Set on the tranquil shores of Harray Loch, Waterha offers a truly special place to stay while exploring the magic of Orkney. This beautifully designed self-catering home combines comfort, space and sustainability, making it an ideal retreat for families, friends or anyone seeking a relaxing island getaway.

Surrounded by open landscapes and uninterrupted loch views, Waterha provides a sense of calm and privacy that’s hard to find elsewhere. Yet it’s perfectly placed for discovering Orkney’s most remarkable sites, including the world-famous Heart of Neolithic Orkney, one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in Europe.

Comfort, Space and Sustainable Living

Waterha has been finished to a high standard throughout, creating a welcoming space where you can relax after a day of exploring. The home is thoughtfully designed to be highly insulated and environmentally friendly, powered by renewable energy from a wind turbine and solar thermal panels. The result is a warm, comfortable and carbon-neutral retreat that blends modern living with Orkney’s natural surroundings.

Located around a kilometre from the main road, the house enjoys complete peace and quiet, with nothing but open skies, gentle waters and the occasional call of seabirds to accompany your stay.

Close to Local Amenities

Despite its peaceful setting, Waterha is conveniently close to the welcoming village of Dounby, just a few minutes’ drive away. Here you’ll find an Asda Dounby supermarket along with a pharmacy, post office and doctors’ surgery.

For a relaxed meal or evening drink, the nearby Merkister Hotel sits beautifully on the lochside and can be reached by a short walk south along a scenic grass track or the main road.

Wildlife on Your Doorstep

The landscape around Waterha is alive with wildlife. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by regular sightings of hen harriers and short-eared owls gliding across the fields, while waders and waterfowl gather along the loch. If you’re lucky, you may even spot an otter along the shoreline.

To help you make the most of the experience, a telescope and bird guides are provided, making it easy to enjoy Orkney’s rich birdlife from the comfort of the house.

Spectacular Skies and Ever-Changing Views

The views from Waterha stretch wide across the loch and open countryside, particularly to the south and west where sunsets paint the sky in rich colours. As evening falls, the lack of light pollution reveals some of Orkney’s clearest night skies.

In autumn and winter, Waterha becomes an exceptional spot for stargazing—and on the right night, you may even witness the dancing colours of the northern lights above the loch.

Perfect for Exploring Orkney

Waterha’s central location makes it an excellent base for discovering the islands. From ancient stone circles and Neolithic villages to dramatic coastlines and peaceful rural landscapes, Orkney’s most iconic places are all within easy reach.

Whether you spend your days exploring historic sites, watching wildlife, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of Harray Loch, Waterha offers a memorable and relaxing Orkney escape.