The Principal Lightkeeper's Cottage offers year round self catering accommodation ideal for 1 or 2 singles, 1 or 2 couples, 3 adults or family of 3-4 including cot/infant. Restored and renovated to a very high standard, the Cottage provides the modern facilities and comforts associated with 21st century living yet retains many original Victorian features such as high ceilings, cornice, panelled doors and working shutters.

The separate lounge has a sea view, elegantly decorated and furnished it provides large comfortable sofa and easy chair, feature electric log burning stove together with TV+digital freeview, video and CD/Radio stereo system.
 
The open plan kitchen diner has panoramic sea views from two windows and comfortable dining for six with additional stereo CD system. The kitchen area provides double oven electric cooker with ceramic hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, combi microwave & slow cooker, cafetiere, kettle, toaster and quality cookware, china, glass and cutlery. Basic culinary items are provided by way of dried herbs & spices, cling film, cooking foil, kitchen roll, washing up & cleaning products.
 
The spacious master bedroom has lovely sea and hill views to the rear, tastefully decorated and furnished with 5' King size bed, traditional wardrobe and dressing table. The second bedroom is also to the rear and offers a 4'6 standard double; baby bath, cot & highchair are available on request. Quality bed linen, duvets, pillows, hot water bottles, hairdryer, portable TV/Video and Radio/CD player are provided.
 
 
The bathroom is fully modernised and offers large walk in shower, low level wc, pedestal basin, shaver point (240/110) and plenty of space for personal toiletry items, quality towels and toilet roll per person are supplied. The Bothy provides laundry facilities with indoor drying and a service wash is available at a nominal charge.

There are a variety of board games, playing cards and reading material in the Cottage together with a selection of CD's and videos to suit a variety of tastes. There are several seating areas in the garden and the old Paraffin Store provides many extras to make your holiday more enjoyable such as a barbecue, wind breaks, cool bags and flasks together with outdoor games for the more energetic.

Sea angling is a common pastime from the cliffs around the Lighthouse and Trout fishing is available at Heldale Water, licenses or permits are not required. Cantick Head's position at the end of a private, unadopted road provides an excellent walking and cycling environment, whether beachcombing for shells and driftwood or just gazing at the sea you will rarely be disturbed. Professional guided tours of Hoy, the Hills and 9,700 acre RSPB reserve are available on the Island along with boating, diving and fishing trips.

Whereas the right of an adult to smoke is acknowledged, smoking in the bedrooms or lounge is strictly prohibited; smokers are requested to do so outdoors when possible.

Due to the fragile environment, grazing sheep and consideration for other guests Cantick Head is no longer able to accept pets.

About Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottages

Cantick Head Lighthouse & Cottages are situated at the tip of the South Walls peninsula attached to the Orkney Island of Hoy overlooking Cantick Sound and the southern entrance to Scapa Flow in the Pentland Firth.
 
 
Year round 4*self catering accommodation is offered in two former Lightkeeper's homes, one of only two similar privately owned sites in the British Isles. Restored and refurbished to a very high standard, the Cottages provide the modern facilities and comforts associated with 21st century living yet retain many original Victorian features.

The Assistant Lightkeeper's Cottage is ideal for 1 or 2 singles, a couple or family of 3; the Principal Lightkeeper's Cottage is suitable for 1 or 2 singles. 1 or 2 couples or family of 4 including a cot/infant.

Private and secluded within an acre of walled grounds and over a mile from its nearest neighbour, Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottages provide peace and tranquillity occasionally interrupted by the sound of the sea and calling of the birds. Dramatic scenery, bird, marine and plant life in abundance, mild climate and very little traffic serve to make the Islands of Hoy & South Walls an ideal base for walking and cycling. Archaeology, Geology and an impressive Naval history from the Vikings to World War II are all on the doorstep.
 
 
Stromabank, the Royal, Hoy Inn and a seasonal Cafe provide snacks, lunches, afternoon teas and evening meals; the Royal and Stromabank offer traditional Pub atmospheres including pool, darts and occasional live music. South Walls is served by a licensed General Store, Post Office and fuel pumps at Longhope Pier.

Porpoise, Seals and Whales are frequent visitors to Cantick Sound; Dolphins and Orcas have been seen on several occasions. Recent whale sightings from Cantick Head include Minke July 24th & 28th, Orca July 11th & Pilot whales June 22nd. Sea angling is a common pastime from the cliffs around the Lighthouse and Trout fishing is available at Heldale Water, licenses or permits are not required; off shore angling and wildlife cruises are available with Orkney Island Charters

Designed to mark the southern entrance to Scapa Flow, the Lighthouse is 22 metres high, the beacon is flashing white every 20 seconds with a range of 18 nautical miles and was first lit 15th July 1858. The beacon has been powered by candle, oil, paraffin and currently by hydro electrically charged batteries. The light was automated in 1991 and is remotely operated by Northern Lighthouse Board from their Edinburgh offices. A recent and interesting addition to the NLB website is their Lighthouse Library which lists their lights together with specifications, history and photo's. Cantick Head Lighthouse, cottages, outbuildings and walls are Grade B listed of architectural and historic interest.

