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
What a fabulous story thank you for sharing your beautiful adventure and photos. So evocative and descriptive I feel like I could step through and be there.
Beautiful & Brave
I am still crying about Dorset, but I do see the beauty of the house and the landscape. What a place! What windswept trees! What potential! What a glorious bolt hole! The remoteness surprises me because of your work, but I am with you all the way! Every single photograph had me at ‘Hello’!!
Thanks for sharing Ben, it looks sublime up there with that beautiful view and the sea and space.
Fascinating blog with stunning shots and blessed with Hunter Moon. Slightly south of you @Easter Ross, Highland. Ex London : Ex Lake District – life is precious. H 🌿🌿🌿
It’s an amazing adventure
Love it
Un chapitre émouvant et grisant. Oser lâcher une rive pour atteindre l’autre. Bravo pour l’audace. Bravo pour les superbes photos (commentaire personnel, pas besoin de publication) Merci pour la leçon.
I may never experience your idyllic part of the British Isles in person yet feel blessed to experience it through your glorious journal
I have followed your blog and Instagram for a very long time and look forward to this exciting move unfolding. Best wishes and just a little bit envious of the new adventure.
I’m so excited for you all. Your new home is so beautiful. I feel excited for you all. Good luck and thank you for sharing
Recently found your posts on Instagram.
What an adventure! Started our married life in Scotland 52 years ago. Now in the Midlands. Good luck and enjoy every minute. As a keen gardener I will be really interested to see how your garden evolves.
How wonderful Ben, all brought together here after I’ve been watching piecemeal on Instagram. And alas I missed both newspapers as I didn’t see you were in them until the Monday and the unsold copies had left!
I am coming to the end of month 10 in my new place and like Charlie I’m a gardener. Other than clean and wax the floors (and accidentally buying two paintings) I have also given myself the rule to do nothing inside for a year. My desk is four moving cardboard boxes and a shelf! I’ve done the garden, sorted the roof and the drains and rebuilt the garden wall. Hope you can hold out on the interior too! It helps when you already brought wonderful things with you.
Keep enjoying, Robin
Love your stories and love to see how it will become a little paradise (already is of course :-))
Lots of love and happiness in your blog. Loved reading it. What an awesome adventure/homecoming you and Charlie are on. The house is magnificent as is the landscape. Alas, your photos were covered by a grey band.
It is truly an honour to share the beginning of the next chapter of your lives. All the best. Wishing you abundant happiness in your new home.
So sad Ben I couldn’t open any of the photos not sure why
No idea how I stumbled across your Instagram page but I’m so glad I did and I look forward to following your journey. The new house looks very tranquil and the views are magical which no doubt will change with the coming seasons. You must feel very blessed
Fabulous – and lovely that you share this with us. Wishing you continuing joy.
Been following your journey on instagram from the west coast of Ireland. Westness looks truly magical and what lovely weather to welcome you in.
Been following your journey on instagram from the west coast of Ireland. Westness looks truly magical and what lovely weather to welcome you in.
Well done to you both. You have achieved such calm elegant simplicity in a glorious landscape. I too share your love of Islands they are special.!
So beautiful! I am curious if there are shops on the island, or a cafe?
What an amazing journey .. I am from the Lake District & alot of my relatives are in Thurso, so I can picture your journey. The house already looks like a home, a forever home. No two sunsets will be the same, an ever changing beautiful vista to feed the soul. Enjoy ☺️
So exciting
Amazing Ben and Charlie. I live in Christchurch NZ and follow you religiously. You bring me so much joy. My forbears are from Orkney. Our Orkney Family, the Taits, still live and have their business there. We from NZ have all visited. Your new home is a piece of magic. Do much love and happiness to you both on this wonderful new chapter. Isla xx
Have been absolutely riveted with your progress – the garden – the view and the sunsets and sun rises – and envious of that heavenly nesting time somewhere you truly love. So happy you have the house of your dreams – you so deserve each other – and yes – candles and lamps forever – and the odd fire lighter and hot water bottle too! Xx
Really exciting photos guys. I have always loved your interiors and gardens. As a Scotsman living in London I yearn for the highlands too so I was totally drawn in by your photographs: the low light, the seasons turning and your mixed emotions as you start a new chapter. Good luck!
Beautiful photos of what is obviously any idyllic place. Everyone dreams of living somewhere like that but few actually do it.
How absolutely beautiful – look forward to seeing how this new chapter unfolds, best wishes to you all (what about Henry?!)
How absolutely beautiful – look forward to seeing how this new chapter unfolds, best wishes to you all (what about Henry?!)
Je vous souhaite le meilleur 🫶🏻✨☺️🌿
Inspirational. Gorgeous in every way. Peace. Serenity. Purposeful. Beautiful.
OH it’s all so incredibly beautiful. I’m most envious. I visited Scotland for the first time this summer and I can’t wait to go back. A wee stone cottage on a shore like this would be my dream come true. Cheers!
What a fabulous journey! Your new home is magical. Wishing you both every happiness. I shall enjoy following your journey.
So magical, wishing you both joy for the future.
Absolutely magical! What a wonderful house it is, and I’m sure you’ll do great things with it. But in the meantime enjoy every second, what a joy it is to move in to somewhere that instantly feels like home. Am envious and inspired!
What a beautiful find. Wishing you lots of love and laughter in your new home. Looking forward to following you on the new leg of your journey.
How beautiful. I hope you will both (and the dogs) be supremely happy in your new house.
One of the loveliest emails I have ever received. You must be very adventurous, and you have found a beautiful place. Happy times to come for the five of you!!
What a magical place you have found for the next chapter!
