Scandi-Romance Awaits You at Kilnbarn Cottage

Kilnbarn Cottage at a glance

Kilnbarn Cottage, nestled between sweeping sandy bays sits with its toes in the sea. Its picture windows give ocean views from every room.

Beautifully presented in cozy Scandi style, the cottage has two bedrooms , one king and one small twin, one bathroom and a well equipped kitchen.  Outside there is direct access to the sea and even an outside bath where guests can relax at one with nature and the elements.

Line art illustration of a sitting dog with the text 'Dog Friendly' below.
Gold line drawing of a bathtub with a sun and moon above it, and the words "Outside Bath" below.
Line drawing of a sun setting over the water with the words 'Beach Access' underneath.
A gold line drawing of a cozy seating area with an armchair, a cushion, a tall floor lamp, and a potted plant, along with the text 'Scandi-Deluxe' at the bottom.
A minimalist line drawing of a flower with the word "Garden" underneath, all in gold on a black background.
Illustration of a showerhead with water spray above the words '1 Shower Room' in gold.
Illustration of a pillow with the text 'Sleeps 4' underneath.
Full Details & Prices

A Space for Living

Kilnbarn is designed around the Danish concept of “Hygge”.   Although the word doesn’t have a direct translation, it signifies all the things we associate with contentment and wellbeing.  Dressed with soft textures and neutral colours, it feels homely, cozy and just mmmmmm.

The spacious sitting room offers uninterrupted ocean views from the picture window.  Snuggle up on the deep sofa with a good book, spin some vinyl on the vintage record player, watch the flames flicker in the fireplace and contemplate “hygge”.

Living room with large windows overlooking the ocean, cozy sofa with throw blankets and pillows, wooden coffee table, rocking chair with furry cushion, tall vase with dried pampas grass, side lamp, and decorative wall art.
A dog with long, floppy black and white fur sitting on a windowsill looking outside at a snowy landscape.
A woman with long blonde hair sitting on a window seat, gazing outside at a beach and ocean view, surrounded by various cushions and throws in a cozy living room.
Cozy living room with ocean view, featuring a white couch with pillows, a window seat, a rocking chair, a wooden coffee table, and decorative dried plants in vases.
Modern bathroom with double vessel sinks, round mirrors, wall-mounted lights, a toilet, a walk-in shower, greenery on the windowsill, wooden cabinetry, and decorative tiling.
Cozy kitchen with white cabinets, wooden countertops, and a window with a view of greenery. Contains small appliances like a microwave and toaster, jars, a vintage radio, hanging cups, and decorative plants.
A cozy kitchen with beige tiled walls, wooden countertops, and white cabinets. Contains a vintage red stove with pots on top, a white refrigerator, a microwave, and various kitchen utensils. A window shows an outdoor view.
A cozy dining area with a dining table set for four, decorated with a large red vase filled with dried pampas grass. The walls are painted in green shades, with wall-mounted light fixtures, artwork, and small decorative items. A wooden sideboard hold
Cozy kitchen and dining area with white cabinets, a microwave, a stove, and a round jute rug.
A cozy hallway with a bench, a woven rug, a window with curtains, and a view of water and trees outside.
Cozy living room with a window seat, a beige sofa with throw blankets, a wooden coffee table with a vase of flowers, a small television, and decorative vases on a white built-in shelf, with natural light streaming through the window.
Stack of three books on a glass coffee table in a cozy living room. The top book is light blue titled 'The Little Book of Hygge,' the middle book is dark blue titled 'The Outrun,' and the bottom book is pink and white titled 'The Island Swimmer' by L
Coastal living room with ocean view, white shiplap walls, cozy beige sofa with textured blanket, wooden coffee table, rocking chair with fur cushion, large fenestration with ocean view, decorative pampas grass, warm lighting, and wooden accents.
A cozy corner with a white armchair, gray fluffy pillow, and fur blanket, next to a large glass vase filled with dried pampas grass, in front of a window and a white wall with horizontal paneling. A small black wood stove and green glass vases are on

A Space for Dreaming

After a day of skin-tingling walks and a deep warm bath under the stars, flop into these super sumptuous beds.  Let our quality mattresses, cloud-like toppers and layers of cosiness embrace you as you drift into rejuvenating sleep.  

A cozy bedroom with a white iron bed frame, multiple pillows, and beige bedding. There is a nightstand with a lamp, a white wardrobe, a window with a view outside, and decorative baskets and wall art in a rustic style.
Cozy bedroom with white iron bed, multiple pillows, and fur throw blanket. Nightstand with lamp, woven baskets, wooden shelf on wall, and window with natural light.
A cozy window nook with pillows and a basket of rolled towels, next to a large white cabinet, with a fur throw on a table and a glass bottle with glasses nearby.
A cozy bedroom with a white metal bed frame, beige bedding, and multiple pillows. A wooden shelf with a piece of driftwood decor is above the bed. To the left, a plush chair with fur and a pillow, and a nightstand with a lamp. On the right, a small n

A Space for Breathing

The unique outdoor bath is a highlight for many couples. Sink into a warm soak beneath the stars, surrounded by sea views and open sky — a romantic experience you’ll never forget.

