And as if like that, the Parsonage was completely empty.
It was a beautiful, perfect October evening when we had finally packed and swept and the removals vans had left. Just Charlie, me, the dogs and a few close neighbours to hug and say good bye to. 
It was very strange walking through these empty rooms once last time... tears in our eyes, if I am honest.
Everything gone.
The house shuttered, blinds drawn.
And like that, we pulled the door closed for the last time... and set off on the long journey north.
If you are followers of my instagram, or if you maybe read the Financial Times, where I wrote last weekend about our move from Dorset and the reasons why, you'll have already learned that we were moving a long, long way north - to Orkney - to the island of Rousay, where we have bought the most magical house, Westness. A house of dreams.
So we left the Parsonage for the last time. Charlie was heading to London with the girls. I was just up the road to my brother and sister in law in Dorset, before setting off the next morning to Cumbria. On Sunday morning, Charlie left from London very early, before dawn. We met on the motorway around Penrith, and drove in convoy to Thurso... hardly sleeping a wink at the hotel we stayed in that night. For the next morning we were off.
Here we were on the ferry from Scrabster to Orkney. Dogs a bit uncertain of what was up.
The last of Scotland....
Hoy....
Tingwall House Ferry....
One happy traveller!
And then we arrived at Westness House. Time for a walk. Here is Charlie, contemplating his new veg garden!
The dogs haven't been before. So a very new adventure for them.
The first glimpse for the blog of our new house.
We were a very basic set up that first day and night, but Charlie had packed the pepper pot and many other essentials.
Everyone was so happy! Here is my happy reflection.
Lots to look after.
So many possibilities.
Here is the view from our drawing room that first evening. All I have ever dreamed of.
Our first night by the fire.
Yes, we did travel with a large number of table lamps and candlesticks for our first evening. Don't you?
A perfect day dawned the next morning. Removals vans arriving imminently.
The first truck arrived on the first ferry.
Coffee delivery!
The second truck didn't fare quite so smoothly.
But a quick call to our neighbour the farmer and they were out.
The piano was pretty stressful.
Why did it need to go to the first floor, asked a lot of people on instagram? Because the drawing room is on the first floor.
What a view.
First truck empty - smiles all round.
Rain was forecast the next day so everyone worked thorough the evening to get it all in. Sunset that evening was beautiful. But it was a late night.
Dogs in heaven then next morning, in the pouring rain.
And then the removals guys were back home for the long journey south....
What a magnificent job.
Visitors at the shore every time we go down to the beach. 
Sunset.
We've had the most amazing weather this week. Truly, blessed.
Storms have blown through but pass quickly.
The Hunter Moon was remarkable. 
Morning coffee.
Lunch outside in warm October sunshine, gardener at work.
First bulbs discovered in the woods.
Sunset walk on the beach.
Looking back to Westness.
We just moved in. I have a huge bit of advice with so many clients - if at all possible - if there's heat, if there's hot water, if there's power - move in to the house and live there for a year before you do too much. Or in fact, before you do anything.
Never has this been more true.
We've travelled a long way in the last week. What an amazing journey it has been.
It feels, truly, as if we are home now, on our tiny island, on the furthest edge of things, but in its way at the absolute centre of the world.
180 comments
WOW! You’ve made it look like home already! The Old Parsonage was such a source of inspiration for my own design journey, and dahlia journey! I can’t wait to see what you both achieve in your this incredible space – dreams do become reality. Good luck and blog more soon!X
Dear Ben & Charlie,
Your new home will be magnificent and I know you will enjoy living there.
I wish you much happiness.
Regards,
Henry
Wonderful! And well done the removal men. What a journey and what a job!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful impressions. I am totally envying you to live at such a peaceful place. One question: you suggest to live in a house for a year without making any changes. Can you tell me why?
Beautiful photos always. Thank you.
Beautiful photos always. Thank you.
How lovely! Two Vikings in seal form to greet you as well: I am hoping to follow your journey through the winds as just looking at those bent trees on the wall make clear will soon be your reality most days!
A dream house and location. (Candlesticks and table lamps, noted for my next move.)
Please never think you post too many photos.
I love everything, and wish you both many happy days at Westness.
