The latest Land Registry report sprang a surprise when it revealed that the Orkney Islands topped the list of the UK’s best performing property markets, with an annual price increase of 18.18% in 2017.
Statistics can be misleading – in an area with a relatively small pool of properties, a handful of high-value sales may be enough to skew figures – but there’s no doubt that the Scottish archipelago has plenty to whet buyers’ appetites.
And despite last year’s price increase, the islands remain among the UK’s most affordable locations, with properties costing an average of £146,842.
Buyers prepared to invest a little more can even secure their own private island. Just nine miles from the airport and five from the town of Kirkwall, Holm of Grimbister (above) comes with a period cottage and 40 acres – all for £300,000.
It needs a little work, but that only adds to the potential – and at a price akin to what you'd pay for a one-bedroom flat in Northwood, it's hard to believe how much you get for your money.
You don't need to buy your own island to enjoy this part of the world, however. In spring and summer, marigolds, orchids and the rare Scottish primrose clothe the countryside. Miles of paths meander along the shore, taking in soft beaches and hundreds of puffins and seals.
A boat trip may reveal pods of dolphins and a journey inland will unearth giant standing stones and prehistoric villages.
‘It’s just a really nice area,’ says Tracey Duncan of Savills.
‘The views are amazing, the countryside, the fresh air… [It appeals] to people who like peace and quiet, long walks and nice scenery.’
Holm of Grimbister is for sale via Savills – see more details and pictures.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
-
A 327-acre estate in the heart of 'England’s Côte d’Or', with a 26,000sq ft Georgian style home at its heartStokes Hall in the Crouch Valley is an inspiring property looking for a new owner.
-
Schreiber House, 'the most significant London townhouse of the second half of the 20th century', is up for saleThe five-bedroom Modernist masterpiece sits on the edge of Hampstead Heath.
-
Is the 'race for space' officially over?During the lockdowns, many thought the countryside was the place to be. It seems many are now changing their minds.
-
What's a 'wellness village' and will it tempt you back into the office?The team behind London's first mixed-use ‘wellness village’ says it has the magic formula for tempting workers back into offices.
-
A mini estate in Kent that's so lovely it once featured in Simon Schama's 'History of Britain'The Paper Mill estate is a picture-postcard in the Garden of England.
-
Hidden excellence in a £7.5 million north London homeBehind the traditional façades of Provost Road, you will find something very special.
-
Sip tea and laugh at your neighbours in this seaside Norfolk home with a watchtowerOn Cliff Hill in Gorleston, one home is taller than all the others. It could be yours.
-
A Grecian masterpiece that might be one of the nation's finest homes comes up for sale in KentGrade I-listed Holwood House sits in 40 acres of private parkland just 15 miles from central London. It is spectacular.
