7 Of The Best Cabin Stays In Scotland
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Wanderlust incoming! Looking for a Scottish getaway? We’ve curated some of the best cabins Scotland has to offer in our latest roundup. Get in quick before all the dates are snapped up!
⚡️ 1. SKYE RED FOX RETREAT, ISLE OF SKYE
You might have seen them in our giveaway recently. And the whole WFIL team has fallen in love!
The Red Fox Retreat is the ultimate luxury glamping getaway location. A twist on the more conventional ‘pod’, the cabin features a curved wood interior entered from an arched doorway in front of which is situated a perfectly appointed king-sized bed with amazing views of the Trottenish Ridge and the croft (farmland) that surrounds the property. It is warm and cosy to protect against the elements and yet light and airy.
Perhaps the most sought after feature of the cabin is the extensive deck area, which stars an antique roll top bath restored with love from a local property on Skye. From the comfort of the bath, you can sit and gaze at the stars (with or without water, or clothes!) through the glass roof or admire the amazing views. The deck also features an open-air seating area, plush rugs, cushions and blankets, a hanging chair and a hammock, as well as intimate outdoor lighting.
The cabin features a sleek and well equipped compact deluxe self-catering kitchen and a bathroom with a large rainforest shower. They provide all towels, as well as fluffy luxurious robes and slippers for your stay. Also included are a range of complimentary toiletries from The Highland Soap Co throughout the retreat which are organic, sustainably packaged and fragranced with essential oils.
Red Fox Retreat is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, elopement, anniversary, baby moon, special mini break, luxury adventure base or simply if you fancy some uninterrupted peace and quiet on your own! They celebrate all cultures, races, genders and sexualities and would expect their guests to do the same.
All of this, plus WiFi? Heaven. Click the link above to book now! (unless you were lucky enough to win our giveaway!)
⚡️ 2. THE LAZY DUCK, NETHY BRIDGE, NR AVIEMORE
Our own WFIL team member, Sarah, highly recommends checking out the Lazy Duck near Aviemore. They have several accommodation options including this totally off-grid woodsman’s hut above (yes, that is her husband in the rather bracing outdoor shower). With only cows, chickens and red squirrels for neighbours, it’s the perfect way to digital detox (as there’s no electricity!).
Their motto is “Come home to slow living” and we can get on board with that! Stay in their luxuriously unique eco huts, the bunkhouse hostel or intimate campsite at the six acre off-grid hideaway nestled in the heart of Cairngorms National Park. Adventurous days are followed by relaxing evenings in their wood-fired hot tub or infrared sauna, with yoga and massage offered to boot.
The Lazy Duck is an organically evolved eco haven, hosting memorable holidays that don’t cost the earth since 1999. Literally. As they are very eco conscious. Nestled in centuries-old Scots Pine Forest, the Award Winning Woodman’s eco hut is a romantic hideaway almost entirely crafted from its surroundings.
Lounge in the breathtaking landscape that unfolds before you; a vast moorland providing the foreground to the majestic uninterrupted Cairngorms National Park Northern Corries and Ryvoan Pass winding its way to Rothiemurchus Estate and Aviemore. Luxurious and laid back, this fully off-grid retreat is for couples who want to relax, recharge and reconnect.
Ask for the copy of Melanie Hudson’s The Wedding Cake Tree to read during your stay. The Woodman’s eco hut is one of five experiences to have in life… Which says it all.
Photos by Joy Story
⚡️ 3. INVERLONAN BOTHIES, OBAN
Re-imagining the bothy experience, Inverlonan’s philosophy is “Explore, Experience, Reconnect”. Inverlonan is all about taking things slow, getting back to basics and getting back to nature. Disconnecting to reconnect in a wild luxury escape. Wild wellness is central to their ethos.
Inverlonan bothies are architecturally designed cabins that offer rough luxury, seclusion and the chance to disconnect from the day-to-day. The cabins are only accessible by boat, foot or buggy and nestle between ancient oaks overlooking Loch Nell. Inverlonan have teamed up with the very best local makers to create food provisions that can be delivered straight to your bothy door, so you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet without having to leave.
They have ensured that the unique structure of each bothy connects with the surrounding nature, making them as striking as they are sensitive to the environment they stand in. Intimate, thoughtful, warm and uniquely Scottish. Inverlonan’s bothies have been finished with the highest quality natural furnishings, fabrics and products for rough luxury like no other. Inverlonan represents the very best of Scottish craftsmanship, artisan makers and producers.
Two unique structures Uisge (Oosh-Ka) and Beatha (Bay-Ah) are set on secret patches of wilderness. The bothies take their names from the Gaelic ‘Uisge Beatha’ which means ‘Water of Life’, a fitting title for two remote shelters that nestle between ancient oaks and peer over the spectacular waters of Loch Nell. Usige and Beatha each have a private deck, open fire pit and outdoor wood-fired pizza oven. You’ll also have a private eco-toilet and outdoor shower. Trust them, there is something magical about heating your water on a stove and bathing outdoors. If you’re feeling adventurous you can also hop into a double kayak or explore the loch on a paddleboard. Wild swim, hike, fish and explore. The bothy is just the beginning.
Yes please, sign us up!