Hello Ben and Charlie, and the dogs:
You lead such rich and rewarding lives that it is an encouragement to all of us who follow Inspirations, that we can improve our own lives by the decisions we make. What a wonderful new adventure with Westness House lies before you both. Best wishes from the States,
Joseph R Ornig
I am living vicariously through your move. Congratulations on your spunk.. seems like the right time and the right challenge for you both. What an opportunity and what a joy for your readers. I was able to download the FT article and hopefully you will start a trend for others to move to areas that are affordable. Pat , Canada
An interesting house .
Could it conceivably be Georgian or probably more likely nineteenth century?
Is that a ‘Jump Pool’ to the front of the house ?
Also any history to the house ?- who built it and why did they leave !
Wonderful story !
John L W
Dear Ben and Charlie your new home does seem perfect for you both the view is magnificent seals for neighbours just beautiful.Your new home seems like it was made for you.We will miss seeing littlebredy and the parsonage.We usually holiday in the area but this year is the first time we have missed going for 17 years.Hope you will be happy and enjoy your new life.
Exciting new adventures ahead – can’t wait to see what you and Charlie do with the place. Followed your story at the Parsonage for years – looking forward to following this next chapter. All the very best to you both :)
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Relieved to see that Henry has made the journey as well—he’ll be exploring I bet—as will you all, as tthe place welcomes you. All the best for a bright future in your lovely new house.
I have tears in my eyes Ben.. been through such big change myself, I know what must have felt like to leave a house so much beloved for so many years, but you and Charlie and doggies are going to do miracles there, the place is so wonderful, and you deserve it, and will be just so happy ever after💙
This is like reading a treasured novel in installments. I hope you never stop writing (or taking pictures) because I am intrigued by the life you and Charlie and the girls live (and I too wonder about Henry…). And I have all your house books! I’ve read John Lister-Kay’s books about the Highlands so this is fascinating reading for a rural Missouri gal. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful. Melbourne Austrslia
How wonderful for you and Charlie! You get to transform the house of your dreams, Charlie gets to make the garden of his. And a greenhouse! I can just see him nurturing all the little seedlings that will grace the new garden in due time. And new doggie adventures—including seals!—for the girls. What bliss, what a perfect place for all of you (and Henry too). It will be like the Old Parsonage writ large, a remarkable setting for some very remarkable people. We can’t wait to be on the journey with you. Blessings and love!
Thank you for sharing your journey together with lovely photos of your achingly beautiful new spot in the world.
The dogs seem to love it! All those new smells.
I am from California but love all things British. I have spent some in your country and love the culture and spirit. Seeing the empty parsonage made me sad but also eager to see what you gentlemen will create on your new journey. Wishing you both all the best!
Breathtakingly beautiful, big congratulations.
Voici une histoire merveilleuse qui commence et qui nous passionne. J’espère qu’un jour on pourra visiter le jardin qui va naître.
Un grand merci pour ce blog qui fait rêver.👍👍👍
Looks beautiful. Wonderful wild life. Gardening maybe a bit tougher than in Dorset. Look forward to seeing your plans.
What about Henry?
Thanks for sharing your new adventure. That place is absoutely overflowing with beauty. That window facing West… those views are a natural painting. A classic with you, beauty always around! You will be very happy there, congratulations for following your dreams.
Westness is absolutely stunning! I look forward to reading more. You have such a beautiful way of writing.
Westness is located in such a stunning setting! I can see why you fell in love with it. Like many others, I was a bit heartbroken about you leaving Dorset and that gorgeous house and garden, but I look forward to following along as you create your new paradise house and garden. It’s obvious the dogs couldn’t be happier. Best wishes for many happy years there!
Congratulations on your very exciting move!
It’s thrilling to see the new place. I am very glad to see the greenhouse. That will be a haven in the winter months.
I’ve spent a little bit of time on the main island. The people are so nice up there.
Simply beautiful! Wishing you more love and laughter in that ever-so elegant home, than you could imagine. Kindest wishes x x
A dream! Dear Charlie found flowers for the table on your first night (or did he shlep them all the way from Dorset?) ❤️. I love your new nosey neighbors (the seals). Can’t wait to see you put your respective stamps on the house and garden!
It’s breathtakingly beautiful.
Thank you for taking us along on your journey. I’ve been following from home in New York and admiring how brave you are to make this big move. Wish I was as brave! It’s just so incredibly beautiful and inspiring! Can’t wait to see what Charlie does with the gardens.
All the best! ❤️
Wow! You’re just full of surprises! It’s beautiful…congratulations. Hugs to you, Charlie, and the girls.
What a beautiful house and what a wonderful playground for you all! Thank you for sharing so soon the good news.
