Little Croft House

Description:

• One of the most charming possibilities for a meal on Eday is provided by Emma Popplewell, who, if notified in advance, will prepare fixed-price lunches and dinners. Meals are often served to a loyal following of "off-island" yacht owners enjoying the nautical challenges of the local waters. The setting is a croft cottage whose 76-centimeter-thick (30-in.) stone walls were built around 1900. Its flower and vegetable gardens slope down to the edge of the sea, source of some of the kelp and seaweed Mrs. Popplewell uses to flavor her succulent versions of Orkney lamb. Depending on what's available, menu items may include grilled halibut with scallops and local dill and fennel, salads made with wild greens gathered from the hills, homemade raspberry bramble sorbet, locally made cheeses and beers, and aromatic crusty bread that's freshly baked every morning.

  In one of the croft's outbuildings (a former boathouse), Mrs. Popplewell sells sweaters, accessories, and caftans that are handknit on Eday by local women. Also for sale are paintings and sculptures by island artists.

  Mrs. Popplewell also rents four comfortably furnished rooms containing TVs; the two doubles are £65 ($124), including half-board.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010