Old Bea Farmhouse, Birsay

The Old Bea farmhouse buildings, located in Birsay on the northern coast road of the North Orkney Mainland, are built of traditionally constructed flagstone on a rectangular-plan. The group comprises the remains of a single storey, Orkney firehouse dating to around 1664 and extended in the 19th century with a two-storey section added to the west gable. There are two doorways to the south elevation. The two-storey addition is roofless (2018) having previously had a flagstone roof. The mid-17th century firehouse itself was raised in height by one storey, using reconstituted stone blocks, during the late 20th century.

Running parallel to the rear (north) elevation of the house is a long narrow former byre. To the south is a rectangular-plan enclosure with a low flagstone wall. To the west of the enclosure are two adjoining single-storey gabled outbuildings. The roofs are covered with corrugated or 'crinkly tin' sheeting.