So lovely! Very happy for both of you and so looking forward to seeing the evolution of this magical place in your hands. Congratulations and best wishes!
Thank you so much for your blog ! I have already said it: how sad it is to leave a house that you loved, and even more so a garden that you created and maintained. The old Parsonage garden was so inspiring. Despite the sadness of leaving a place, I feel you have wonderful plans in Westness. You for the house and Charlie for the garden. Looking forward to seeing your dreams come true! Rousay is far far away! I love Scotland but I haven’t been further than Inverness. I enjoyed Cawdor: the magnificent garden and the interior of the castle. A successful blend of contemporary and historical. I can’t wait to discover your new adventures. Thanks for sharing!
Just a spetacular week. I’ve enjoyed your journey & my goodness I see pictures already hung!!!!
Truly wonderful ♥️
What wonderful photos, a wonderful house and an exciting new adventure. Agree with your advice on living in a new place for a while before deciding on any changes and decoration. Looking forward to seeing what you and Charlie have in store for your new home and gardens.
I’m sure there is plenty of stress and uncertainty in making a move like this happen, but it looks absolutely magical. Thanks for letting us have a peak at your adventure.
A large slice of heaven. I can see, in your case, a dream has come true♥️ And, agree wholeheartedly with waiting until the home speaks to you and tells you what it needs. We always buy old homes and always wait, unless as you say, there is no water or heat:-)
This is absolutely marvelous! My husband and I talk about buying a house in Scotland and going back & forth a few times a year from our home in New England. There’s something about that place that seeps into your soul.
I love your advice that, when possible, live in a place for a year or more before making any big changes….. I’m very much of that mindset.
Thank you for sharing this big new adventure…. I very much look forward to following it.
So excited for you both. Amazing place 💚
Just loved this!
Deeply envious!
Thankyou.
Thank you for sharing. This is the dream of many of us! I hope the isolation of your new home suits you well. I speak from experience, as it can be unsettling at times. But then, you still have your place in London, which will give you balance. Best of luck to you both!
Wishing you all much love and happiness in your new home. A fabulous adventure begins!
Wishing you both every happiness in your fabulous new home. Be sure to have lots of candles along with wood and peat for burning! X
I have so enjoyed being able to follow along on this move with you both. Thank you for sharing so much of it with us. Each morning I have had my morning coffee in Chicago while I look at your wild scenery from lovely Westness House. It’s such a treat. Looking forward to following a long throughout the whole journey.
I have so enjoyed being able to follow along on this move with you both. Thank you for sharing so much of it with us. Each morning I have had my morning coffee in Chicago while I look at your wild scenery from lovely Westness House. It’s such a treat. Looking forward to following a long throughout the whole journey.
Genuinely looking forward to seeing what you will do!
How absolutely wonderful! the photographs of Orkney and the house are spectacular. With all of your furniture in place, the home looks like you have always lived there. So beautiful.
Oh wow. A lot to take in. Thank you for all the photos. If your amazing little wildwood is enclosed, then the dogs have the best ‘backyard’ to roam free!
Will your cat arrive soon?
What an inspirational move. I wish you all the very best in your new life in Orkney.
I used to design for a company called Ortak (an off-shoot may still be operating) I used to fly from my home in Edinburgh up to Orkney monthly and have a love of those islands.
Westness House looks like a little piece of paradise, how lucky it is to have new owners with vision. Take care – Sheila
Well done it’s so exciting, reading your blog bought back so many bitter sweet memories- we bought a beautiful crumbling listed Georgian manse on a north west peninsula in the Scottish Highlands 28 years ago. We lived there for six months before deciding how to turn it into an inviting welcoming restaurant with rooms – it took 5 years.
Eventually quietly opened the doors to welcome all our lovely guests. We closed the doors for good five years ago.
I can honestly say it left an indelible mark on my heart – what an adventure involving every emotion in the human lexicon!
But the lasting memory is the knowledge that we loved that beautiful home where we bought up our 2 youngest daughters, and worked 24/7 in a fulfilling‘ lifestyle’.
I hope you have many happy years in your new home.
I know Orkney quite well – although have only ever looked across to Rousay. I think you’re going to be fine as you already know that Orcadians don’t think of themselves as Scots. I will follow with even more interest. Are you keeping the bothies on as well?
