Idyllic Island Property Offers Unique Business Potential

HOUSE-HUNTERS seeking to swap the daily hustle and bustle for a peacefully-located property offering superb development opportunities may find their dream home in Vestness.

A true “get away from it all” property, Vestness is located on the southern point of the beautiful and remote island of Papa Westray – one of the smallest of Orkney’s inhabited islands.

The property comprises the main house and four barns, as well as 61 acres of surrounding land – mostly of conservation grade grassland which is grazed annually, as well as 1.5 kilometres of foreshore – and is on the market with Inverness-based Bell Ingram for offers in the region of £200,000.

It is in need of refurbishment and upgrading but offers great potential for a business venture – as a smallholding and/or as a family tourism business – or as a location for retirement or retreat.

To add to the whole attractive package, the house has a magnificent situation, standing alone and boasting uninterrupted, panoramic sea views, which can only be truly appreciated in person.

Papa Westray, known as Papay to those who live there, has a relaxed atmosphere and a friendly community that has encouraged and developed services for the island, including a community shop and increased ferry connections in summer. The two-minute air journey between Papay and its neighbour island, Westray, is the world’s shortest scheduled flight.

Joanne Stennett, of Bell Ingram in Inverness, said: “Vestness offers a truly unique opportunity for anyone keen for a lifestyle overhaul and looking to reap the benefits of peaceful, rural living.

“Although it is in need of renovation, the property has endless potential as the four barns could be converted into holiday cottages, or it could be developed for conservation and wildlife.

“This is the only house on the Southern point of Papay and the views out across the sea and to the islands beyond are simply unbeatable.

“For those looking for undisturbed island life, this property is truly the ideal remote getaway.”

Internally, Vestness is a single storey property, boasting large rooms and high coombed ceilings to further the spacious appeal. It comprises a dining room, kitchen, lounge, bathroom and two bedrooms, with the surrounding extensive acres of land offering plentiful opportunity for expansion.

Externally, the surrounding farmland consists of a single block of south facing land of approximately 58 acres. The land is all under grass with a mixture of permanent grassland and rough grazing and is classified as mostly Grade 61 with some Grade 42.

Archaeology enthusiasts will also not be disappointed, as the island of Papay is rich in ancient ruins, including the Knap of Howar, the restored kirk of St Boniface, the remains of the medieval chapel at St Tredwell’s Loch and chambered cairns on the Holm of Papay.

Viewings are strictly by appointment only and can be arranged through Bell Ingram’s Inverness office on 01463 717799.

Established 117 years ago, Bell Ingram has 130 professional staff across 11 UK offices including: farm, estate and forestry managers; chartered surveyors, architects, planners, and building surveyors; and tourism, GIS mapping, and renewable energy specialists.