View Experiences
Outdoor bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, black chairs, and scenic ocean view, part of a house with white exterior walls and decorative mirrors.
A quiet beach on Sanday, with golden sand, grassy dunes on the left, and calm blue ocean waves under a clear blue sky.
Kilnbarn house with a white exterior and dark roof under a rainbow in the sky with gray clouds, alongside a green lawn and stone walls.
Person relaxing in a white outdoor bathtub at Kilnbarn cottage, with a view of the ocean and cloudy sky.
Kilnbarn Cottage, a white house with a sloped roof and chimney, surrounded by a stone wall and green lawn, near the ocean under a cloudy sky.
Outdoor patio at Kilnbarn Cottage, with a black bathtub, two black chairs, a glass jar, and seaside view with grass, rocks, and ocean waves.
Two bicycles are parked outside near a white textured house with a small window and white door, with a dark blue bench on the right side. The house has a sloped roof with asphalt shingles.
Outdoor patio with a black bathtub, a small round table with a bottle of rose wine and two glasses, a hanging round chair with cushions, stone wall, pebbled wall, and seating area, under cloudy sky.
Outdoor patio with a black bathtub, two chairs, a jar, and a view of the ocean and cloudy sky.

Your Stay at Kilnbarn Cottage

Rates

1 guest - £166.50/nt

2-4 guests - £185/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.

Watch out for periodic discounts on island tours, workshops, eateries and experiences.

Winter Island Retreat 28-night stay

Without servicing £1,295 - 1st November to 31st March (no further discounts apply)

  • Kilnbarn sleeps up to four guests, with a luxurious king bedroom and a serene twin room with French doors opening directly onto a patio overlooking the ocean.

    The cottage is thoughtfully furnished in Scandinavian “Hygge” style, creating a warm, calming atmosphere from the moment you step inside.

    From the picture window in the sitting room you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views across the sea — a front-row seat for winter storms, calm summer seas, playful seals, and, with luck, the shimmering Northern Lights.

    A fully enclosed garden surrounds the cottage, complete with a sheltered outdoor dining area, firepit, and a private outdoor bathroom overlooking the water.

  • Kilnbarn is equipped with everything you need for a relaxing self-catered stay:

    • Fully equipped kitchen with AGA, combi oven, 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, cosy hoodies, huge bathrobes & handmade soaps

    • Beach towels, books, games, records and picnic blankets

    • Heating throughout + biofuel stove

    • Washing machine and dryer available on request

  • Up to two dogs are warmly welcomed, with towels, bowls and treats provided.

  • Kilnbarn sits between two spectacular, virtually deserted beaches:

    • Lopness Bay – 4.5 km of sweeping sands to the north

    • Bay of Newark & Cata Sand – a dramatic dune system and tidal peninsula to the south

    This is a haven for wildlife lovers: otters, seals, rare birds, dolphins and even orca can be spotted from the shore. The skies here are some of the darkest in the UK, offering exceptional stargazing and aurora viewing.

    If you enjoy walking, Sanday is paradise — from clifftop routes and tidal islands to caves, shipwrecks and historic sites dotted across the island.

  • 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

  • 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, subject to availability.

  • 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.

    • 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.

  • 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.

Check Availability
View Experiences
Booking T&C's

Experiences to suit Kilnbarn Cottage

  • " Amazing place, beautiful home and lovely thoughtful hosts. Highly recommend Orkney retreats."

    Read more reviews

  • "Highly recommend traveling to the Orkney Islands and staying in this beautiful place!"

    Read more reviews

  • "Gorgeous accomodation so homely and comfortable the attention to detail by the owners is fantastic....”

    Read more reviews

  • "Wonderful location - we could have stayed for ever. Thank you so much."

    Read more reviews

  • "To other travellers - just go this place is amazing!"

    Read more reviews

  • "What a lovely place, a location to die for!"

    Read more reviews

  • "Absolutely stunning property and location…it is perfect."

    Read more reviews

  • "Gorgeous accommodation so homely and comfortable the attention to detail by the owners is fantastic so kind and considerate."

    Read more reviews

  • "A real highlight was being able to enjoy the wildlife right from the cottage. A unique experience. Highly recommended."

    Read more reviews

  • " Fantastic hosts, very warm welcome, accommodation is excellent with everything you need and more."

    Read more reviews

  • "Country coastal luxury wrapped in excellence."

    Read more reviews

  • "What an absolutely amazing place to stay. Lovely welcome from the host and every detail had been covered. "

    Read more reviews

  • "The welcome was so nice - we really felt we had arrived somewhere special from the moment we got there. We would love to come again but for longer."

    Read more reviews

  • "Fantastic hosts, very efficient booking and contact system. Cottage is gorgeous and has everything you could possibly need!"

    Read more reviews

The Collection

A cozy vintage living room with a round table covered with a floral tablecloth, holding a teapot, a cup and saucer, an open book, and snacks. The room has antique furniture, lamps, a fireplace with a lit fire, and various decorative items and pictures on the walls.

Living History

Step back in time to a truly immersive experience at Boloquoy Victorian Farm & Watermill.

Sleeps up to 6

Explore
Coastal living room with large windows showing ocean view, cream-colored furniture with cozy throws and pillows, a rocking chair with faux fur, decorative dried plants, and soft ambient lighting.

Scandi-Romance

Soak in the view at our scandi deluxe Kilnbarn Cottage, which sits with its toes in the ocean.

Sleeps up to 4

Explore

Heritage Deluxe

Two beautiful properties ready to whisk you away for quiet moments by the sea and cosy nights in.

Sleeping between 2 and 8

Explore

Book your stay with Orkney Retreats

Check Availability