Orkney famers Jackie and Malcolm Sinclair are scaling back their tourism operations on Sanday as they look forward to retirement.
The couple run luxury self-catering accommodation Orkney Retreats, while also running their farms.
They’ve just put Backaskaill Farm and an adjoining cottage on the market, with a guide price of £1.2 million.
Jackie, who’s not long back from the Royal Highland Show, in Edinburgh, told us tourism on Sanday, like the rest of Orkney, is thriving.
Backaskaill Farm is described by property agent Galbraith as a “rare opportunity to acquire a diverse farm with significant lifestyle and commercial potential”.
Extending to about 311 acres, Backaskaill Farm comprises a “beautifully restored” B-listed traditional, three-bedroomed farmhouse and an adjoining one-bedroom cottage.
Galbraith added: “Backaskaill Farmhouse has been tastefully renovated to a luxury standard and currently operates as a five-star holiday let, offering spacious and elegant accommodation over two storeys.
“There is a well maintained garden, with a summer house which has been adapted for use as a home spa.
“Adjoining the farmhouse, the charming one-bedroom cottage is also part of the successful self-catering business, making this a rare dual-income opportunity in an idyllic location.”
The farm comprises “high quality” grass and arable land, and is currently run under a “diversified and environmentally conscious farming system”, Galbraith said.
“Malcolm and I are scaling down.” Jackie said, adding “We’ll retain a small farm.”
The couple are not quitting the self-catering business altogether.
They plan to focus on luxury and converting some of their properties into spa retreats.
And one of their properties is to become a Victorian era heritage centre.
This will be a “fully immersive” accommodation option for visitors to Sanday, Jackie said.
Jackie and Malcolm have put ‘heart and soul’ into latest property project
She added: “We’ve put our heart and soul into all of our properties, but it’s time to move some of them on and let someone else run them.”
The couple are keen to avoid crossing the VAT threshold, which would be an added burden as they head towards retirement.
The Sinclairs keep about 200 breeding cattle and also take in sheep for overwintering.
According to Galbraith, Backaskaill Farm’s most striking feature is its “extraordinary beachfront location”.
The agent added: “Just steps from the front door, miles of pristine sand and dramatic coastline provide unparalleled access to nature, wildlife and water sports.
“Backaskaill will appeal to a wide range of buyers – those seeking a productive agricultural holding, an established tourism venture, or simply a new way of life immersed in the beauty of Scotland’s northern isles.”
The land is said to be “in good heart”, having been farmed in a grass rotation with cereal and swede breaks in recent years.
A “well-equipped” range of traditional and modern buildings supports agricultural operations.
Galbraith said there s potential for further development, subject to planning consents.
For those buyers looking for more land beyond the initial 311 acres, there is additional farmland available by separate negotiation.
Sanday is the largest of Orkney’s outer islands and home to about 500 people.
Conversation