Viewcliff – The Chalet

Images of the Viewcliff Chalet

The Chalet at Viewcliff is equipped to modern standards and is a warm and cosy bedsit. There is a separate kitchenette and shower room. The bedsit room is spacious and airy with ample light from the large windows and one of them enjoys a view to the centre of  Scalloway and the busy commercial harbour.

The Chalet is affectionately known to us as The Shoppie, but that requires a bit of explanation for visitor use! The outhouse is to the rear of the early 20th century cottage and parts of it may even pre-date the building of Viewcliff. Through the longest period of the house’s occupation a lady named Nellie Arcus ran a knitwear business from the house. The Shoppie, as the name suggests, was a retail outlet for the knitwear, and also a wash house where wool was washed and dyed and the shed in the corner of the garden was for the storing of peat and had a “skjo” built on to it. This is the ancient Shetland language name for a slatted shed specifically built for drying knitwear or fish. Unfortunately we had to take that part down when we renovated the house – along with the pre-electric outdoor fridge that was built outside the back door! It was a small shed with louvred panels and insect screens to keep out mice and bugs – innovative in its day! Across the road in front of Viewcliff you can seen the remains of an older house in our neighbour’s garden. This was the home of a talented Shetland author called J.J. Hunter. He also had a weaving loom inside the house and his wife worked with knitwear for Nellie too. So much industry in the small humble dwellings of the time.

We have kept the original layout of the Chalet while updating it to a modern standard, which explains the quirky shape, though Nellie would perhaps hardly recognise it inside! In modern times it was used as an annex to the family home with a bedroom and some basic amenities. Now you can enjoy it in comfort and warmth.