Beautiful . So looking forward to seeing the journey you have both embarked on. It looks to be a magical place. Heaven on earth. ❤️
Fabulous photos . A courageous but clearly wonderful move!
how absolutely wonderful!
once again: thank you so much…and all the best for you 2
plus your 3 4-legged ones !
(i was in scotland in august- and made the trip by ferry from scrabster to stromness- heavy sea… ;-)
best,
ingrid, austria
I’m so happy for you in your new adventure. Teetering on the brink of mine (altho’ not quite so far!) and feeling inspired. Did you part with much as you moved? I’m feeling somewhat bereft! Looking forward to seeing more over the coming months. Best of luck.
Oh wow! Thank you for the photos. I devoured your kitchen … ducks? No pheasants … I think!! Your hutch fits in the same spot in your kitchen as it did in Dorset!
Removal guys are the best. Ours kept their smiles even when they dropped a very large box of 2 childhoods worth of lego in the back of the truck!!
I have never been to Scotland let alone the Isles but I’m hugely interested in archaeology and you have Scara Brae and the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. Plus I believe the saying goes something like .. put a spade in the ground and find archaeology so eyes peeled please Charlie!!
I’m looking forward to following along as you discover your new home. I now live in subtropical Brisbane and am unlikely ever to be able to visit Scotland so I’m relying on you to introduce me! 💐
Lovely! Your photos and journey are fantastic. I have never followed anyone in my 64 years on this planet, but you both are a living breath of fresh air in your creativity, your joy, and simplicity of beauty that you share.
Thank you for sharing, in my most honest sincerity. It is as if I’m walking into a dream left with longing to revisit.
Beautiful photographs. Wishing you all the best.
Fabulous. We look forward to the kilt
What an absolutely heavenly place Ben and Charlie. It’s so lovely and your things seem to fit in perfectly. The wallpapers are really pretty including the ceilings. I have just googled the island and find you have only 90 (or perhaps 88) fellow inhabitants. That’s a dream – no doubt you will soon know them all but I would also be happy on an island of two – as Peter and I were for a few days last year. Thank heaven for neighbours with tractors – stay friendly with that one!
I’m going to love seeing and hearing about your lives here – a truly romantic undertaking.
The proportions of the rooms are lovely – and I agree how nice it is to move in and not do a thing – our own things make all the difference to any house. I’m off to look at the weather on your island.
Love Nicola (and Peter) xx
Thank you for such a gentle and beautiful insight into your new world. You are helping me to be braver with my own dreaming.
Congratulations with your new home. I did read the article in the Financial Times and it was a terrific read. Gorgeous sunsets and the dogs seemed to have settled right in. Can’t wait to see how you decorate and Charlie’s new garden. So nice to be somewhat settled and being able to sit, rejoice and relax with a roaring fire. Glad the piano made it safety to it’s place in your home. All the best.
Everything is magnificent!
What an amazing journey indeed, and how fortunate for all of us to be able to come along. And very wise advice, though selfishly I’m glad that it doesn’t seem to apply quite as much to gardens and gardeners!
What wonderful treasures you have found and have yet to discover.
Wonderful, absolutely wonderful, well done and look forward to more updates. Enjoy nesting!
Such a wonderful unfolding of events! I don’t think I saw the parsonage empty in your Instagram posts, so that was interesting and weird to see it completely empty. Can’t imagine how weird it was for you. While I saw a lot of this on Instagram, it was nice to have it all presented at once in this version. Do we really have to wait a year before you start doing any renovations 😭😂… somehow I don’t think Charlie will wait a year to do his gardens!!!! Thanks for bringing us along!
What a dream come true. Pretty clear you have worked many years for this. Cheers to both you and Charlie. A new chapter begins! Simply wonderful. Thanks for bringing us along!! Deborah
Dear Ben and Charlie. It looks not just as if you both and the dogs have already settled in so beautifully, but your possession’s themselves have found perfect homes. What an idyllic spot, may you all thrive in your new surroundings and be blessed. Love
I have loved the journey thus far and eagerly await further beautiful adventures being posted.
I have loved the journey thus far and eagerly await further beautiful adventures being posted.
An absolute vicarious joy to see you in your new universe. Was so sad to hear you were leaving the Parsonage, but you are so much closer to “heaven” at Westness. Thank you for taking this California girl on the journey with you.
All the very best to you and Charlie, and the dogs in your new home.
Looking forward to following you on this new adventure!
Have you retired? How will you get to the shop in London or to any of your projects if you keep working? Will you keep the bothy? So many new and very different things in a new and very different place. I lived for some years in Shetland and know a little of the life you are embarking on. Best wishes.
