How Farmhouse - available from Spring 2026
Heritage Deluxe living at How Farmhouse
Built in 1900 and now beautifully renovated, How Farmhouse is a luxurious and spacious family retreat. How blends historic character with fresh, stylish design featuring an impressive open-plan kitchen, sweeping sea views from every room, a stunning roll-top bathroom with adjoining sauna suite, and four uniquely styled bedrooms. How Farmhouse, overlooking Kettletoft harbour offers comfort, charm and coastal tranquillity in equal measure.
A Space for Living, Dreaming and Relaxing
We’ll be adding more photos to this page when the renovation is complete.
Built in 1900, How farmhouse has recently been fully renovated to provide a spacious and luxurious family retreat. Formerly the home of the estate’s farm manager, How was, and still is one of the most fertile and productive farms on the island. We have selectively reflected the farm’s history in the interior dressing, as well as indulging our penchant for quirky and stylish design ideas.
The spacious family kitchen built around a huge aga includes an American fridge and all the appliances and equipment you could need. The kitchen is open-plan to the farmhouse dining room, its huge traditional table seating eight or more. This, in turn opens onto to a family sitting room which gives breathtaking elevated views over Kettletoft bay and harbour to the island of Stronsay beyond. A second sitting room provides another comfortable space to relax.
The main family bathroom features a massive roll-top bath and has a style all its own (no more spoilers). The adjacent spa suite has serious zen vibes and includes a four-person sauna and shower room.
On the first floor you’ll find four very spacious bedrooms with sea views: two twins and two kings. Like all of our properties we’ve carefully detailed each in a unique style. Our signature cloud-like beds, crisp linens and throws ensure our guests sleep like babies. There is also a convenient toilet/shower room on the first floor.
Your Stay at How Farmhouse
Rates
1-2 guests - £220/nt
3-4 guests - £245/nt
5-6 guests - £270/nt
7-8 guests - £295/nt
Minimum stay 3 nights
No restrictions on check-in/check-out days
Check-in from 3pm
Check-out by 10am
Discounts
Returning Orkney Retreats guest 10% discount on any property.*
Recommendation from a previous guest 10% discount for you 10% for them on their next booking. *
*The above discounts cannot be aggregated
Corporate rates available on enquiry.
Special Offers
Includes complementary 5* hospitality supplies and treats
Watch out for periodic discounts on island tours, workshops, eateries and experiences.
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The house is tastefully furnished in quality modern farmhouse style, creating a welcoming, luxury atmosphere from the moment you step inside.
The traditional boot room opens into to an impressive period hallway leading to:
A large traditional open-plan kitchen/dining/sitting space where the family can all be together with uninterrupted views over Kettletoft village and the ocean beyond.
The drawing room offers an additional place to withdraw and relax in comfort and period style.
Also downstairs are a luxury roll-top bathroom and a zen sauna suite with shower.
Upstairs up to eight guests can be accommodated in two luxurious king bedrooms and two stylish twin rooms all with sea views. The first floor also has a shower room.
The fully enclosed outdoor space provides gated parking for up to four cars. The garden area features lawns, sheltered seating and outdoor dining areas.
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How Farmhouse is equipped with everything you need for a family self-catered stay:
· Fully equipped kitchen with AGA, combi oven, American fridge/freezer, air fryer, small appliances and full cookware
· Essentials such as tea, coffee, spices, condiments, milk, eggs and local treats
· Smart TV with high-speed fibre broadband
· Crisp bedlinen, soft throws, fluffy towels, huge bathrobes & handmade soaps
· Beach towels, books, games and picnic blankets
· Electric heating throughout + biofuel stove in dining room
· Washing machine and dryer available on request
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Up to two dogs are warmly welcomed, with towels, bowls and treats provided.
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How is a modern, organic beef farm built on farm settlements dating back to Pictish times. The current farmhouse stands prominently in front of the historic courtyard, commanding views over Kettletoft between two spectacular, bays:
· Kettletoft Bay a scenic former fishing village, historic grain store, herring station, harbour and tidal basin with seals basking on the shore
· Backaskaill Bay one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches Backaskaill is a breath-taking expanse of white sand, rockpools and secret caverns which provides the best wild swimming and paddleboarding spots Sanday has to offer.
If you enjoy walking, How is paradise — from clifftop routes and tidal islands to caves, shipwrecks and historic sites dotted across the island all within walking distance.
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Reaching Sanday is part of the adventure. Guests can arrive by ferry or by air:
Ferry: Regular services from Kirkwall — pre-booking is essential.
Air: Daily 20-minute flights from Kirkwall to Sanday Airfield.
Arriving without a car is easy. We can arrange:
Pick-ups from the ferry or airfield
Car hire
Grocery deliveries
Bicycle or e-bike hire waiting at the cottage
Fuel: Available at Sinclair Stores and Sanday Community shop
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Just a short drive away, Sinclair General Stores provides everything you need — fresh produce, local goods and daily essentials. The friendly team can pre-stock the cottage with your grocery order so it’s ready for your arrival.
When eating out, Sanday offers several excellent options:
59 Degrees North – artisan bakery, café & pizzas
Kettletoft Hotel – restaurant, bar meals & takeaway fish & chips
Belsair Hotel – lunches, dinners & carvery
Craft Hub & Community Café – light lunches, cakes and local crafts
Fresh local seafood is available for delivery when in season.
Optional Catering
You can also pre-order delicious homemade meals.
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Sanday is rich in history, wildlife and culture. Enjoy:
White sandy beaches and miles of coastal walking
Sanday Heritage Centre & Croft Museum
Quoyness Chambered Cairn and local archaeological sites
Craft studios and artisan workshops
Cycling, wild swimming, water sports, fishing and sea angling
Wildlife tours and birdwatching
Swimming pool & fitness centre
Throughout the summer, Sanday hosts a programme of lively community events and festivals including Sanday Soulka weekends, with guided walks, concerts, craft workshops, food events and family activities.
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Medical: Sanday Surgery is located in Lady Village; out-of-hours medical services are accessed via Kirkwall.
Fuel: Available at Sinclair Stores.
Post Office: Located in Kettletoft and Lady Village.
Public Toilets: Several across the island including Kettletoft Pier and Loth Ferry Terminal.
Recycling: Glass and general recycling points available in Kettletoft and Lady Village.
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Sanday’s weather is changeable and part of its charm. Winter storms can be dramatic, and ferry schedules sometimes alter with the conditions. If travel disruptions affect your departure, we will look after you and ensure you’re comfortable until the next available sailing.
The island is a welcoming, safe and close-knit community where visitors are warmly received.
Experiences to suit How Farm
The Collection
Living History
Step back in time to a truly immersive experience at Boloquoy Victorian Farm & Watermill.
Sleeps up to 6
Scandi-Romance
Soak in the view at our scandi deluxe Kilnbarn Cottage, which sits with its toes in the ocean.
Sleeps up to 4
Heritage Deluxe
A grand and beautifully renovated estate farmhouse opening in 2026. Perfect for group stays and celebrations.
Sleeps up to 8