Orkney Retreats Ltd Island Farmhouses & Cottages

5 out of 5

156 reviews

0% recommend

5 location

5 staff/service

5 cleanliness

5 facilities

Guest from Wakefield
2nd September, 2026

5.0 of 5

We are returning guests to Orkney Retreats having stayed at the beautiful Backaskaill Farmhouse in 2024. Returning to Sanday to stay at How Farmhouse in 2026 didn’t disappoint! Jackie & Dave have considered everything a guest could want, the house is beautifully presented and feels like an utter treat. From arrival you are greeted with freshly baked goods, and a warm walk around. Orkney Retreats make ‘Dog Friendly’ seem like an understatement- they are dog welcoming and our four hounds settled in and felt like they were at home, treats, water and food bowls and a dog specific towel to dry off sandy paws. Honestly I have only wonderful things to say about you - we’ve recommended you to people on our return leg. Thank you for such a wonderful holiday. We can’t wait to come back. Katie, Ally, Florence, Bean, Bess and Murdo

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Would Recommend: Yes

Tips for other travellers

Pre order a meal to pick up from Ayres Rock for when you are off the ferry - the food is DELICIOUS & excellent quality Enjoy the house Aga & bake something at least once (or if you’re lucky like me eat something your partner has baked!) Enjoy all the beaches - and if you’re not sure ask Jackie for guidance, she’s a font of knowledge and happy to help If you can do a tour of Boloquoy - it’s fascinating Enjoy wildlife spotting - especially seals around Whitemill and Backaskaill if you’re lucky! Go for a dip. The sea is wonderful The Craft Hub do amazing lunches and 59° North’s pizza (in fact all of their stuff) is delicious - just save space for pudding! Enjoy the sauna! Most of all - enjoy doing nothing. It’s important and what a place to just be and breathe it all in

Guest from LANARK
31st August, 2026

5.0 of 5

The perfect cottage for a holiday on Sanday. I couldn't suggest anything that would make it better. Very doggy friendly. I would highly recommend.

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Would Recommend: Yes

Guest from STAFFORD
23rd August, 2026

5.0 of 5

We had a most fabulous week away at Kilnbarn Cottage. We loved the cottage it was welcoming, cosy, comfortable and lots of welcoming treats. Cosy hoodies, blankets, cushions etc. Everything is thought of. Even the dog had everything there. We loved sitting and watching the sea through the window or the back garden. So very special and the out door bath was fabulous our teenage loved it. Thank you.

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Would Recommend: Yes

Tips for other travellers

Loved every beach beautiful white sands, empty and clean. We went to Sanday to relax and that was what we did, long walk, slow cooking on the fabulous Arga, reading, watching movies and watching the coastline. Both shops are great and Sinclairs even put our shopping in the cottage. Orkney steaks and Scallops from there were the best! Ayres rock hostell cooks homecooked meals which we pre ordered for our arrival and collected. Delicious. There is fuel on the island. The craft hub is lovely and I picked up some lovely things to bring home. The Pizza and cafe shop I bought a take away coffee and cafes. Delicious. It looked a great place to have pizza too.

Guest from
23rd August, 2026

5.0 of 5

Fabulous welcome. Great hospitality. Such attention to detail. It didn't matter when it rained as the house was so relaxing to spend time in!

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Location

Cleanliness

Staff/Service

Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

Tips for other travellers

We hired E-bikes from the Community Shop and that was great fun. Quoyness Chambered Cairn is amazing and well worth a visit. Backaskaill beach is fabulous. We watched gannets diving into the sea. The Heritage Centre in Lady Village is stuffed with fascinating exhibits and has really helpful staff.