Nature Inspired Places to Stay

130 “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.” So said Scots-born naturalist and environmental philosopher John Muir in his book, The Yosemite, in 1912.

John Muir’s words seem more apt than ever in our fast-paced modern world. Even in micro doses, I’m sure we all know the mood-boosting potential of getting outside - even just for a brisk wee walk around the block. And when we can fully immerse ourselves in the natural world for longer spells, we can find a way to truly slow down and recharge. From coast to forest, mountain to loch, in Scotland we’re spoilt for choice of places to spend time in nature, with unique spots that celebrate and reflect the beauty of Scotland’s wild outdoors - whether in their eye-catching design or the delicious food they serve.

Coast 

Nature stays don’t come more immersive than on Eilean Shona, a 4000 acre tidal island on the West Coast. One of the last truly wild places in the UK, the island condenses a huge range of Scottish habitats into a small area, including ancient woodland dating back to the Ice Age. The newest holiday cottage on Eilean Shona is the Sail Loft: a former working boat house in the traditional West Coast style with natural stonework and a red metal roof. The cantilevered balcony and expansive windows bring the outdoors in, meaning you might just spot white-tailed sea eagles flying across Loch Moidart from the custom-made copper roll-top bath. 

Slightly more accessible, but no less beautiful, is Seaton House, a new addition to the historic town of St Andrews, overlooking the rugged North Sea where you can see seals and even bottlenose dolphins off the Fife coast. The Victorian townhouse has rooms with a garden or sea view overlooking the Old Course and St Andrews Bay. The hotel’s restaurant and oyster bar celebrates the sea too, headed up by celebrated Edinburgh seafood restaurant Ondine’s Roy Brett and utilising the finest locally sourced ingredients for a true taste of the coast.

River 

In picturesque Speyside, Linn House describes itself as a “whisky retreat” on the banks of the River Isla. Wandering the walled garden there, you can see wild salmon leaping upstream while you enjoy a wee dram, and even go fishing yourself nearby at the historic Ballindalloch Castle. Retreat to the oak-panelled dining room to sample local produce including Moray scallops in a menu led by the seasons, then finish with a nightcap in the whisky library. 

Riverside Cabin in the Scottish Borders is filled with history: the former London Brownie hut was home to the village schoolteacher and then used as a salmon smokery! Now it’s had a chic makeover, with bright green walls, original beam and French doors that open onto a wee loggia that overlooks the river. In the garden you can find rare orchids amidst the wildflowers, see kingfishers and red squirrels and go wild swimming or fishing in the river.

Forest 

If you’ve ever wanted to sleep in a treehouse, then Airdit’s Bracken Treehouse on top of a hill in Fife’s Eden Valley - just over an hour from Edinburgh airport - is a dream. Nestled in a canopy of trees and sitting on a South facing cliff in 36 acres of mixed woodland, you can bathe beneath the branches in the treehouse’s outdoor bath, then stargaze from bed. 

Perthshire is known as Big Tree Country and Glen Glack in Dunkeld is a true celebration of the forest in its design and outlook. Each of their luxury cabins - named after different trees, naturally - is clad with beautiful larch from the Atholl Estates (for which they are famous) and has views over the towering treetops and Cally Loch. Glen Glack is home to an abundance of wildlife including beavers, otters and red squirrels.

Mountain

Eagle Brae in Inverness-shire is set amidst towering Munros and breathtaking glens. Almost a work of art in themselves, the hand-crafted log cabins are perched on top of a hill overlooking the glen for maximum bird spotting opportunities. There is an eyrie three miles away, so seeing eagles is pretty much guaranteed, and there are ospreys, red kites, raptors, merlins, sparrow hawks and more. 

Between mountain and sea, the North House at Stormhouse in Argyll has floor to ceiling windows that make you feel truly immersed in nature, with spectacular views over Loch Laiche towards Castle Stalker and the mountains beyond. You can climb nearby Munros Beinn Sgulaird and Beinn Fionnlaidh or enjoy the view of nearby peaks from the comfort of the outdoor hydromassage hot tub. 

Further North, Tigh an Tobair on the Isle of Skye is a luxury retreat overlooking Loch Dunvegan with spectacular mountain vistas. The outdoor space seems to melt into the wild landscape, with viewing areas complete with wood burner and a Scandinavian wood-fired hot tub from which to admire the awe-inspiring surroundings.

Loch

Overlooking Old Castle Lachlan on the shores of Loch Fyne, Inver - the first and currently only Scottish restaurant with a Michelin Green Star - celebrates the micro-seasons of this wild corner of Argyll with hyper-local produce and freshly foraged ingredients from nearby forest, loch shore and hedgerow. After sampling the menu you can stay in one of Inver’s luxury shepherd’s huts or bothies, and in the morning you’ll be delivered a picnic basket filled with breakfast treats to enjoy while you watch the tide roll in through generous picture windows.

At the other end of Loch Fyne is Kabn, an off-grid retreat just an hour away from Glasgow. The decor celebrates natural materials and neutral tones, and floor to ceiling windows mean the cabins blend in seamlessly with the surroundings. Guests can book a private dining experience at Wild Kabn Kitchen where wild cooking expert William Hamer - formerly of three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume - celebrates nature by cooking the best local, organic ingredients over an open fire.

Further up the West coast, near Oban, Inverlonan’s architecturally designed bothies are only accessible by boat, buggy or on foot. The remote location offers endless opportunities to stargaze, spot red squirrels in the ancient oaks and kayak or take a dip in Loch Nell before warming up in the lochside, wood-burning sauna. Whether you cook for yourself over the fire (a locally sourced “farm to bothy” breakfast is included), make a meal from one of Inverlonan’s pizza kits in the wood-fired pizza oven, or indulge in their sumptuous wild dining experience, the food is firmly rooted in nature.

Wildflower

Elsewhere in Perthshire, tucked away among the wildflowers is The Lodge Dun Aluinn. The cedar- clad cabin is minimalist in decor - all muted shades and sheepskin throws - to let the views framed by the huge picture windows sing. Embrace a self- catered stay or opt for a personal chef from nearby Ballintaggart Farm, enjoying the finest Scottish ingredients in the generous outdoor seating area with views across the valley and River Tay. The journey to Lundies House, Sutherland, takes you through heather-filled moors to the edge of Scotland’s ruggedly beautiful North coast. The former Manse echoes the landscape in its decor: a neutral colour palette in shades of purple grey, dusky pink and ochre, textures from tweeds, jute and sheepskins, and wildflowers gathered in vases. Nature is reflected in Lundies’ dining too: Head Chef David Malcolm’s menu is led by locally foraged ingredients just a stone’s throw away from Lundies, including spruce tips in Spring and elderberries in late Summer.