Individual Residency Programme / Self-directed Orkney Islands, Scotland

Robbie’s Hoose

A historic wooden self-catering hideaway on the very edge of the ocean, in Orkney’s ancient capital.

Robbie’s Hoose is a “peedie” house steeped in cultural significance, a true one-off, rich in character and history, sitting right on the cusp of the sea. Once home to the poet, painter and conchologist Robert Rendall, who was drawn here by the shore, the shells and the marine life, it occupies the historic site of Orkney’s Bishop’s Palace in the village of Birsay.

At a Glance

A peedie house on the shore, where the sea and centuries of story meet.

Once home to the poet and conchologist Robert Rendall, this little wooden house sits right where the land meets the tide, looking out to the Brough of Birsay. Full of character and gently brought up to date, it’s a rare spot to breathe in the sea air and let Orkney’s deep history settle around you.

Robbie’s Hoose is lovingly cared for by its owner, the artist, curator and educator Tracy Mackenna.

Local Area

Exploring Birsay

Robbie’s Hoose sits in the historic village of Palace, Birsay, in the far north-west of Orkney’s Mainland, once the islands’ ancient capital, home in turn to Neolithic peoples, Picts, Vikings and Scottish royalty. The tidal island of the Brough of Birsay, with its Pictish and Norse settlements, is right on the doorstep (reached on foot across the causeway at low tide), along with the dramatic ruins of the Earl’s Palace in the village itself. The Barony Mill, the last working watermill in Orkney, and the award-winning Swannay Brewery are both close by, while the wider Heart of Neolithic Orkney sites of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe are all within easy reach. Dounby, with its supermarket, Doctor’s Surgery and Post Office is a short drive / bus journey away.

Eating Out & Local Services

Dining: Birsay is well served for somewhere so peaceful. Palace Stores is a couple of minutes walk from Robbie’s Hoose and is very well stocked with fresh produce and the J&P Orkney Honesty Box is a treasure trove of fresh bakes, jams and chutneys. The Merkister and Standing Stones hotels on Harray Loch are a short drive, with a wider choice of restaurants in Stromness and Kirkwall (around 25–30 minutes away). Booking is recommended during the summer months.

Groceries: Palace Stores in the village is a handy, family-run shop for essentials, with Asda supermarket in Dounby (groceries and fuel) a short drive away and larger supermarkets in Kirkwall and Stromness.

Practical Info: A pharmacy, Doctor’s Surgery and Post Office are all in Dounby, with full services,  fuel, banking, medical and more in Kirkwall and Stromness. A car is desirable for this location. The local bus service runs a few times per day, Palace village to Kirkwall. Please note that the tidal island, the Brough of Birsay is accessible only at low tide, so do check the tide times before crossing.