Nobody really knows when the Noust was first built, we suspect around three hundred years ago and is a traditional Scottish stone built structure. With its thick stone walls it provides a warm and comfortable stay, suitable for even the harshest Orkney winter, as for hearing any noise from neighbours - absolutely no chance!! Renovated to 21st century standards in 2000 it really has the best of both worlds. With uninterrupted views over the bay from both the lounge and the main bedroom and it's central location in the village, it is the perfect base for an Orkney holiday at any time of the year.
The house is our Holiday home and is equipped and maintained to that standard.
The house has been variously described as 'cozy' 'comfortable' 'a tardis' 'friendly' 'cute' 'bijou' - get the idea? Not the largest house in the world, but a clever use of space has created a comfortable holiday retreat.
Just so everyone is completely clear as to exactly what 3, The Noust is!!
Front from slipway Numbers Front door opposite The Galley Inn
Please note numbers 1 & 2 are privately owned and are nothing to do with us at all.
Lounge
With views over the bay the lounge is the real feature of the Noust, it's like being in a boat without the motion - and no reason ever to close the curtains!
There is a comfortable three piece suite (convertible bed settee), dining room table with six chairs available, coffee table, LCD television, video recorder, dvd player, radio/cd player and a selection of books, dvd's and video's.
Kitchen
Situated at the end of the lounge is the kitchen, with full size cooker, fridge, washing machine, microwave, kettle and toaster. Dishes, glasses galore - far more than ever required - Christmas dinner in the Noust - no problem!! Left and right handed can openers, knife sharpener, toast rack, egg cups etc etc - get the idea? Even proper Brandy glasses for a nightcap overlooking the bay.
Along the hallway.........................
Piano had to go unfortunately!!
Downstairs shower room
First door on the right as you enter the Noust is the downstairs shower room and toilet. Full size shower cubicle with 'Mira' power shower backed by the latest technology Heatrae Sadia pressurized water system. Heated towel rail, sink, mirror, shaving light, toilet and ample storage space.
And so upstairs................
Stairs
Upstairs bathroom and toilet
On the left as you go up stairs is the upstairs bathroom and toilet, full size bath, sink, toilet, shaving light, heated towel rail and ample storage space.
Along the landing..................
Bunk bedroom Bunk bedroom
Past the stairs is the bunk bedroom, bunk beds, bedside cabinet, chest of drawers, mirror and wall mounted hanging rack and shelf. (Our daughter's favourite room!!)
Single room Single room
Next door along is the single bedroom, oh so cozy single bed, chest of drawers, mirror and wall mounted hanging rack and shelf.
At the end of the landing is the main bedroom, this overlooks the bay - coffee in bed looking out at fishing boats and the poor souls on their way back from holiday on the ferry - bliss!!
Double bed, bedside cabinets, chest of drawers, mirror and wall mounted hanging rack and shelf. This has replaced the dressing table and wardrobe you see in the pictures.
We constantly try to improve and replace, so things may not always be as per picture, but hopefully better - the website takes a little longer to update!
On the 20th of October 2006 looking out of the front window, I noticed something unfamiliar closer investigation it was a baby seal. Seal on a slipway - consultation with daughter and he was duly named Slippy!! He became a celebrity in the village that morning, a bit sad really because the reason he was there was that he had lost his mother. If anybody knows what happened to him, please contact us.
Of course we cannot guarantee a seal visit, other guests have spotted Dolphins swimming in the bay and then there was two errant ducks who had decided to skip captivity and have a bit of freedom - what else but 'Donald and Daphne'!!
Donald and Daphne were, of course, well fed from the front window. Now back where they belong, I'm sure they enjoyed their break at the Noust!!
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