The Ruff, a former Harbour Master’s house, is a charming traditional Orkney stone cottage nestled in a secluded coastal location at the entrance to the bay of St Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay. This idyllic retreat offers a relaxing sauna, easy beach access, stunning sea views, and the peace and tranquillity of the Orkney Islands.
Quick Info
Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2 |
Changeover Day: Sat | Pets Allowed: Yes (1) |
No smoking | Bathrooms: 1 |
Licence No: OR00150F |
Accessed by a single-track road along the foreshore, this cottage has been thoughtfully modernised with Orkney flagstone and wood flooring, creating a comfortable holiday home by the sea, just a stone’s throw from the beach.
The cosy sitting room provides a comfortable space to unwind, while the spacious kitchen/dining area is well-equipped with a built-in oven, hob, fridge with icebox, microwave, and dishwasher. A multi-fuel stove adds extra warmth on cold days.
The cottage accommodates up to four guests in two comfortable bedrooms: a king-sized double bedroom and a twin bedroom. The bathroom features a bath with a hand spray, and the sauna adds a touch of luxury to your stay, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the Orkney Islands.
The large and inviting ‘sitooterie,’ complete with a grapevine, offers a lovely breakfast room and space for drying wet weather gear or bikes. Guests are welcome to pick and enjoy the grapes when in season.
Outside, children can play on the front lawned area or the rocky beach. The stone-paved entrance courtyard/patio offers a wonderful spot for a morning coffee. At low tide, guests can access the beacon lamp that warns shipping of the shallow ‘ruff.’ A private slipway is available for launching a dinghy.
With its stunning seaside setting and proximity to local amenities, The Ruff serves as the perfect base for exploring the picturesque Orkney Islands. Enjoy the peaceful seclusion and breathtaking scenery that make this the ideal coastal escape for families and nature lovers.
Situated on the beautiful island of South Ronaldsay, The Ruff offers an ideal base to explore the rich history and natural beauty of Orkney. Known for its ‘white nights’ in the summer, Orkney allows for extended daylight hours, perfect for immersing yourself in its many attractions.
The island is home to many archaeological sites, including the Tomb of the Eagles (8 miles), the Howe of Hoxa (2 miles), and the Wheems Broch (2.5 miles), providing a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past.
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the breathtaking views from the walks around the high cliffs and the nearby sandy beaches, such as; The Sands of Wright (San’ o’ Wright) and Eastside Beach are both 2.5 miles from the cottage (in different directions) and you are just 1.5 miles to Long Ayre Beach (Oyce of Quindry). You will also find a range of beautiful beaches across the Orkney Isle.
For those interested in outdoor activities, South Ronaldsay offers a range of options. The island is a haven for birdwatchers, with opportunities to see a variety of species, including hen harriers, short-eared owls, red-throated divers (known locally as rain geese), and puffins can be found in small numbers off the east coast of South Ronaldsay, so keep your eyes peeled!
The vibrant craft industry of Orkney is showcased at the Hoxa Tapestry Galley (3 miles), where you can admire hand-woven tapestries and enjoy a treat at the Hoxa Tearooms. The scenic Hoxa Head provides a perfect walking trail, with stunning coastal views. Or visit the Workshop and Loft Gallery in St Margaret’s Hope, and discover the famous Orcadian knitwear and crafts, and exhibits of work by local artists.
South Ronaldsay’s rich wartime history is evident at Hoxa Head (4 miles), where the remnants of coastal batteries used to defend Scarpa Flow can still be seen. The nearby village of St Margaret’s Hope (0.5 miles) known locally as ‘The Hope’, is home to the renowned Creel restaurant, offering award-winning dining, as well as cafes, shops, tennis courts, a bowling green, and a golf course.
