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Waterha
Idyllic 4-Bedroom Lochside Villa, Dounby
A beautifully designed four-bedroom villa on the tranquil shores of Harray Loch, powered by renewable energy and surrounded by open landscapes and uninterrupted loch views. Warm, spacious and carbon-neutral, it’s a truly special base for families, friends or anyone seeking a peaceful Orkney escape.
Book securely online with our trusted partner, Freetobook.
Overview
Set on the shores of Harray Loch around a kilometre from the main road, Waterha offers complete peace and quiet with nothing but open skies, gentle waters and the occasional call of seabirds. The home is finished to a high standard throughout, highly insulated and powered by a wind turbine and solar thermal panels, creating a warm, comfortable and environmentally friendly retreat.
The property is perfectly placed for discovering Orkney’s most remarkable sites, including the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in Europe. Despite its peaceful setting, the welcoming village of Dounby is just a few minutes’ drive away, with an Asda supermarket, pharmacy, post office and doctors’ surgery. The nearby Merkister Hotel sits beautifully on the lochside and can be reached by a short walk along a scenic grass track.
Key Features
- 4-bedroom villa, sleeps up to 8.
- Set on the shores of Harray Loch with uninterrupted loch views.
- Highly insulated, carbon-neutral home powered by wind turbine and solar thermal panels.
- Open-plan living space with lounge area.
- Fully equipped kitchen with cooker, dishwasher, fridge, microwave and freezer.
- Bath and separate shower.
- Washer-dryer and tumble dryer.
- Smart TV.
- Free WiFi.
- Telescope and bird guides provided.
- Bed linen and towels provided.
- Hairdryer and iron provided.
- Open all year round.
- Short Term Lets Registration Number: OR00586F.
Sleeping Arrangements
- Bedrooms 1 – 4: Double bed.
Location
Waterha is set on the shores of Harray Loch near the village of Dounby in the West Mainland of Orkney. Around a kilometre from the main road, the property enjoys complete privacy and open views across the loch and surrounding countryside. Dounby village is just a few minutes’ drive away for everyday essentials, while the Merkister Hotel is within walking distance along the lochside.
The property is centrally located for exploring Orkney’s most iconic sites, from ancient stone circles and Neolithic villages to dramatic coastlines and peaceful rural landscapes.
- Dounby village (shops, pharmacy, post office) – approx. 3-minute drive
- Merkister Hotel – short walk along lochside track
- Standing Stones of Stenness – approx. 5 miles
- Ring of Brodgar – approx. 5 miles
- Maeshowe – approx. 5 miles
- Skara Brae – approx. 10 miles
- Kirkwall – approx. 13 miles
- Stromness – approx. 10 miles
- Yesnaby cliffs – approx. 9 miles
- Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm – approx. 20 miles
Ideal for
- Families wanting space, comfort and a safe lochside setting.
- Friends looking for a special getaway surrounded by nature.
- Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts — hen harriers, short-eared owls, waders and otters are regularly spotted nearby.
- Stargazers and aurora hunters — minimal light pollution and wide open skies make this an exceptional spot.
- Couples or groups wanting a central base for exploring Neolithic Orkney and the wider islands.
What Our Lovely Guests Say
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Book securely online with our trusted partner, Freetobook.