Howe Holiday homes

Howe Holiday Homes stand on Howe Road on the edge of Stromness, marked by a stone-built sign on the lawn that reads 'self catering'. It's an easy spot to find and an easier one to settle into, with open country and water on the doorstep.

Inside

The sitting room is bright and homely — a long grey sofa with scatter cushions, an electric fire set into a white surround, and fresh flowers and a lamp on the sideboard. A carpeted hallway links the rooms, so it lives like a proper little home rather than a let. The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking in, with a washer for longer breaks.

Where you'll sleep

There are two bedrooms. The double has a solid wooden bed frame, soft floral bedding and a print of an Orkney sunset above the headboard, with a window framing the green beyond. Towels are laid out ready for arrival.

Step outside

This is where Howe earns its keep. From the garden the view runs clean over a clipped hedge to the water, with cattle grazing the fields and the hills of Hoy rising across the way. Another angle takes in a loch backed by those same dark hills — the sort of outlook that has you lingering over a morning coffee.

The setting

You're just outside Stromness, close enough to nip into town for the shops, ferry and harbour, but far enough out to wake up to fields and sea rather than streets.

Perfect for

With two bedrooms sleeping four, a garden and parking, this suits a family or two couples who want country and coast views without giving up easy access to Stromness.