Winter Getaways

GAIRNSHIEL LODGE

Once a Victorian hunting lodge, Gairnshiel Lodge has been a favourite haven for travellers, hunters and royals alike – even Queen Victoria is reputed to have stayed here. An intriguing property with hidden spaces and alcoves to explore, Gairnshiel is ideally suited for a day’s leisurely walking or biking across undulating wild moors, through woodland hideaways and between the peaks of the Cairngorms, all of which take on a magical, otherworldly presence in the depths of winter. In the chillier months, the outdoor jacuzzi and sauna are ideal to re-energise tired limbs and muscles, while the comfortable interior – which seamlessly blends modern living with the historic roots of the property – provide for mirthful socialising for up to 16 guests.

DETAILS 

TYPE // Bed & Breakfast or also available for a luxury self catering stay 

SLEEPS // 9 double king-sized/twin bedrooms with en suite bathrooms 

EXTRA// Two terraces and outdoor hot tub, several cosy fireplaces & fully equipped kitchen. 

INFO // hiddenscotland.co/gairnshiel-lodge 

PHOTOGRAPHY // Amelia Claudia ameliaclaudiaphoto.com instagram: @ameliaclaudia

PORTEOUS’STUDIO

After a chilly day exploring the city, where torchlit processions, Hogmanay celebrations and the Highland Christmas markets are a joy to embrace, a short walk through snow-dusted streets to the Porteous’ Studio is the ideal culmination for a couple who appreciate simplicity. Designed by architects, Porteous’ Studio is a peaceful haven for visitors, with an abundance of luxury accessories to make visitors’ stay more comfortable and memorable. Natural clay walls, velvet limestone tiles and underfloor heating create an ambient environment that contrasts with the sharp temperatures of the outdoors, while the captivating view of Edinburgh Castle, illuminated on its snow-covered outcrop, is a gentle reminder of the historic roots of this eternally popular city.

DETAILS 

TYPE // Self catering studio 
SLEEPS // Up to 2, double bed 
EXTRA// A simple, local and seasonally sourced breakfast and a library of varied and interesting books. 
INFO // hiddenscotland.co/porteous-studio 
PHOTOGRAPHY // Zac + Zac zacandzac.co.uk instagram: @zacandzac_photography

GLEN DYE CABINS & COTTAGES

Surrounded by wild forests and untamed moorland, and overlooked by the immense granite tor of Clachnaben, Glen Dye enjoys an unrivalled winter location; for unsurpassable beauty and unbreakable silence, it’s hard to recommend a more suitable retreat. Each cottage at Glen Dye has outdoor, private wood fired hot tubs to soak in during the biting winter months; alternatively, the converted 1955 Airstream Safari caravan, in secluded and sheltered pine woods, offers a homely stay with a fully restored foresters’ kitchen and outdoor shower. Whichever option you choose, Glen Dye’s combination of untouched Scottish countryside and considered living spaces presents an unforgettable winter experience.

DETAILS 

TYPE // A collection of self catering cabins, cottages and a 1950s airstream liner. 
SLEEPS // Choices range from 2 - 7 and can be booked together 
EXTRA// Dogs welcome, wood-fired outdoor hot tub, big green egg bbq, wood burning stove, games, books, record player & records

THE CROFTER’S HOUSE

Only minutes’ walk from Camustianavaig Bay, The Crofter’s House is a perfectly serene winter hideaway – yet only a short drive from the island’s capital Portree. For wildlife spotters, Camustianavaig is a dream, with sea eagles, seals and otters regularly to be seen. Crofter’s House boasts an understated Scandinavian style, with high quality finishing and an elegant design that oozes luxury. Excellent laundry facilities are ideal for dealing with cold and damp clothes after your return from a seashore walk, while every accessory you could need for a comfortable and relaxing stay is provided for your enjoyment. With red deer roaming freely outside in a rugged area of natural beauty, Crofter’s House is perfect for capturing the essence of the winter season while retaining the comfort and warmth you’d expect from a holiday cottage on the Isle of Skye.

DETAILS 

TYPE // Self-catering holiday cottage 
SLEEPS // Up to 2 people, king size bed 
EXTRA// Wood burning stove, TV with DVDs, portable speakers, maps and books. 
INFO // hiddenscotland.co/crofters-house 
PHOTOGRAPHY // Otago Street Collective otagostreetcollective.com instagram: @otagostreetcollective

CROFT 103 BY MACKAY’S

Durness, in the north-west of the Highlands, is a place of unimaginable beauty, but the drama and turbulence of winter storms as they lash the coastline can be equally exciting – especially if viewed from the comfort of The House at Mackay’s, a unique holiday home that boasts open views of the Atlantic Ocean. Virtually every luxury you could desire in winter is provided, including the wood stove and enormous beds that you’ll need after enjoying one of the many invigorating local walks in the wintry weather. No day is complete without a stunning view of the Northern Lights through the huge picture window from the comfort of the slouchy sofas in the open plan living room.