What an amazing adventure and the island looks so beautiful, stunning – serene yet wild! Enjoy every moment- I know you will! X
Magical…
So thrilled for you both. Thank you for sharing your stunning photos and perfect narrative, your storytelling always reminds me what’s important in life. It’s heavenly to vicariously enjoy your new surroundings!
What a romantic story, am completely intrigued..
What a romantic story, am completely intrigued..
Very best of luck to you all.
The views are simply stunning.
May you be very happy in scotland and….
" lang mae yur lum reek"!!
Gill
Wow Adventurers AT HEART
It’s glorious! Congratulations and thank you for sharing so many photos. It’s a magical place.
I loved your house in Dorset but this one is just absolutely amazing and the views are to die for 🤩
I guess you already know the subject of your future book …..
You are a real pleasure to read.
All the best,
Isabelle, Evolène, Switzerland
Bravo Ben & Charlie, and the ladies !
You already have an amazing home, and with your talents it soon will be even more so. Many congratulations, and may you island folk all flourish in health and happiness. Love, John & Bridget, your Celtic Cousins, in Cornwall.
What a beautiful, exciting, house. All best wishes to you and Charlie and the dogs as you explore and discover and make it your own place.
The views from your new home are spectacular. Wishing you much happiness in your new home.
Dreams really can and do come true! Can’t get over the light up there and it already looks like home x
Wow! It looks incredible. What a find! It so good to know that there are still beautiful houses that have been left pure and architecturally untouched by the 20/21st century DIY fanatics. Already I can picture how you are going to enrich it inside and out. You both must be exhausted, but full of anticipation and excitement for your new adventures and projects inside and out. Looking forward to watching things progress. Wishing you both so much happiness and peace in your new home on the island.
Wow, thank you for the glimpse into your life, have a very lucky start! ~ Ingrid
How wonderful and fabulous it will be .
Good luck and thank you for sharing
Amazingly beautiful, such a gorgeous location. Scotland is the best.
Happy Homecoming,
Jacqueline
Well worth talking to James Ogilvy about Scotland/coastal tolerant plants!
Ben and Charlie, Congratulations on this very magical start to your new adventure. Although I live in New Orleans, I have been very fortunate to have visited the Orkney Islands twice. Our time there was heaven. Cannot wait to see how all develops with your beautiful home, and I have to admit that my eyes will be glued to the progress in the garden. Both will be stunning. So glad you have found a new center for your wonderful world.
A wonderful, elegant house and terrific landscape and views. I wish you both and the dogs all the best in your new home.
Have you read “Ring of Bright Water”!….your posts are a highlight of my busy day! Thank you in the midst of move in chaos for sharing your beautiful thoughts and pics!
Warm regards,
Jo Anna Noble (US)
Happy to see your moving adventure was a success!Excited to watch the evolution of your new home. All the best to you,Charlie & the girls.
Congratulations! It looks like such a lovely place and I hope you both will be very happy. I’m sitting with a coffee in South Bay, Ontario Canada reading your latest book and thinking how beautiful you will make your new home. I’ve enjoyed all the updates from Dorset and looking forward to your explorations in the Orkneys. All the best wishes.
Staggeringly beautiful, can’t wait for the year to be up to see what you do with it.
Wishing you both health and every happiness in your beautiful new surroundings. Thank you as ever for sharing and inspiring. Elizabeth X
You are so lucky. Orkney is the most wonderful place. Enjoy your lives there (the best figs I ever ate were grown on Shapinsay!)
Farewell Dorset and welcome the new life. Looks wonderful! Visited friends who lived on Orkney and loved it. Look forward to seeing this story of your house unfold over the years.
AAAAHHHHHHHH! you guys made it!!! So exciting ahah! I feel so greedy with impatience I wish I could jump a year ahead and see what it will become! So beautiful. So sad to see the Parsonage shuttered, but I do believe the Houses know when we love them, and it will show, and it has shown. What a dream. Thank you for sharing the journey and the Inspiration!
What an adventure! And it already feels like your true home. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds over the coming years. And the new gardens! Enjoy every minute Ben and Charlie!
What an absolutely beautiful piece of writing that was, accompanied with stunning photos. How wonderful for you, Charlie and the pooches to spend your days in such a gorgeous place, what a wonderful home it will be for you all. When you’ve no where to go, go home, and what a home. I’ll look forward to seeing your progress. Wishing you both peace in this crazy world xx
I could not imagine why you would ever leave Dorset. Now I know why. Beautiful! Cannot wait too see how your new life unfolds. Please blog often! Thank you for sharing.
Magical, serene, spectacular. Most deserved.
Magical. Indeed a wee part of heaven. It will center you at all times with remedies peace and comfort. Congratulations.
Jenny and Hal loved the book thank you, Bridget is having the other copy. My family have had houses by the sea for generations and one tip! Use boat paint for the exterior woodwork!
This genuinely brought the biggest smile to my face, reading about your next adventure. An avid follower of the blog and Instagram for quite some time, thanks for sharing what must’ve been such a bittersweet experience. Best of luck in your new home.
I wish you a lot of happiness in your new home. It looks wonderful surrounded by nature.
I thought you were mad to move so far away – now that I have seen the photos, I completely understand why you had to move to Wetness! Good luck for your first year of making and remaking plans for renovations.
A happy home, so pleased for you all. And sound advice about living in a place for a year. Albeit seen at a photographic distance, the house does seem so like the Parsonage in spirit.
Very warm wishes in your new home. I was lucky to return to my house of dreams, kept having to pinch myself it was real!
Agree, don’t do anything ( except maybe a tiny bit of gardening. Leave if possible for quite a while.
Well done and glad to see you packed some wine and dahlias! Xxx
What a marvellous house and place. Orkney is wonderful. We have visited quite a few times from Adelaide Australia and thoroughly loved it. You are very fortunate. Go well. You are the right people to take on this new adventure.