New: Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage

5.0(13 reviews)Longhope, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Entire cottage hosted by Alan

5 guests2 bedrooms4 beds1.5 bathrooms

Entire home

You’ll have the cottage to yourself.

Enhanced Clean

This host committed to Airbnb's 5-step enhanced cleaning process.

Self check-in

You can check in with the doorman.

Great location

100% of recent guests gave the location a 5-star rating.

House rules

This host doesn’t allow smoking.

This comfortable cottage was once the home of a Victorian lighthouse keeper. Now an ideal escape which is pleasantly situated with most rooms having views looking out over the sea towards the Pentland Firth or across the hills of Hoy. From the lighthouse gentle strolls take you to the Hills of White Hamar wildlife reserve just next door, to a nearby sandy beach, or to the shops and general store in Longhope. The lighthouse was designed by the renowned engineers Thomas and David Stevenson.

The space
The two bedroom Victorian former lighthouse keepers cottage has been tastefully decorated to comfortably accommodate 4-5 people in this two bedroom property. The living room boasts a real fire wood Burning Stove and the spacious well equipped kitchen diner can seat up to eight people.

Guest access
The whole cottage plus shared access to the laundry room and gym.

Other things to note
Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage – steal away from civilisation, to an historic haven with dramatic sea views out towards the Pentland Firth

Perched on top of a 115-foot cliff, on the red sandstone Scottish island of South Walls, Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage is remote enough to make you feel as though you’ve been magically spirited away from everyday life.

Adjacent to the historic lighthouse tower itself, the cosy cottage sleeps four guests in two bedrooms; ideal for a true ‘get away from it all’ break for a small family or a group of close friends – including their well-behaved dogs.

Once the home of a Victorian lighthouse keeper (the lighthouse was built in 1856), you can expect timeless comfort in instantly charming surroundings. Everything you need for a relaxing break is here, including a well-equipped kitchen, a family bathroom, and a snug lounge that comes complete with a warming fireplace.

Oh, and if you can’t tear yourselves away from those mod cons, you’ll find there’s WiFi (vital for updating your Instagram account with magnificent sea views), a TV, and a gym for ensuring that essential workout routine doesn’t suffer while you’re away!

Better still, if you enjoy far-reaching sea views, you’re in for a genuine treat. Most of the rooms boast incredible scenery, and as you’re on top of a high cliff, those dramatic views will seem as though they stretch out forever.

Watch the huge, rolling waves as they lead your gaze out towards the Pentland Firth, or across the hills of Hoy – the highest you’ll see on the Orkney Islands. Watching that incredible, ever-changing vista is likely to become completely addictive, whether you’re taking in the sunrise with your morning coffee, or gathering together for sunset tipples.

Yet if you’re not one for staying in, you won’t have to! Light the firepit by evening for a sizzling al fresco supper cooked on the barbecue, while by day you can get up close and personal with those waves, with kayaks and paddle boards available to hire.

You can also hire a bike (or bring your own) and explore the surrounding area. Head for the Hill of White Hamars wildlife reserve for some incredible opportunities to spot nesting seabirds and grey seals, along with some gorgeous wildflowers during the summer months!

Wander towards Hoy if you’re more of a rambler, where you’ll spot the iconic Old Man (a 449-foot red sandstone sea stack that’s very popular with climbers) and immerse yourselves in famed Orkney myths and legends whilst spotting endless bird varieties.

Of course, you could simply stretch out on the sandy beach with a book, or head into nearby Longhope for some holiday supplies before heading back to the comfort of your lighthouse cottage. Simply and refreshingly, the choice is entirely yours.

At a glance

• Cosy lighthouse cottage, the former home of a Victorian lighthouse keeper, set adjacent to the historic working lighthouse tower on the Scottish island of South Walls, part of the Orkney Isles.

• The cottage sleeps four guests in comfort, along with their well-behaved dogs. Expect incredible views out towards the Pentland Firth.

• The site features a gym and laundry facilities. Bicycles, kayaks and paddle boards can be hired.

• There are shops, pubs and restaurants within two miles, in nearby Longhope. There is a sandy beach and a nature reserve close by.

Things to note

The lighthouse is active, and a foghorn is occasionally used. No smoking is allowed. Check in after 3pm, check out before 10am.

Facilities

Lighthouse cottage with 2 bedrooms, one kingsize and the other twin or double (advise on booking). WiFi. Indoor fireplace. Central heating. Laundry facilities. TV. BBQ and firepit outside. Gym on site. Private entrance. Parking on premises.

Local activities

Cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, walking, rock climbing, birdwatching.

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