The Lighthouse and Lightkeeper's Cottages were designed and engineered in the 1850's by the Stevenson brothers David & Thomas, sons of engineer Robert Stevenson [1772-1850]
 
 David Stevenson (1815-1886) constructed some 30 lighthouses during his tenure as Engineer with the Northern Lighthouse Board; David also designed lighthouses in Japan and a method of protecting them from earthquakes.
 
 Thomas Stevenson (1818-1887) Father of the author Robert Louis Stevenson joined  the family firm in 1838. Thomas invented a new and much improved illumination system for lighthouses and also the "Stevenson Screen", which is still used as a stable container for meteorological instruments.
 
 
"There is scarce a deep sea light from the Isle of Man to North Berwick, but one of my blood designed it. The Bell rock stands monument for my grandfather; the Skerry Vhor for my uncle Alan; and when the lights come out along the shores of Scotland, I am proud to think they burn more brightly for the genius of my father." Robert Louis Stevenson
 

About the Orkney Islands

Archaeology, bird, marine & plant life, geology, folklore, history, scenery and tradition are all catered for in this archipelago of some 70 islands of which only 17 are inhabited

Explore the islands with Visit Orkney and Undiscovered Scotland

Learn about Orkney Archaeology, Heritage, Nature and of course folklore from Orkneyjar

Soak up the local news with Orcadian Online or search for business & services with Orknet

Charles Tait long-established Orkney photographer with extensive photo library; prolific author of the definitive "Orkney Guide Book"

Doug Houghton offers a unique CD-ROM of Orkney images

Visitor's Comments

Christmas 2005

"Cottage beautifully restored - all the ingredients for a great treat. Place is steeped in history & we very much felt honoured to be here. Catherine's great grandfather served in the great war so he probably passed through Scapa Flow & my grandfather was at Jutland aged 16. Location wise stunning, Hoy was equally impressive. Sense of isolation was welcome after the organised chaos of city life in Manchester. We walked on a beach & heard the sheep eating - whereas in the city you barely hear yourself think. Christine & Bill have produced a remarkable holiday experience at Cantick Head & their love of what they do is reflected in their attention to detail." MANCHESTER ~ Recommend 5 stars

October 2005

"This is a truly stunning Island & to be able to stay somewhere so nice to fully appreciate it was perfect. A most romantic honeymoon destination where you can spend quality time in such comfortable (house) & amazing (island) surroundings. We could not have asked for a warmer or more helpful welcome. Definitely somewhere to come back!!!" LANCASHIRE ~ Recommend 5 stars

"It's perfect! We have enjoyed our stay here, everything has been carefully considered. It's a wonderful and unique place and we both regret that we have to leave so soon. We have seen the whole island and we are sure that Cantick Head is the right place to be - the most comfortable place on Hoy. We hope we can return soon, thanks for everything." EXETER ~ Recommend 5 stars

September 2005

"A really enjoyable holiday. The cottage was warm & comfortable even on the windy nights! The weather, ever changeable but never cold. The views impressive and watching the seals a delight. We look forward to visiting again." HARTLEPOOL ~ Recommend 4 stars

"For location, accommodation, comfort and hospitality this has been an outstanding holiday. The information on the website and in the welcome book has been very helpful. For anyone who likes scenery, wildlife, walking and quiet this is a 4 or 5* place. We plan to return!" BEDMINSTER, BRISTOL

August 2005

"Everything about our stay here has been fantastic! We have learnt that it is better to ignore the weather forecasts as it usually does the opposite! The beautiful weather has really been a bonus, but we would have enjoyed it whatever. This is the best equipped and most warm comfortable cottage in which we have ever stayed. It is so beautiful here and we have loved seeing all of the wildlife especially the seals, porpoise, sea birds and fishing from the rocks outside. It has been wonderful sitting in the sun, watching the sea, drinking wine and being able to do it all without going anywhere! We are leaving totally relaxed!" TELFORD ~ Recommend 5 stars

"A very enjoyable and relaxing holiday. The facilities were as good as we've found in any holiday cottage anywhere (and we've been to quite a few) & far better than most. Beautiful location - especially being able to look at the sea without stirring outside on bad weather days. The kitchen was so well equipped that we've eaten in every night. Also very helpful having someone on hand to explain all the appliances." NORTHUMBERLAND ~ Recommend 5 stars

"Thank you for a lovely relaxing week. Views & location fabulous. One of the best locations we've stayed in, it is so comfortable." WIGAN ~ Recommend 5 stars

"Everything was perfect! We have had a wonderful time, the weather has been dry making the fantastic sea views from the cottage even better! We managed to see lots of wildlife including seals on our early morning beach jaunts. Your decoration and furnishing of the cottage is perfect - extremely sympathetic to the cottage age. The shower in the bathroom was superb! I loved the flooring in there and everything! I could easily live here! We wanted to get away from it all - this has been more than we could have asked for! Thank you so much!" PELSALL ~ Recommend 5 stars 

