West Manse
The West Manse offers something rather unique, once you have been here you will understand it and it makes perfect sense.
If you like it you will probably return again & again, and then recommend it to your friends and even think of moving to Westray.
Let’s get the “WHY YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE THE MANSE” out of the way to start with,
- We live up the stairs in an attic bed sit.
- We have a supremely gentle, but lively, Springer – Charlie.
- It is out on a headland away from the village, so you need a car or strong legs.
- We have chosen not to have a television, but there are books, music, and board games.
- It is quite expensive to get to Orkney and Westray.
- It is not a modern bungalow.
Now “WHY YOU MIGHT LIKE THE MANSE”.
- Just as the space in a home can be flexible so is the Manse. It links with Brotchie giving five “bed rooms” – one double bed: two king size beds; one super king bed and two single beds. It is ideal for a group of friends or an extended family.
- We are happy for people to bring sleeping bags if you need more sleeping space.
- It has a great kitchen (we also do cookery courses) well equipped, two range cookers and a sun room off it, which is ideal for art and craft as well.
- We are told it has a ”homely elegance”
- We welcome dogs (please see Dear Dogs)
- It faces Nova Scotia to the West; at least ten other islands to the South and East.
- It faces the Westray Firth, the light bouncing off the sea is brilliant for old eyes.
- Loads of books including about 120 cookery books. Board games, art & craft equipment are available.
- It is attracting writers to “get away from it” and write.
- Lots of things are happening on the island, especially in archaeology & sustainability - Westray is a lively “can do” place – but there is also a deep silence and peace.
- Thanks to the massive amount of insulation, the 6kw turbine and a ground source heat pump, it is warm and though large, feels cosy, especially with the shutters closed, and sitting by the wood burning stove with a drink in the winter.
- There are hens, ducks, Jacob sheep, two outside friendly cats and a donkey.
- There is Charlie the Springer spaniel.
- The dining table will sit up to 20 people on hundred year old chairs from St Magnus Cathedral.
- It overlooks Mae Sands, a beautiful white sandy beach with big dunes and crystal clear water. It is a few minutes walk and there is a resident seal that often comes when you call.
- We are upstairs in our attic bed sit so can usually answer questions or even baby sit.
- We are happy to rent out one bedroom (out of season largely) and occasionally have working holidays to help finish the restoration or run a course - ask if that might suit you and you have a good idea.
- If you are an artist & book ahead, you could have an exhibition in the drawing room whilst you stay.
- You can learn – spinning, weaving, knitting, drystane dyking, painting, Orkney straw work, welding, brazing, felting, pottery and cooking while in Westray and practice at the Manse.
- You can experience sustainable building and restoration, heat pumps, turbines, lime harling.
- We are a Fair Trade business on a Fair Trade Island.
- The Kirks are welcoming and busy.
- Quaker Meeting can be arranged on any day and is held at 9.30 on Sundays in Members homes.
Island tranquillity with my friends Charlie and the seals
By Ron Ferguson
Published: 19/10/2010 in the Press & Journal
AS I WALK along the shore, with a borrowed dog at my side, my two seal friends swim up and down in tandem with us. It's like synchronised swimming. They are curious, looking from a safe distance at a man and a springer spaniel called Charlie. I sing to the seals, and they seem to like it. I'll try out the mouth-organ with them some time.
I am back on my favourite Orkney island, Westray. It's the place I often retreat to when I'm under pressure on a writing project. Some years back, for instance, when I had to complete a script for a film about St Magnus inside a week, I put the laptop on my back and headed for Westray. By the end of the week it was done. There is something in the air up here.
