NEWS FROM ORKNEY – 2024 is the final season of the excavation at the Ness of Brodgar, the dates have just been announced. It will be open to visitors from weekdays between Wednesday, June 26 and Friday, August 16. At present, guided site tours are pencilled in for Monday to Friday at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. So last chance to see this amazing archaeological dig!
Dene Cottage 
is a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of open countryside, but just a short walk from the village of Dounby and its hotel and shops, surrounded by wonderful views the cottage is powered by a wind turbine and solar panels, the cottage has a Gold Green Tourism award. It is perfectly situated for exploring Orkney and its dramatic scenery and the world renowned archaeological sites. The cottage is also ideal for bird watching with an extensive range of birds which frequent the areas around the cottage.
The cottage is ideal for two or three people as it has a double and a single room. It could accommodate a family of four as an extra child’s bed can be added. It also has a comfortable living room, well equipped kitchen, bathroom with large walk in shower and a sunroom area with patio doors to the garden, the perfect location for watching birds or the sunset on the long summer nights.
Situated only a 10 minute walk from the village of Dounby with its small supermarket, Post Office, craft shop and of course The Smithfield Hotel with its excellent restaurant, or an evening stroll down beside the Loch of Harray to the Merkister Hotel for a drink or a meal at their highly recommended restaurant.
Environmentally friendly cottage – A holiday with a clearer conscience!
Built in the early 1900’s, the cottage has been fully restored and insulated to a high standard, and never having had mains electricity it is powered by solar panels and a wind turbine. These power all the necessary home comforts including TV, DVD and CD players, washing machine and of course lighting and sockets. There is a multi-fuel stove for the cooler months and a small gas heater for quick and easy heat.
Local information and support is available as the owners are on hand at the adjacent Easthouse Croft should you require help.
ACCESSIBILITY
Please note that there are 3 steps down to the door of the cottage, with a small hand rail, and within the cottage there is a single step from the kitchen to the living room and from the living room to the sunroom, bathroom and one bedroom.
In 2021 we were delighted to be featured in an article in “The Guardian” newspaper on 10 eco friendly places to stay, follow the link!
In 2022 we were featured in Storylines as one of the 15 best eco-lodges around the world! See the link below and scroll up.
Short Term Let Licence number – OR00061F
EPC – D
New for 2024 – Evas Howe Lodge, here is a wee photo as a taster. We are taking our time creating the interior, all being well it will be open in spring 2024 ready to welcome guests.