This type of building had evolved over many centuries and was extremely well adapted to local conditions. It was built and furnished almost entirely of local materials, was kept structurally as simple as possible, consistent with strength and comfort, to facilitate maintenance. The intercommunicating house, barn and byre was not just a lazy way of arranging your steading, it was a necessary arrangement which allowed a light to be carried between the units during the most severe storm conditions. It is impossible to tend animals in total darkness and matches are a recent invention. This theme of efficient function with maximum simplicity is very evident in the little water mill. A simple dam with two outlets affords perfect control of the flow while the rotary part of the mill, balanced on a moving beam, allows full control of the grinding process. Known to archaeologists as Norse mills, this type of mill is believed to have been introduced into Britain by Norse settlers.

Within the house, self-reliance and the maximum use of local materials is again very evident. With the exception of such items as the clock, gun, iron pots and dishes, everything is home or locally made. Driftwood is much in evidence, identifiable often by the marine worm-bores. It was used structurally as well as for making furniture. Imported wood was expensive.

Shetland Croft House Museum is part of Shetland Museums Service and is run by Shetland Islands Council, Leisure and Recreation Department. The initiative which gave rise to the Shetland Croft House Museum came from the Hamefarers, a group of Shetland expatriates, who visited their homeland in 1960. They supported their ideas with a handsome donation which did much to make this Museum a reality. The Shetland Croft House Museum opened on the 16th of August, 1971 in Voe, Dunrossness.