Riff Farmhouse, ideal for exploring Orkney

Riff Farmhouse stands on its own above the shore at Rendall, a smart modern house with a steep slate roof and French doors opening straight out toward the water. Pull up on the drive and the first thing you notice is the openness of it all, grass running down to the coast and big skies overhead.

Inside

The living room makes the most of its position, with a large picture window framing the fields and sea beyond and a comfortable leather corner sofa angled to enjoy it. Curtains and a rug keep it warm and lived-in. The kitchen is fully equipped for catering for a crowd, which you'll appreciate with the house sleeping up to ten.

Where you'll sleep

There are four bedrooms across the house. The double I've seen is a generous room with a wooden sleigh-style bed, a chest of drawers, a wall-mounted TV and a window looking out over the green. Bathrooms are modern and roomy, including one with both a separate shower and a full bath set against tiled walls, with a heated towel rail and plenty of floor space. Three bathrooms in total means no morning queues for a group this size.

Step outside

The garden is the real treat. A trough of bedding flowers marks the gate, a picnic bench sits out on the lawn, and the view stretches across the bay with the weather rolling in over the water. It's a fine spot for a coffee or to watch the light change over the firth.

The setting

Rendall sits on the west side of the Mainland, well placed for getting out and about across Orkney, from the Italian Chapel and the archaeology of the West Mainland to the ferry routes north. You're rural here, with space and quiet, yet within reach of Kirkwall and Finstown for supplies.

Perfect for

Larger groups and extended families, with room for ten across four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a hot tub, sea views and a proper garden. The family-friendly layout, parking and washer make it an easy choice for a multi-generation Orkney holiday.