A short drive from South Ronaldsay across the impressive Churchill Barriers to reach the heart of Orkney’s mainland. Kirkwall (15.5 miles), the island’s capital features the awe-inspiring St Magnus Cathedral (15 miles), the Bishop’s Palace, and the Earl’s Palace (both 15 miles). The Orkney Museum provides a deeper understanding of the island’s rich heritage. From Kirkwall, ferries depart to the outlying islands, each offering unique experiences and attractions.
Stromness (29 miles), Orkney’s second largest town, delights visitors with its lively harbour and quaint cobbled streets. Boat trips from Stromness offer a chance to view local marine wildlife or you can dive to the historic wrecks in Scapa Flow. Nearby, the impressive Yesnaby Stacks (32 miles), and the iconic Old Man of Hoy (39 miles), on Hoy Island provide unforgettable hiking destinations, with views to remember.
Local Events and Attractions
Please note: while we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, the actual position of the cottage indicated on the map above and the proximity of the amenities in the Local Info section cannot be guaranteed to be precise and should be used as a guide only.
Accommodation
Downstairs
Sitting room with TV and electric stove
Kitchen/dining room with multi-fuel stove, electric oven and hob, fridge with ice box, dishwasher and microwave
Bathroom with bath, hand held shower, WC and wash basin
Sauna.
Upstairs
Double bedroom (king-size)
Twin bedroom.
What's included
- Linen (King-size Double Bed)
- Free
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Sets of towels (per person)
- Free
- Travel Cot (excluding linen)
- Free
- WiFi
- Free
Available Extras
- Pet
- £20.00
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Electricity is INCLUDED. Heating is by electric panel heaters, night storage heaters and multi-fuel stove (starter pack INCLUDED). WiFi is INCLUDED. A maximum of 1 dog is welcome (1 large, 1 medium or 1 small). No smoking.
Weekly Prices
The weekly guide prices for this property are shown below. Use the availability & book sidebar on the right to select your holiday or calculate short break rates (where available).
From 10/10/2025 to 13/10/2025
From 17/10/2025 to 20/10/2025
From 06/12/2024 to 09/12/2024
From 04/04/2025 to 07/04/2025
From 03/10/2025 to 06/10/2025
From 24/10/2025 to 27/10/2025
From 17/10/2025 to 20/10/2025
From 10/10/2025 to 13/10/2025
From 20/12/2024 to 23/12/2024
From 27/12/2024 to 30/12/2024
From 13/12/2024 to 16/12/2024
From 24/12/2024 to 24/12/2024
From 23/12/2024 to 24/12/2024
From 30/12/2024 to 30/12/2024
Changeover Day: Sat
Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 4 |
26 Oct 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 | £495.00 |
20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024 | £795.00 |
28 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 | £795.00 |
06 Jan 2025 - 31 Jan 2025 | £495.00 |
01 Feb 2025 - 04 Apr 2025 | £595.00 |
05 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025 | £695.00 |
26 Apr 2025 - 02 May 2025 | £595.00 |
03 May 2025 - 23 May 2025 | £695.00 |
24 May 2025 - 30 May 2025 | £795.00 |
31 May 2025 - 27 Jun 2025 | £695.00 |
28 Jun 2025 - 18 Jul 2025 | £795.00 |
19 Jul 2025 - 29 Aug 2025 | £895.00 |
30 Aug 2025 - 12 Sep 2025 | £695.00 |
13 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025 | £595.00 |
04 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025 | £695.00 |
25 Oct 2025 - 19 Dec 2025 | £495.00 |
20 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025 | £795.00 |
28 Dec 2025 - 05 Jan 2026 | £795.00 |
06 Jan 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 | POA |
06 Jan 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 | POA |
06 Jan 2028 - 05 Jan 2029 | POA |
Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking and where more than one tariff is shown, the number of bedrooms made available may vary. This allows us to offer larger properties at lower rates for smaller parties. If your party size changes for any reason after booking, please let us know so we can ensure the accommodation provided meets your exact requirements.
Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)
The cottage was charming with a real homely feel to it and in a great location. My youngest son loved walking out to the...
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