Wheems organic vegetable farm and campsite
The owners of Wheems, Christina and Mike, have been WWOOF hosts since the 1980’s and we wish them the best of luck with the next chapter in their lives. We feel the WWOOF connection is still alive however through Islay their daughter who, along with her partner Duncan, are WWOOF hosts in Argyll & Bute running an organic tea plantation.
Wheems Organic Farm and Camping is based on South Ronaldsay, Orkney and was established in 1985; a main farmhouse overlooking the sea with adjacent land of 17 acres / 6.9 ha utilised for growing organic vegetables in a greenhouse, large poly-tunnel, and outdoor crops. No livestock remain. Since 2005 a camping site was developed with communal kitchen and shower block.
Wheems Organic Farm consists of a 4 bed farmhouse with adjoining studio and byre and an attached self catering cottage. Historically the owners have been dedicated to providing environmentally sustainable holidays to guests and to growing vegetables organically. See www.wheemsorganic.co.uk
A successful camping business has been run at Wheems for 17 years and there are many returning guests. Accommodation includes 4 wooden eco camping pods, glamping tents, camping pitches, hard standings and a loft apartment. The location, the farm and its relationship with the environment is of interest to holidaymakers and it’s is a popular destination for tourists in summer months. Guest reviews are excellent.
The farmland has been sensitively landscaped with areas set aside for conservation, with stone dyke walling and tree planting. The land at Wheems has been managed organically for 30 years. The family was committed to keeping the land bio diverse and productive.
THE FARM
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A traditionally renovated farmhouse on organic farmland within a beautiful countryside setting overlooking the sea.
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4 bedrooms, 1 study, 1 living room, 1 kitchen
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An attached self catering cottage renovated in the same style
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Gallery space
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2 acre landscaped garden
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Outdoor vegetable beds maintained within a crop rotation
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Byre
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Greenhouse
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Chicken coops for 50 chickens
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Large polytunnel for commercial growing
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Large storage barn
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Large workshop with car pit
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Within 5 miles of St Margarets Hope Village (with primary school)
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30 min drive to Kirkwall
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6.9 Ha / 17 acres
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Delightful views
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Idyllic location
THE CAMPSITE
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1 Loft Apartment with wood stove
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4 pods with electric
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2 bell tents with wood stoves
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1 yurt with wood stove
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10 hard standings with electric
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15 grass pitches without electric
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1 caravan
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Shower block
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Camping kitchen
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Honesty shop
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Recycling
The organic land surrounding the house includes areas of young woodland and a pond. The farm and the wildlife enhance the natural beauty of the area. The surrounding countryside is farmland and unspoilt coastal land varied with an abundance of wildlife, hundreds of seabirds and waders, birds of prey, seals and herons.
NB:
The campsite is operating this year in 2022, we have taken many bookings and everything has been arranged to fulfil this holiday season. Managers are currently living at the farmhouse.
There is an extremely competent manager who would be interested in returning to manage the site if it should be required by new owners. The caravan on site was purchased as seasonal campsite manager accommodation.
A lot of maintenance has been done around the farm and campsite these last few years and a new website recently built. Wheems would be ideal for a couple or a young family who are interested in farming, the environment and agritourism and would like to step into running a business that is enjoyable and fulfilling.
EPC Rating = ?
Interested? Email: wheemsbothy@googlemail.com
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