Three paired cottage blocks turn opposite fronts to the land and sea, retaining flagstone paths, gardens and a quay.
Quick facts
- Date
- Early 19th century with later alterations
- Architect / designer
- Associated with shipping agent Christian Robertson; designer unrecorded
- Type
- Back-to-back row of crowstepped cottages with quays and walled gardens
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB41808)
- OS grid reference
- HY 25300 08276
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
The long two-storey-and-attic row is formed from three parallel crowstepped-gabled cottage pairs whose rear walls meet. Coursed rubble, harled walls, multi-pane windows, flagstone paths, low walls, walled gardens and a square quay bind the houses to their waterside site.
Its story
The row dates from the early nineteenth century and is associated with Christian Robertson, a shipping agent deeply involved in Stromness whaling employment. Later rooflights and repairs altered details without erasing the unusual paired plan.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises a rare domestic arrangement and unusually complete survival of the gardens, paths and quay that supported waterfront life.
What to notice
- The paired crowstepped gables at the end of the row.
- Back-to-back fronts serving opposite sides.
- Flagstone paths and walled waterfront plots, seen without entering private ground.
Reading the surroundings
All houses, gardens and quay should be treated as private. Use only public streets and paths, avoid photographing occupants and never cross walls or waterside boundaries.
Timeline
- Early 19th century The paired cottage blocks were created beside the Stromness shore.
- Whaling era Shipping agent Christian Robertson recruited hundreds of local men for maritime work.
- 8 December 1971 The houses, quay and gardens gained Category B listing.
- 2026 The row continues to define the residential character of Ness Road.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The precise construction date and sequence are not documented, and the historical statement’s wording about the original single dwelling is difficult to reconcile fully with the surviving row.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: The Double Houses, Ness Road, LB41808 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Orkney.com: Stromness Warebeth walk — Current public walking context around Stromness South End and the route past historic waterfront buildings.
Location
OS grid reference HY 25300 08276 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms the Place relationship, history or current identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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