Southhouse - traditional croft with amazing view

Entire cottage in Shetland Islands, United Kingdom

  1. 6 guests
  2. 4 bedrooms
  3. 7 beds
  4. 2 baths
Hosted by Susan
  1. 13 years hosting

Listing highlights

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the lockbox.

Beautiful area

Guests love this home’s scenic location.
Some info has been automatically translated.
One of the oldest croft houses in Shetland and fabulously quirky, Southhouse sits above a stony and sandy beaech with a glorious view over Ronas Voe and Ronas Hill. The house is private and secluded with direct access to many local walks, but is only a few miles away from the village of Hillswick, where you'll find a shop, hotel and bar.

The space
Our very old, quirky crofthouse has a great view. It is warm and cosy with peat fires, plenty beds and 2 bathrooms - it will sleep 9 comfortably and 11 at a push. The view from the flower porch is fabulous. Linen and towels included. Great for families and those wanting to explore.

Built in the 16th century, it had no kitchen or toilet until we renovated it in 1994, turning it into our family home. We've kept some of the original pieces of furniture from the house, including traditional Shetland chairs and an old handmade bed.

As a traditional croft, there are some very low ceilings and doors. There are peat fires that can be used when it isn't blowing a gale, and the comfort of electric central heating (with plenty of insulation to keep you warm). It has one of the best views on the planet, a beach directly below the house and regularly otters can be seen.

It's also a great place for birdwatchers (arctic terns nest on the beach from May until September) stargazers and to see the Northern lights when they are out. And if you like weather... we have plenty of that! One of our children, James, went on to star in the 'Great British Bake Off' and has widely described his childhood as idyllic and gloriously peaceful there.

There is a washing machine, gas cooker, dishwasher, two bathrooms, with baths and one electric shower, and beds for 9 comfortably. Two doubles, a triple, a twin and a mezzanine with a futon. There are tons of linen and towels provided. There is a pulley in the bathroom for drying things. Electric and gas are included. There's also a piano, which is mostly in tune. There is a landline, and wifi, and a telly which all work mostly , but being Shetland very occasionally there are outages. I work at the local surgery and my husband from home, so we are both about to do our best to help you with things. We are available by phone for help and advice.

You will probably need transport, car or motorbike. ( there is car hire available at both Sumburgh airport and at the ferry). But the cycling nearby is excellent.

Do note: the house is remote! And that's part of its lovely charm. I would advise a visit to the supermarket en route in Brae (10 miles ) or in Lerwick ( 35 miles), but we have a great wee community shop in Hillswick for a lot of things, including fresh fish, a hotel and cafes nearby.

Northmavine is an outstanding place of natural beauty, with true wilderness (the only tundra in Britain). There is the best coastal walking in Shetland here, from the well known cliffs and remote splendour of Eshaness, to the haunting beauty of Fedaland and Uyea. There are many prehistoric sites to be found both in Northmavine, and in fact one is just about a mile up the hill from the house. There are also two very interesting golf courses near to Lerwick, a nine hole and an eighteen hole and one on the island of Whalsay, which is a real challenge.

Don't forget about the fishing. If you are after a peaceful fishing (sea or loch) holiday, it's lovely. Permits and easily obtained and inexpensive. If you're a fan of kayaking, there are loads of wee caves and hidden cliffside beaches to explore round the voe.

Guest access
You have full access to the whole house except the barns. There is a garden but it is steep and young children will need close supervision. There is direct access down to the beautiful beach. You are allowed to walk anywhere in Shetland, but remember to shut gates and watch out for sudden cliffs.

The house is handy for the stunning Eshaness, where you'll find the Braewick Cafe for a bite to eat. In Hillswick, the historic St Magnus Bay Hotel supplies the best homemade chips, and for fish you can stop off at the nationally award-winning Frankies fish and chip shop in Brae (10 miles). There is also the historic Busta House Hotel, just outside Brae.

There is a local community shop in Hillswick for food (3 miles), and one in Ollaberry for food and fuel (6 miles).There is a breakdown garage in Ollaberry. Brae has a Co-op and two garages, one of which does fuel also.

There is a bus service to Lerwick twice in the morning, at 7.30 am and at 10 am except Wednesday and Sunday, returning at 5 pm (from Hillswick or Urafirth)

The Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary as featured can be visited locally.

Other things to note
You probably need a car. Its difficult by bus, but there are two to Hillswick from Lerwick a day. The nearest bus stop is Urafirth (2 miles).

We will provide most things to get you started , but like any holiday cottage rental, we expect you to top up the essentials if you're staying beyond a few days.

Where you’ll sleep

Bedroom 1
1 double bed
Bedroom 2
1 double bed
Bedroom 3
3 single beds

What this place offers

Beach access – Beachfront
Kitchen
Wifi
Free street parking
TV
Unavailable: Carbon monoxide alarm

Select check-in date

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Rated 4.73 out of 5 from 135 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is a guest favorite based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 75% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 23% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 2% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Shetland Islands, Shetland, United Kingdom
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighborhood highlights

The house is remote. It sits close to the end of a single track road above a beautiful beach, about 3 miles from the centre of the village of Hillswick. It's a beautiful spot (fantastic for wildlife) with an uninterrupted view of the sea.


Northmavine is an outstanding place of natural beauty, with true wilderness (the only tundra in Britain). There is the best coastal walking in Shetland here, from the well known cliffs and remote splendour of Eshaness, to the haunting beauty of Fedaland and Uyea. There are many prehistoric sites to be found both in Northmavine and the rest of Shetland, and in fact one is just about a mile up the hill from the house. Northmavine also has excellent loch fishing and permits are easily obtained and inexpensive. There are also two very interesting golf courses near to Lerwick, a nine hole and an eighteen hole and one on the island of Whalsay, which is a real challenge.

The house is handy for the stunning Eshaness, where you'll find the Braewick Cafe for a bite to eat. In Hillswick, the historic St Magnus Bay Hotel supplies the best homemade chips, and for fish you can stop off at Frankies fish and chip shop in Brae. There is also the historic Busta House Hotel, just outside Brae.

There is a local community shop in Hillswick for food (3 miles), and one in Ollaberry for food and fuel (6 miles). There is a breakdown garage in Ollaberry. Brae has a CO-OP and two garages, one of which does fuel.

There is a bus service to Lerwick twice in the morning, at 7.30 am and at 10 am except Wednesday and Sunday, returning at 5 pm (from Hillswick or Urafirth).

The Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary as featured can be visited locally.

Meet your host

Host
291 reviews
4.78 out of 5 average rating
13 years of hosting
My work: GP and GPWSI in Paediatrics
Lives in Hillswick, United Kingdom
I'm Susan and I'm originally from Glasgow, but have lived in Shetland for years with my husband Tom and 3 children, now grown up and on the mainland. I work here as the local GP, and am always 'busy' but enjoy footering around in the extensive gardens at the manse. My husband Tom is a writer and journalist and we have an old Staffie called Blue and a wee mongrel called Dexter. https://twitter.com/docsuzy https://www.facebook.com/susan.bowie.336 http://beatcroft.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/letter-to-shetland-times-and-shetland.html. http://www.hillswickhealthcentre.co.uk/

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within a few hours
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 2:00 PM
Checkout before 10:00 AM
6 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm not reported
Nearby lake, river, other body of water
Heights without rails or protection