"At the end of October we stayed for a week at the Space - and we didn't want to go back home. I can't recommend it highly enough - the only drawback is how far away it is. If it were closer, we'd be there every weekend, so maybe it's a good thing it is. There's plenty else to see on the island of Rousay if you're just looking for a break - good walks, ancient monuments, deeply impressive scenery, beaches, seals, local characters and if you're very lucky - puffins!

The Space has all the facilities you'll need for a self catering holiday and comfortable enough sleeping space for 8-10 people as far as I could see (7 of us were there at the time), and it's attractively decorated throughout to a high standard (and apologies for sounding like an estate agent). Although it functions brilliantly well as a holiday cottage, that's not the primary selling point.

The main attraction has to be the old Kirk hall which is now a recording studio/rehearsal space. My son did some acoustic recording there performing pieces on guitar, flute and violin, and the results were outstanding. The natural reverb and overall acoustics are worth the journey alone. The space itself is big enough for dance or theatre workshopping as well. You won't be disappointed!"

As a party of musicians looking to record, our use of The Space was two-fold. We got to appreciate it's excellent natural acoustics and expanding musical facilities, but also we were hugely impressed with it as a holiday home.
Given the intensive and tiring work involved in recording an album, the wonderful scenery and location was the perfect foil allowing us to relax between studio takes. the rooms were all well equipped and clean so a good night's rest was assured as was a good feed during the day thanks to well-maintained facilities (not to mention a generous array of non-perishable goods laid on by the owners).
Likewise the copious bathrooms (1 wet room and 3 en suite) meant nobody was left bursting for a pee. These were all also well stocked with products and clean comfortable linen and towels were in generous supply.
The island is tiny and it requires significant adjustment for city-dwellers but I can only emphasise how refreshing this is. One shop, open very rarely during the week One pub. No chippies. No cafes. No supermarkets. It's a forced isolation that is genuinely highly productive for musicians not to mention extremely therapeutic for holidaymakers. The locals are also nothing but friendly,even if they enjoy a chuckle when you ask if there is a cafe or chip shop.
I would strongly recommend taking some time out of any recording to make sure you visit the beaches on the island early in the morning and encounter the numerous seals, otters and wild birds that are not in any hurry to run away.
Likewise I would hugely recommend a trip to the various archaeological sites, some older than the pyramids, which are mercifully free of admittance fees or security guards. You can respectfully enter these ancient premises and admire the astounding views the inhabitants of old must have enjoyed.
If you are planning on recording the new Blonde on Blonde or writing the next great novel, this is the place.

We had a fantastic fortnight staying at the Space -
seven of us arrived by ferry and had a wonderful time enjoying the scenery, silence, wildlife, sites and views - life on Rousay is different to anything I or my family had experienced before.
The physical dislocation from mainland UK was the first thing, then everything else followed.
The Space is wonderful and we couldn't have asked for more.
The old Kirk has been sensitively (and quirkily) restored;
Rousay has beautiful clear waters, fascinating beaches, cairns and neolithic burial mounds, mainland Orkney is also very interesting with Skara Brae, stone circles and other places that you can imagine are unchanged for hundreds of years.
Please visit!

This is an extraordinary, unique property. Beautifully restored old church with all mod cons, in an idyllic setting right beside the sea. Extremely comfortable for 6. For a party of 8, the small upstairs bedrooms would be quite cramped with 2 people in each, but fine for children or young people. On the other hand there are 4 showers/toilets which is quite a luxury. Rousay is perfect for getting away from it all. Hire a bike at the farm and cycle round the whole island (steep hills, you have to be quite fit). Visit the Mid-Howe broch and chambered cairn, both amongst the most spectacular in Scotland. Wonderful walks, specially at the NW and NE corners of the island. We saw seals and puffins, cormorants and an otter. The house is within easy walking distance of the ferry, so a car is not even essential, although very useful for getting to the shop, which is tiny but has almost everything you might need, even petrol. If the weather is bad, take a trip back to Orkney mainland, where there is a lot to do and see. Tingwall jetty to Kirkwall takes only about 20 minutes by car. One of the best holidays ever!

Stayed 1st to 6th July, will stay longer next time.

Intelligent use of recycled materials and fittings gives a unique character - we especially liked the old 1st class railway compartment. Ideal location for exploring Rousey and Mainland, with own beach but were not brave enough to use the kayaks. Relaxed homely feel, particularly in the large family kitchen/lounge/dining area. The building, grounds and views provide an excellent atmosphere for all creative arts. Great for just chilling out and relaxing

I had a great time at The Space mixing 6 tracks for the poetry band Little Machine. For clarity of the mix the Neumann speakers really helped to disentangle the mids and for clarity of the spirit there was the view through the beautiful arched windows of the converted kirk to the sea and the isles beyond. Geraldine and Graham have made it a homely place with a
big kitchen to serve up the porridge and a comfy bed for a good night’s sleep. The beach is truly amazing and the exterior grounds will be improved once the old caravan is moved and the boathouse finished. We particularly loved the 1950s railway compartment, good for late night drunken banter as is the sunken firepit, though the Orkney wind makes sitting in one place for long a bit tricky. If you are in an introspective mood there is the tidy cemetery next door and a whole island to explore but if you get tired of splendid isolation the bright lights and rich cultural history of Kirkwall are a short ferry journey away. Either way, it’s an inspiring place and I hope to return with the rest of the band in the Autumn.