DETAILS 

TYPE // Luxury self catering 
SLEEPS // Up to 2 people, 7ft feather topped bed 
EXTRA// Walk-in double shower, wood burning stove, two baths - one is outdoors on the secluded patio area overlooking the sea. 
INFO // hiddenscotland.co/croft103-at-mackays 
PHOTOGRAPHY // Elke Frotscher elkefrotscher.com instagram: @elice_f

WESTSIDE WOODSHED

The Westside Woodshed’s contemporary Scandinavian design, features whitewashed timber cladding and locally sourced stone walls: a secret hideaway that blends into the dramatic wintry backdrop of the Pentland Hills, just 10 miles from the heart of Edinburgh. Enormous windows flood The Woodshed with natural light, which even in winter creates a pleasantly warm ambience while you sit in awe, basking over the snowcovered landscape. The wood fired hot tub makes it possible to enjoy even in the coldest of weather with warming drinks, savouring the crisp air, in a reclusive yet inspiring haven on the doorstep of one of the world’s great capital cities. And, of course, if you’re planning a stay at New Year, Edinburgh’s world famous Hogmanay celebrations are only a stone’s throw away, guaranteeing an unforgettable street party like no other.

DETAILS 

TYPE // Self catering cottage 
SLEEPS // Up to 2 people, king size bed 
EXTRA // Wood burning stove, wood burning Swedish hot tub and a tea tray with delicious scones, butter, jam, milk & tea on arrival. 
INFO // hiddenscotland.co/westside-woodshed

THE LAZY DUCK

Situated in their own six acre off-grid hideaway nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park – a location that, in winter, is difficult to surpass – the Lazy Duck is a living experience like no other. This organically evolved eco haven offers the choice of staying in one of their unique eco huts, their bunkhouse hostel or to camp in their intimate campsite. All of which, are perfect for a close encounter with local wildlife including rare breed ducks and red squirrels. Waking to the relaxing sound of a gurgling stream, exploring the local countryside in its wintry splendour on one of the many trails, playing games in front of a wood burner, and drifting off with unforgettable views of the night sky, a winter retreat in the Lazy Duck is guaranteed to bring you close to nature and your inner self.

DETAILS 

TYPE // Self catering eco huts, hostel & campsite 
SLEEPS // Options for up to 4 guests and campsite also available 
EXTRA// Wood fired hot tub, infrared sauna, well being studio with yoga and massage offering. 
INFO // hiddenscotland.co/the-lazy-duck 
PHOTOGRAPHY // Travel Two, Tom & Laura: traveltwo.co.uk instagram: @traveltwo_

GUARDSWELL FARM

Situated on a 150-acre farm close to Perth, Guardswell Farm offers a variety of lodges and cottages for visiting parties from two to ten travellers. Individually designed and sourced from local materials with the environment in mind, each unit provides a chance to detach yourself from hectic day-to-day living, absorbing the crisp, fresh winter air while enjoying homegrown food from Scotland’s natural larder. To ward off the chills of the winter months, each unit provides essential home comforts: woodburning stoves, comfortable beds and modern bathrooms. Guardswell Farm is a place where you really can disconnect from modern life: with no WiFi or television distractions – but sheep and donkeys in abundance! – you can truly immerse yourself in Perthshire rural life, while the mid-winter night skies are guaranteed to captivate the imagination.

DETAILS 

TYPE // Eco-considered, design led, self catering 
SLEEPS // Offers the choice between six accommodation types, ranging from 2-10 guests 
EXTRA// All with incredible views, some with a wood burning stove and ‘The Infield’ has a stargazing window. 
INFO // hiddenscotland.co/guardswell-farm 
PHOTOGRAPHY // Murray Orr murrayorr.com instagram: @murrayorr

STRATHSPEY LODGE

Winter in the Cairngorms is a truly magical time, with its Narnia-esque woodland, snow-capped mountain peaks and frozen lochs, and there are ample options for outdoor activities from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and wildlife spotting. Located in a remote spot close to Aviemore, Strathspey Lodge is a beautiful detached lodge offering four large bedrooms and a nursery, making it ideal for larger families or groups of friends. Bespoke furniture and artwork adorn the interiors, with stunning views over the Cairngorms the perfect backdrop for a theatrical view while relaxing in the open plan living space, while the wood-burning stove provides gentle heat to create a cosy ambience.

DETAILS 

TYPE // Stylish and cosy luxury self catering retreat 
SLEEPS // Up to 8, with four large bedrooms and a nursery 
EXTRA// Dogs welcome, family friendly, wood burning stove, balcony, outdoor dining areas, 
BBQ, games including ping pong table and well equipped nursery.