I follow you both on IG. I don’t know either of you or your dogs so you might think I’m crazy but I have a tear in my eye because the parsonage, every time I would look at your posts, was like the most loveliest of dreams to see so I’m a little sad that you left, not see it again.
I live in the US, in Maine and my partner lives about 1.5 hours north of Edinburgh very close to the coast and so for me Scotland is so incredibly magical and from the picture of Westness, so does your new home. Best wishes and lots of magic as you start this new chapter in your lives! I’ll be really looking forward to your posts!
If you two need a maid or garden assistant I will work for free.
tears of happiness for you both…. such breathtaking views …. thank you for sharing so much of this journey….your dream come true! looking forward to the adventures!
Wow what an amazing journey. Extremely good wishes for your new home and life in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Thank you for taking us along on this wonderful journey. I wish you much happiness.
Lang may yer lum reek!
Thank you for sharing your magical journey with us your IG followers. You’ve been blessed to steward a piece of heaven. I live in Bucks County PA, USA and prior to that 25 years on the Connecticut shoreline. Feel so grateful. Sending you both hugs across the pond and best wishes for a truly fabulous next chapter!
I so agree with your advice to new homeowners! You need to discover all the house, the light, the atmosphere, and the environment offer to figure out what will be the best to build from. That being said, a few inexpensive new touches like some paint and other tweaks can make you feel more settled and the house more of your home.
I wish you and Ben the very best on this new chapter in your lives!
What a dream! A treat to see such a beautiful house and setting.
Oh wow. What an amazing journey 😀. Cannot wait to see what the two of you get up to in the new house. 🍾🥂🎉
Oh! I know that house and am so glad to see it being taken into properly careful hands. We visited around twelve years ago when it definitely wasn’t – what an amazing project. Orkney is special – so many good memories and brilliant people: clambering around the rafters of the Cathedral… touching Viking runes at the Ring of Brodgar… singing to the seals (they seemed to prefer Welsh hymns to Tudor anthems)… my son learning Orkney fiddle tunes from a friendly teenager in the next village – he still plays them. We loved Rousay, just on a day trip from Evie. Please, when you are able, will you visit (and post from) Melsetter which we couldn’t? And your thoughts on moving and resettling very helpful as we plan a big move to Skye ourselves. All best wishes for more gorgeous autumn days, a good and cosy winter amid inevitable storms (so much more enjoyable when you are battened down and warm), and a good year, many good years to come.
If anyone can make a home cozy, it is you Ben as everyone knows. That house is sublime. The location automatically soothes the soul. I know you will most likely change it, but I love the wallpapered ceiling. In this day and age, the best place to be is on an island. Wishing you both decades and decades to enjoy it in good health surrounded by good friends.
Good luck 😉
Thrilling that you have such a magical
New home and I wish you all, a long and happy life there.
Just enjoy!☺️
So sad to see your beloved parsonage and garden emptied out and bid adieu, ditto Westness House. Nevertheless, both of these houses retain the power to entrance the new inhabitants. It’s lovely to read all about it; I can almost smell the seaweed. Thanks for sharing and all the best to you both.
Thank you for sharing, it is so lovely there. I wish you a good start.All the best Marjolein
What a beautiful please. The Scottish isles are also in my heart and soul. Live your dream and be happy. X
First I find Pentreath & Hall, then Pentreath the architectural designer and talented gardener husband, then I find the glorious Parsonage and decide that one couldn’t want for more. Then my husband and I look for properties in the Hebrides (from Canada) and I fall in love with Westness, only for it to be snatched out of reach!
I look at your photographs and I don’t even feel jealous – you have worked very hard for what you want and you two will make it even more wonderful than it is now. Looking forward to updates and more photographs. Congratulations!
Exciting move but the photos wouldn’t load my phone. It must be a glitch on my end. Good luck getting settled!
I cannot tell you how much pleasure your move has given me
I was so saddened that you were moving from the parsonage but then I realised you were heading for a wonderful place and lasting adventure
Your journey has made me cry with sadness and happiness and the girls seem so very happy
What can I say – I wish you so much
L
I cannot tell you how much pleasure your move has given me
I was so saddened that you were moving from the parsonage but then I realised you were heading for a wonderful place and lasting adventure
Your journey has made me cry with sadness and happiness and the girls seem so very happy
What can I say – I wish you so much
L