Murrister is a traditional croft holiday cottage located in Uyeasound at the southern end of the beautiful Shetland island of Unst.
Surrounded by open fields often home to cows, sheep and Shetland ponies, as well as an abundance of rabbits, birds and wildflowers, the cottage enjoys views over the village and the peaceful surrounding landscape. The area offers a variety of walks for all abilities, along with long sandy beaches, the remains of Viking settlements, a ruined castle and nearby fishing lochs.
Accommodation
The self-catering cottage has recently been upgraded with a new roof, improved insulation, double glazing and a newly fitted kitchen, bathroom and flooring within the extension. The small extension, originally a barn, is set for future conversion into a studio space, while the old byre, now roofless, provides a charming feature in summer when filled with honeysuckle.
The house has been in the same family since the mid-1800s, and many of the furnishings and ornaments remain, giving the property a strong sense of history and character. To the front of the cottage is a small garden, offering a pleasant west-facing spot to relax in the evening.
Guests enter through a small vestibule leading into a fully equipped kitchen, complete with hob, oven, washing machine, tumble dryer and fridge/freezer. There is also a traditional drying green outside. Additional thoughtful touches include spare wellington boots, torches and an emergency mobile phone. Wildlife can often be spotted from the windows, including rabbits and flocks of starlings.
The bathroom is compact yet well equipped, offering both a bath and a shower, along with products from the Shetland Soap Company.
A narrow passage connects the extension to the original part of the house, leading into the traditional living areas. The ‘but’ end serves as the main living space, featuring a solid fuel heater alongside electric heating options, a television/DVD and a selection of books. The ‘ben’ end, historically reserved for special guests, provides a cosy space for relaxing or enjoying board games.
The staircase is narrow and steep, leading to two bedrooms with sloping ceilings and skylights. The cottage offers one twin room and one double room, with an additional folding bed available for a child or occasional guest. Bedding and towels are provided, along with storage space in both rooms.
Local Area
While local amenities in the immediate area are limited, the nearby village of Baltasound, around six miles north, offers shops, a bakery, cafés, a post office, a hotel and leisure facilities open to visitors. Further north, Haroldswick is home to a restaurant at the Saxavord site, as well as a local brewery and a small chocolate factory.
Visitors can explore a reconstructed Viking longhouse and ship, a maritime museum and a heritage centre showcasing the history and crafts of Unst. The island also offers excellent walking opportunities, including nature reserves at the Hill of Hamar and Hermaness, where views extend to Muckle Flugga and the Oot Stack, often described as the northernmost point of Britain.
For more information, please visit the website.
Rates: £560 per week.
Maximum of 4 guests.
Children are welcome.
Sorry, no pets.
Off-street parking available.
https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/shetland-islands/13803
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