Orkney Retreats - Orkney in Style.

25/06/2026

Backaskaill cottage conservatory has had a mini makeover. The challenge now is to get the garden back under control. We have a plan … watch this space.

PS this cottage has just been released and we have availability all summer

24/06/2026

The last room finished at How is the Sauna suite. A dip in the sea and a steam in the sauna. Bliss!

How Farmhouse has only three short breaks left this summer. So, what are you waiting for?

24th to 27th July
3rd - 6th August
13th to 17th August BOOKED

Sleeps 8.
From £220/night
OR00663F

23/06/2026

Cozy vibe in Backaskaill Cottage.

FULL summer availability this cottage has just been refreshed and is now open for booking

22/06/2026

Solstice midnight from my bedroom window.

We usually go to the top of the hill behind us at sunset to watch the sun slide down behind Westray.

22/06/2026

News hot off the press!

After 9 months of getting absolutely nowhere with a prospective sale, we have decided that Backaskaill is telling us we should keep it. I'm secretly delighted, I adore the place.

So, the good news is Backaskaill Cottage will be available this summer and currently has NO bookings so its a free-for-all, If you've not yet booked somewhere get it done.

We will be completely refreshing and rebranding Backaskaill Farmhouse and have some really exciting plans (or mad ideas), so the farmhouse won't be available to book again until next year probably.

Experience serene coastal luxury with Orkney Retreats. Discover beautifully styled homes, immersive history, and unforgettable island adventures in Orkney and Sanday.

21/06/2026

A sneak peek at the drawing room at How which we finished recently (all but putting up a mirror on a stubborn wall so it’s an engineering job for another day). The Edwardian cabinets had been stored for years. They’re family heirlooms made by a great uncle - I’d disliked them but couldn’t bear to part with them. We put them in the room temporarily and now I adore them. Funny thing that - putting pieces in just the right place.

Facebook isn’t allowing me to make new reels just now but when I fathom out the issue I’ll share the transformation.

21/06/2026

We've often asked - can we help you? Can we contribute to your project? And we're so humbled that people genuinely want to help.

We've always answered no, for now, its not yet a charity or trust and we'd feel uncomfortable taking money from either the public purse (grants) or individuals (sponsors).

HOWEVER - we would be very grateful for your support with making our Heritage content which we feel is building an invaluable record of life in Sanday in days gone bye and a real lesson in sustainable living... we feel a moral obligation to record all we can while the knowledge and skills are still around us.

We have therefore launched a patreon. NOT a begging bowl - in exchange for an almost negligible regular subscription we promise exclusive additional content. Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/boloquoy

Many a mickle maks a muckle - come and join us!

20/06/2026

A snuffly visitor at Boloquoy. Last week as I stood there a duck and a dozen fluffy chicks marched past the kitchen door.