The Legion

The Legion is a handsome bay-fronted stone townhouse on Cromarty Square in St Margaret's Hope, right in the heart of the village. Tall sash windows look out over the square, there's a stone bench by the door and window boxes adding a bit of colour, and you can park easily nearby. It's the kind of solid old Orkney building that feels rooted in the place.

Inside

Step in and there's real character. The living and dining area mixes smart modern flooring with antique pieces — a carved wooden sideboard, a vintage gramophone on a side table, plants and brass details — giving it a warm, lived-in charm without feeling fussy. There's a quiet study corner too, with a writing desk, a globe and a reading lamp tucked by the window, ideal if you fancy a slow morning with a book or need to catch up on a few emails.

Where you'll sleep

Two bedrooms sleep four between them. One is light and pretty, with patterned wallpaper, a metal bedstead, an armchair by the window and a chest of drawers, towels folded ready on the bed. The bathroom is fresh and well done — a shower over the bath behind a glass screen, panelled walls, patterned floor tiles, a heated towel rail and a window for natural light.

The setting

St Margaret's Hope is one of the prettiest villages in Orkney, a little huddle of stone houses around a sheltered bay where small boats sit at their moorings. You've got the village pub, shops and eating places within a short walk, and it's a handy base for the south isles and the road north to Kirkwall.

Perfect for

Couples or a family of four who want character and comfort in the middle of a proper Orkney village, with wifi, a washer, parking and a hot tub to round off the day.