North Ronaldsay, Verracott

19th century. Distinctive vernacular group of uniquely Orcadian construction, comprised of long range of residential and farm buildings evolved over 19th century; byre range at right angles. All except old house with maintree roof structure (unique to North Ronaldsay) bearing overseamed flagstone roofing with remnants of former straw thatch overlay.

OLD HOUSE: early 19th century. Windowless (former window to W) with projection to E for timber-lined bed neuk (further bed neuk to W now gone). Originally with needled, simmens thatched roof, now roofless.

FARM BUILDINGS: circa 1835, adjoined to N of old house comprising square barn, incorporating distinctive 2-stage, small square kiln as central focus of group, at SE corner of barn, threshing doors aligned to E and W; engine house to NW corner of barn abacking the stable/byre to N, and with further byres free-standing at right angles opposite old house.

NEW HOUSE: mid 19th century, adjoined to S of old house with door and window to E, windows to W and to left of S gable; gablehead stack and maintree beam projecting through.

INTERIOR: part sub-divided by box-bed; wooden lum (part collapsed) on gable mutual with old house (very rare).

STABLE: late 19th century. Adjoined to N of older stable beyond barn/kiln. Door and window to E. Overseamed flagstone roof.

All but old house with overseamed flagstone roofing.