Berstane House, Berstane Road, St Ola, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1SZ
- Land size
- 8 acres
- Bedrooms
- 13
- Bathrooms
- 12
Key Features
- WHAT3WORDS LOCATION: skies.teardrop.openings
- Positioned on the outskirts of Kirkwall, commanding sea views, yet within easy reach of town amenities.
- Approx. 8 acres of private grounds including gardens, woodland, lawns, coastal outlook.
- Historic stately home with period features — double glazed casement windows, ornate cornicing, multiple reception rooms and bedrooms.
- 7 separate dwellings, all currently let, ranging in size/type. Reliable income in place.
- Private driveway, ample parking, outbuildings/storage
- Private residence, investment, holiday accommodation, multi-generation living, or boutique hospitality subject to planning and consent.
- Available as 1 or 2 separate lots
- Famous explorer John Rae is understood to have a connection with Bertane House
Description
Berstane House is a rare Orkney estate: a grand 13-bedroom stately home set within approximately 8 acres of private grounds, including mature woodland, sweeping lawns, and beautifully tended gardens. Its commanding coastal position offers uninterrupted sea views while remaining only minutes from Kirkwall—an exceptional combination of privacy, heritage, and convenience.
A historic residence with remarkable potential
The main house retains its period architecture, from ornate cornicing to elegant reception rooms, a formal drawing room, dining room, library/study, generous bedrooms, and a traditional cellar. The interior offers an outstanding opportunity for sympathetic modernisation, allowing a new owner to shape a truly distinguished home while preserving its character. The property is also understood to have a connection to the renowned explorer John Rae, adding to its historic significance.
A multi-unit estate with established income
The estate comprises seven separate dwellings, each with its own title deed. In addition to the main house, there are six self-contained apartments—four smaller units and two larger ones—each with private access and parking. All are currently let, providing reliable, ongoing income and making the estate suitable for private residence, multi-generational living, investment, or boutique hospitality, subject to consents.
Grounds That Elevate The Lifestyle - The extensive grounds include woodland walks, open lawns, sheltered garden spaces, and panoramic vantage points overlooking the coastline. The setting is peaceful, secluded, and rich with wildlife—an ideal environment for those seeking a rural retreat with spectacular views and space to create additional outdoor amenities.
Available As One Lot Or Two - the estate is offered as a whole or in two separate lots, giving buyers flexibility depending on their needs:
Lot 1 – Berstane House & Four 1-Bedroom Flats Includes the main stately home together with four self-contained one-bedroom apartments, ideal for guest accommodation, long-term letting, or staff housing.
Lot 2 – ‘Seaview Apartments’ A detached building comprising two spacious 2-bedroom apartments, both enjoying elevated outlooks and strong rental appeal.
A Rare Opportunity In Orkney - Few properties in Orkney—or Scotland—combine this level of landholding, architectural presence, coastal outlook, and income potential. Berstane House offers a unique chance to acquire a landmark estate with scope for restoration, expansion, or imaginative redevelopment.
SERVICES
Water - Mains
Electricity - Mains
Drainage - Mains
Heating - Oil central heating in the main dwelling at Berstane House and storage heaters in all the apartments
Council Tax:
Main House F
Flat 1 A
Flat 2 A
Flat 3 A
Flat 4 A
Seaview 1 C
Seaview 2 C
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VIEWINGS
By appointment only, arranged through K Allan Properties.
Call or email
OFFERS TO
K Allan Properties
Watergate
Kirkwall
KW15 1PD
Map Location
Property details
- Tenure
- Freehold
- Council Tax Band
- Ask Agent
- Date Posted
- 2026-01-29
Market Value Analysis
Based on properties with houses in Scotland (5+ acres).
Energy Performance Certificate
Energy Efficiency Rating
Based on UK Energy Performance Certificate standards (EU Directive 2002/91/EC)
Utilities & Restrictions
Utilities
- Electricity
- Mains
- Water
- Mains
- Heating
- Ask Agent
- Broadband
- Ask Agent
- Sewerage
- Septic Tank / Private
Rights & Restrictions
- Public Rights of Way
- Ask Agent
- Private Rights of Way
- Ask Agent
- Listed Property
- Ask Agent
- Restrictions
- Ask Agent
Property Features
- Accessibility
- Lateral Living
- Parking
- Off-Street Parking
- Garden
- Garden
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Listing agent
K Allan Properties Ltd, Kirkwall
Watergate House Watergate, St. Ola, Orkney, KW15 1PD
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Watergate House Watergate, St. Ola, Orkney, KW15 1PD
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