Quality holiday accommodation in one of Orkney’s special places
Our Location – Birsay Bay
Set in the historic village of The Palace, Snusan House offers panoramic views over Birsay Bay and the Atlantic coast. The ruined 16 century palace of Robert Stewart, son of King James V of Scotland, dominates the village centre. The village shop and tea room provide welcome refreshment after a leisurely coastal walk. The combination of historic setting, spectacular scenery and access to nature make Birsay truly one of Orkney’s special places.
To the north lies the island of Brough of Birsay, accessible by causeway at low tide. Walk round the island to see its pictish, norse and medieval remains and spot puffins on its western cliffs. Nearby, walk the Skippi Geo, with its boat nousts, fisherman’s hut and dramatic rocky seascape.
To the south, the cliffs of Marwick Head, with the Kitchener Monument, dominate the horizon. The walk to the monument offers some of the finest views in Orkney, as well as some breath-taking seascapes. See south to the Old Man of Hoy and the mountains of north west Caithness beyond. Look over Orkney’s west mainland and spot the island of Westray on the north horizon.
The House
Snusan House was built in 2021, with cues to the local architecture, but with all of the comforts of a modern spacious eco-home. Our focus is on providing generous social space, where up to 8 people can get together in complete comfort, no matter what the season.
The kitchen / dining room looks over the links, home to Orkney beef cattle and a defensive battery dating from the Napoleonic Wars, with a panorama of the Atlantic beyond. Relax, eat and socialise, with capacity for 8 (plus an infant).
The first floor lounge, with its fully glazed gable, gives 180 degree views from Marwich Head to the Brough of Birsay. Step out onto the balcony and look towards the western horizon. The next landfall is Labrador, Newfoundland. Alternatively just relax with the 50″ smart tv and sound system.
Three generous shower rooms prove invaluable when all four bedrooms are fully utilised. The easy to operate heat pump ensures that there’s plenty of hot water just when you need it.