Chance to own Scottish island as beautiful Isle of Vaila goes on sale for £1.75m

By Jacqueline Wake Young

June 20 2022, 6:20 pm

Situated in an elevated position to the north, the mansion is a prominent landmark on approach to the island.

“I can think of few nicer places in the world,” said the poet Sir John Betjeman about the Isle of Vaila.

The island is separated from mainland Shetland by the Vaila Sound and is just a 10-minute boat journey from its private shore base into a sheltered bay with a pier.

Yet it might as well be a world away, with views on a clear day to the Fair Isle and the Isle of Foula.

The Isle of Vaila is just a 10-minute boat ride from mainland Shetland.

Current owners Richard Rowland and wife Dorota Rychlik, said Vaila “is a microcosm of all that is best about Shetland – space, peace, natural beauty and wonderful light”.

Richard quoted his general manager John Abernethy who said: “There is never a dull moment on Vaila.”

After putting it on the market, Richard said: “We have had 30 fantastic years on Vaila; it is now time for others to follow their dream here.”

Dorota in her Polish national costume and Richard in a waistcoat made from the island’s organic Shetland tweed.

With around 6.5 miles of coastline, Vaila encompasses cliffs, rocky outcrops, caves and pebble beaches.

This striking location, once home to Norwegian Viking chiefs, is also home to a magnificent 17th Century mansion house.

Vaila Hall was developed from a laird’s house into a grand summer residence in the 19th Century and by the early 20th Century, lavish house parties were being held there, with as many as 30 people listed as employed on the island in 1901.

The castellated mansion has a coat of arms dated 1696 carved above the doorway.

Since the purchase in 1993, the house has undergone an extensive and sympathetic restoration to provide a well-appointed and comfortable home.

There is a baronial great hall with huge stone fireplace, full-height stained glass windows, a minstrels’ gallery and a concealed entrance into the functional kitchen.

A conservatory offers views across the croquet lawn towards the 18th Century watch tower that is included in the sale, while a study in the bell tower has views over Vaila Sound.

Large stone or carved wooden fireplaces feature in a number of rooms.

There are four bedrooms on the first floor and the principal bedroom suite has a secret passage through to the tower bedroom which has panoramic views over the sea.

There are two further bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor.

There are walled gardens and two island piers.

The Dining Room is suitably decorated according to the period property.

Also on Vaila is the three-bedroom Arts and Crafts farmhouse built in 1894 which has a byre known as The Whale House where the skeleton of a 42ft-whale lies after it was beached on the island in 2000.

“We call it Bony Dick,” said Richard.

A two-bedroom cottage works as overflow accommodation or as staff quarters.

One of the many attractive rooms in which to read, work or relax.

A contemporary shore-based building sits on mainland Shetland and includes a bedroom, kitchen, washing facilities and storage.

Vaila was the first farm in Shetland to gain organic status in 1994 and the island currently carries 200 pure-bred Shetland ewes, with the flock available in addition.

“Our sheep provide our natural-coloured organic yarn and woven blankets,” said Richard.

“We have also kept Highland cattle, Tamworth and Mangalitza pigs, chickens and Shetland ponies.”

The Isle of Vaila lies in the west of the Shetland Islands archipelago, the northernmost part of the UK.

There are around 142 acres of grazing land and 581 acres of heathland.

In their early years on Vaila, Richard continued working in the City while Dorota organised the restorations.

Richard retired from full-time work in 2000 and continued as a consultant, working from home until retiring last year.

Vaila has a landline and good internet and mobile phone connections.

Dorota is an art dealer and opened Vaila Fine Art in Lerwick in 1999.

The Caretaker’s Cottage has two bedrooms.

“We have had great summer house parties on Vaila, including our and my daughter’s weddings using the Great Hall and minstrels’ gallery for dances and live music and regular golf and croquet competitions,” said Richard.

Asked what will make Vaila appealing to a new owner, Richard said: “The realisation of a dream,” and that they might be: “Someone like us who enjoys living on what is possibly the largest solely owner-occupied Scottish island, or maybe someone with a different vision.”

Putting the sale down to “advancing years” Richard said: “We will stay on in Shetland at our house in Lerwick and Dorota will continue running Vaila Fine Art.”

As for what responsibilities and benefits come from owning Vaila, Dorota quipped: “Island dwelling is not for wimps.”

Richard has written a book about their experiences, in which he says: “Vaila rather fell into our lap. We were not looking for an island, just an old pile to restore. And our decision to buy was hardly rational; but then those are the best decisions.”

Offers over £1,750,000 with Savills.