with a wooden front door and a flagstone patio out front, complete with a bench to catch the morning sun. It's a quiet residential spot in Kirkwall, well kept and welcoming, with a clipped hedge and pots of greenery framing the entrance.

Inside

Indoors it's bright, modern and comfortable. There's a snug seating corner with a grey sofa and an oak console – the sort of nook for a quiet read – and the place clearly looks after its guests well. The kitchen is freshly fitted with pale units, a microwave and plenty of worktop, with a washer for longer stays and WiFi throughout. It's practical and easy to live in for a family.

Where you'll sleep

The house has three bedrooms and sleeps five. The rooms are calm and uncluttered, dressed in patterned bedding with coastal artwork on the walls and proper radiators to keep things warm. There's a bathroom with a vanity basin and toilet, plus a shower room with a glass enclosure and a black heated towel rail.

Step outside

The back garden is a genuine bonus – a large lawn with room for children to run about, a fine mature conifer for shade, a greenhouse and a washing line. Walled and private, it's a lovely spot on a still Orkney evening.

The setting

You're within easy reach of the centre of Kirkwall, with St Magnus Cathedral, shops, restaurants and the harbour all close by, plus good road links across the Mainland.

Perfect for

Families of up to five who want a comfortable, well-equipped house with a proper garden and an easy run into town.