⚡️ 4. GUARDSWELL FARM, PERTHSHIRE
Eco-considered, design led and locally sourced, Guardswell Farm is a wedding venue and the perfect spot for a mini break. Situated between Perth and Dundee, it’s easily accessed but feels like you’re a million miles away. Step away from your super busy lives and take a really deep breath of fresh farm air, chomp on some homegrown food and sink into the sounds of birds, lambs and light breezes. A chance to properly switch off.
The Farm’s huts are an off-grid haven for those who love stargazing, peaceful surroundings and a chance to watch the world go by. Situated a little further from the Farm Yard base, up the hill and through a couple of fields, it is so worth the walk. With a south facing glass gable end looking over the beautiful Carse of Gowrie, River Tay and Fife, and a stargazing window positioned perfectly above the mezzanine superking size bed.
Some huts also have the option of a fold-y-out bed below the mezzanine if you are bringing the kids, or a couple of friends, along for the adventure (make sure you know them well, as it’s all one room!). A deck to sip a gin and tonic, a firepit to toast your Guardswell sausages, and a wood stove to warm your tootsies when the night draws in.
Utter bliss.
Photos by Mirrorbox Photography
⚡️ 5. GLEN DYE CABINS & COTTAGES, ABERDEENSHIRE
As well as being an epic wedding venue (ideal for micro weddings in fact!) Glen Dye is also host to idyllic and rustic cabins, cottages, wood-fired hot tubs, a 1950s Airstream and lots more, oh my!
Glen Dye is a private estate of around 30,000 acres and their cabins and cottages sit slap bang at its centre, surrounded by wilderness forest and moorland on the banks of the River Dye. The location is fabled; watched over by the massive granite tor of Clachnaben and at the northern end of the Cairn o Mount mountain pass. This is where the Howe of the Mearns finally gives in to the Highland boundary fault; wild, beautiful and very, very quiet.
Glendye have five perfect holiday cottages, many with outdoor, wood-fired hot tubs and one with its own private cabin. They have also converted the old estate sawmill into a private outdoors paradise; here you’ll find a 1955 Airstream with a giant bed, a fully restored foresters’ kitchen and sitting room, a spectacular outdoor shower and a wood-fired hot tub. These cabins and cottages combine jaw dropping wild locations with perfect comfort and style.
Built in the late 1890s, the North Lodge & River Cabin was originally home to the caretakers who tended Glen Dye Lodge. Venture along a private footpath that winds its way alongside the river and the Summerhouse, and you will find the River Cabin and your own outdoor haven.
Say no more!
⚡️ 6. SINGDEAN, SCOTTISH BORDERS
A secret independent getaway, Singdean describes itself as rugged luxury. A secret gem, a cosy warm hideaway. Ego free and peaceful. With private outdoor hot tub and sauna.
With a choice of Alpnhaus (pictured above) and Heimlig, both of which sleep just two, and their beloved Alpine Lifestyle shop, Singdean is a bit of a secret you’ll want to keep to yourself (oops!).
Singdean owners Christa and Del run this cosy, warm independent hideaway with integrity, nestled in the hills. Friendly and informal with a big heart. They offer you time to unwind, recharge and relax. It’s just the two of them and their two little doggies living in this remote gem, 350m above sea level.
Dating back to 1376 and placed in the most beautiful, remote yet accessible setting, Singdean is also totally off grid, with astounding dark skies for stargazing.
Many guests ask Del and Christa if they plan to build more accommodation – the answer is no. Part of the magic of Singdean is that it is so quiet. At most, they have four guests. But for the majority of the time, only two guests. And that’s the way they like it. Singdean is different. And for as long as they run it, it will stay quiet and peaceful.
Sound like exactly what you need? We thought so!
Photos by David Grant Simpson
⚡️ 7. LOCH VENACHAR CABINS, THE TROSSACHS
A luxury retreat with breathtaking views. I think we can all agree that the Venachar cabins have the WOW factor!
The cabins are set on the edge of Loch Venachar, overlooking the first big hills of the Scottish Highlands. With three bespoke cabins this is the ideal getaway without having to go too far.
An hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow with no artificial light at night, this loch-side setting in ancient woodland on a private estate is truly idyllic. The nearest town is Callander, a bustling town full of shops and restaurants that forms the gateway to the Highlands and an entry point to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is one giant adventure playground so whatever your fancy you can find something to do. There are lots of local attractions such as the Bracklyne falls, or the paddle steamer SS Walter Scott. You can also canoe, fish and cycle if the view isn’t entertaining enough.
The two tiered cabins, Birch & Alder have a mezzanine bedroom with a super king bed facing huge floor to ceiling windows that frame an ever changing view of the loch and mountains behind. There are also two single bunk beds. Outside there are tables and benches hand carved from their own wood and fire bowls for guests to enjoy some alfresco cooking or a simple campfire. Guests staying at Birch cabin also have sole use of the woodfired hot tub.
The Rowan cabin is a bungalow style cabin again with one huge window along the front edge to make the most of the spectacular view. There is a bedroom with a superking bed and another small double sofa bed in the sitting room. Like the other two cabins, the Rowan Lodge has an open plan kitchen and living room with a log burning stove for chilly nights in plus outdoor seating and a fire bowl for balmy nights out.
Hot tubs, real fires, lochside views – let’s go!
We’ve even created a handy map of these 7 amazing stays so you can plan your next trip!
Longing to elope here in Scotland? Find more inspiration for your intimate Scottish wedding ceremony or elopement here.
And you can check out our curated collection of Scottish wedding suppliers and venues – all recommended by our wonderful readers.
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