Lochview

Lochview lives up to its name, sitting right beside the water in the quiet township of Swannay in Orkney's far north-west. You'll spot the hand-carved Lochview sign by the road, sheep grazing the bank and, on a still morning, the loch lying mirror-flat with the hills doubled in the reflection. It's a peaceful, away-from-it-all spot with a wide gravel parking area and a covered porch looking out to the water.

Inside

The interior is fresh and homely, with soft sage walls and a carpeted stair hung with coastal artwork leading up to the accommodation. A roof window frames a sweep of open moorland and distant hills, so the views follow you indoors. It comes with a kitchen, washer and TV, so you're well set up to settle in and cook for yourselves.

Where you'll sleep

Lochview sleeps two, making it an ideal bolthole for a couple. The space is comfortable and quiet, with that big northern light and the calm of the loch just outside the window.

Step outside

This is the part that stays with you. The garden runs down towards the loch, with flower borders against a slatted fence and gorse and daffodils brightening the bank in season. Sit out with a hot drink and watch the water and the sheep, or wander down to the shore when the surface turns to glass.

The setting

Swannay sits in a remote, beautiful corner of the West Mainland, handy for the cliffs and beaches of Birsay and the wider wild north of Orkney. It's somewhere to slow right down, watch the wildlife and enjoy the big skies.

Perfect for

A couple after a quiet, scenic self-catering retreat with a loch on the doorstep and proper peace.