July 2005

"We have had a very enjoyable week. The weather has been kind to us and allowed us to enjoy the wonderful scenery. The cottage was a lovely warm place to come back to at the end of the day. We found your hospitality to be warm, helpful & welcoming - an exceptional holiday for the lighthouse enthusiast." BELGIUM

"We could not have asked for a better equipped house. You dealt with any questions or requests promptly and in a very friendly manner. Thank you for all your pointers for good places to go. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. Whilst the weather was changeable we always found something to do - the monopoly was well used on the wet afternoon! The amount of sea life right on the doorstep was tremendous and great rocks for climbing on around the cliffs where we saw a lot of seals. The walk out to the Old Man was one of the highlights especially because the sun shone all day - we saw lost of Puffins both on the cliffs and in flight." FIFE ~ Recommend 5 stars.

"You come here because of the location - it's remote in relative terms but that is what you expect. Thanks from all of 4 of us! Great time - would have liked to spend more time here but that wasn't feasible. Best wishes and thanks for your hospitality and kindness." AUSTRALIA ~ Recommend 5 stars

June 2005

"We've been around the globe quite a bit and came here for the best beer in the world (D'ORKNEYS to us....DARK ISLAND to you). More than that we've found so much hospitality we seldom experienced anywhere else - your assistance was more than appreciated & made that lesson 'How to live on an Island' much easier to bear. The decision to spend the two special dates we had 'to face' during that week at your beautiful place made those birthdays unforgettable.... Thanks a lot & good luck for the future. We'll be back!" GERMANY ~ Recommend 5 stars   

"Everything was great, very comfortable and homely but most of all a very relaxing location - facilities were excellent" GLASGOW ~ Recommend 5 stars

May 2005

"Thank you for your welcome & kindness. We have had an excellent stay, this is a marvellous place." WINCHESTER ~ Recommend 5 stars

April/May 2005

"Idyllic! You should be very proud of what you have achieved here. This is self catering with a capital 'S' for 'service magnificent' and 'C' for 'complete comfort'. Your hospitality made our honeymoon unforgettable, we cannot thank you enough and hopefully will return soon, all our best wishes for the future." READING, Berkshire ~ Recommend 5 stars

April 2005

"Very comfortable - a real home from home - the best equipped cottage we have ever stayed in. All the little attention to detail especially for the children is very much appreciated. Thank you for a wonderful holiday." PERTH, Scotland ~ Recommend 5 stars

March 2005

"Thanks for the stay at Cantick Head. It's a beautiful place you have there and I hope we can return at some point." AUSTRALIA ~ Recommend 5 stars

"We all had a wonderful time in your lovely cottages. They are beautifully appointed with everything one might want and what a stunning place to become engaged" NORTHERN IRELAND ~ Recommend 5 stars

December/Christmas 2004

"Exceptional location well worth the journey, sympathetic restoration, beautifully decorated & furnished, excellent catering facilities, more homely than expected, fabulous hospitality in fact first class all around" LONDON ~ Recommend 5 stars+

October 2004

"Thanks for accommodating us at the last minute. The cottage is beautiful, comfortable and very well equipped" ALASKA ~ Recommend 5 stars

August/September 2004

"You've got a lovely, lovely place here. We could feel in every corner of both cottages that quite a lot of enthusiasm went into renovating and furnishing them. The result is really extraordinary: the cottages, the scenery and of course your warm hospitality made this a holiday to remember. Thank you so much and we hope to come back in the not too far future" BAVARIA ~ Recommend 5 stars

August 2004

"Thank you very much for providing us with such a restful stay on Hoy. You have done a fantastic job on the cottages" LONDON ~ Recommend 5 stars

"The cottage and facilities excelled our expectations, perfect to the last detail - highly commended. In summary: on a par with the scenery - can't say more!" EDINBURGH ~ Recommend 6 stars

"Wonderful relaxing environment made so by yourselves. Thank you for a wonderful time" LONDON ~ Recommend 5 stars

July 2004

"Real fresh air, stunning sea views, great walking, sandy beaches, safe and friendly environment - what more could a family ask for? The cottage is beautifully decorated and furnished, more than a home from home - better equipped than ours!" UK/MIDDLE EAST ~ Recommend 6 stars

"We have thoroughly enjoyed the whole Orkney experience which the cottage added to. You deserve to do well with this enterprise as it is certainly 1st class. Good luck to you and hope to return" OSWESTRY ~ Recommend 5 stars

June 2004

"I was pleasantly impressed with what you've done with the cottages. The atmosphere was homely but at the same time classy. The cottage was very well equipped, its hard to think of anything extra that could be added. I found the two of you incredibly welcoming. All in all a superb 2 weeks there, I'd recommend it to others, I hope its a real success for you, you deserve it" LANCASHIRE ~ Recommend 5 stars