Scotland’s Most Peaceful Escapes
We all have those moments when we long to escape from the clamour of modern life – to ensconce ourselves in the natural world, away from phones and computer screens.
Written by Emma Gibbs
Scotland’s wild and varied landscapes are ideal for doing so and, whether your idea of peace is being among the mountains, surrounded by trees or watching the tide, you’re bound to find the perfect spot here. Fortunately, finding peace doesn’t have to mean compromising on style or modern comforts. A tranquil setting needs to be complemented by a serene interior in order for it to really work as an escape; ultimately, you need to feel calm and at home so that you can truly relax and enjoy the peacefulness of a location. Of course, the places that offer up ‘peace’ are often fair from completely quiet: you might be woken by a chorus of birds, the bellow of a stag or the screech of an eagle. But connecting with nature – whether watching birds feeding or easing yourself into a cold loch – brings a special kind of deep-rooted peace.
The two properties here – Black h and Wood h – enjoy separate positions to each other, ensuring a true escape. Both are sleek and contemporary, with huge windows from which to connect to Skye’s wild landscapes.
Inner Hebrides
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Boasting arguably one of the finest views in the Outer Hebrides, over the Sound of Taransay and the staggering beaches of Luskentyre and Horgabost, this ‘underground’ house is every inch the serene retreat.
Outer Hebrides
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This beautifully renovated Victorian property sits among rolling hills and overlooks Ladhope Burn, the gentle sound of which provides a soothing background to a stay here. Regular wildlife visitors include moles, voles, red squirrels and roe deer – testament to the quiet of the location.
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The dramatic landscapes of the west coast are enough to bring peace to even the most hardened of souls – and what better way to experience it than in Borradil’s two cabins. This is an isolated location where guests can forage, wild swim and bike – or just luxuriate in the quiet.
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Recommended by Locals
Tucked away on the shores of Loch Goil and surrounded by woodland, this peaceful cottage offers a quiet escape within easy reach of Glasgow. Sleeping up to six, it combines generous space with a relaxed, homely feel, making it well suited to couples or small groups looking to spend time in a calm, natural setting.
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The only building to remain from the old township of Ceannabeinne, this restored longhouse has a wonderfully solitary position on the cliffs above the soft-sand beach of the same name.
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Scenically set among fields, this striking timber cabin is beautifully secluded within a wild garden, yet within easy access of both Nairn and the Moray Firth with its beautiful beaches.
Boath Cabin sleeps four, with a double bedroom, a separate bunk room, and an open-plan living space with seating and a self-catering kitchen.
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Whether you opt for a cabin and a cottage by the side of the loch or a cottage beside a mountain stream, this 12-acre estate provides ample space to revel in the peacefulness of the location.
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Otters and herons live in the sheltered bay that little Rhuroin looks onto – time your visit right, and you might even catch sight of a pod of dolphins. Situated in the north of the staggering Applecross Peninsula, it provides staggering views over Loch Shieldaig and the mountains that surround.
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The floor-to-ceiling windows in these two striking properties – not to mention the outdoor hot tubs – are ideal for soaking up the seclusion of the setting here, overlooking Loch Laich and Castle Stalker, and beyond to Loch Linnhe.
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Ardnamurchan
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The view of the Cairngorm mountains from this pretty three-bedroom cottage is enough to instil a sense of peace. Situated on Alvie Estate, it provides a wealth of opportunities if you’re feeling more active – or you can simply choose to lounge in the garden, soak in the hot tub or kick back by the woodburner.
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Set deep in the Skye countryside, on the striking Sleat Peninsula, Stonechat Bothy is very much about being immersed in the natural world. It is the only accommodation offered on this ‘wildlife croft’, enabling you to feel like it is yours alone – start the day to the sound of birdsong and finish it marvelling at the stars overhead.
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Set apart from its neighbouring property, Wood h is a contemporary retreat on Skye’s west coast with wide-reaching views towards Macleod’s Tables. Sleeping up to six, it offers a calm, well-designed base for those looking to switch off and spend time in the surrounding landscape.
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This restored schoolhouse, set among an abundant garden on the shores of Loch Shiel, is the perfect escape for a large group looking to immerse themselves in a tranquil location.
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Situated at the northern end of Loch Ness, Tigh Na Coille is surrounded by woodland, which provides a calm setting. Wander through the trees and take in the view of the loch to make the most of the location.
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Surrounded by meadows and woodland, Talli House feels like it’s tucked away – but it’s just 30 minutes from Glasgow. This design-led property, which sleeps four, is totally private; you’re more likely to encounter deer than you are other people. Pack a book and soak up the quiet from the veranda.
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Set beside the River Feshie, this serene cottage is the perfect place to ensconce yourself in the wildness and serenity of the Cairngorms, with views stretching down the beautiful glen.
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Tucked away among 30 acres of woodland, Airdit’s treehouse is the perfect hideaway for two, from the bed positioned under a stargazing window to the outside bath. Airdit also has two campervan pitches, which are set in completely separate spots, so you’re guaranteed to still benefit from the tranquillity of the site’s countryside location.
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The gentle farmland of the Black Isle is the epitome of peacefulness, and there’s arguably no better place to experience this than elegant Newhall Mains, set in stylishly restored farm buildings.
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These beautiful, handcrafted log houses sit among woodland on a hillside above a glorious Highland glen. Common visitors include wild deer, pine martens and, in the skies above, golden eagles.
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Few properties look onto Loch Eriboll, in the far north of Scotland, making Foulain particularly special. Take to the hills or the water, or give in to losing hours watching the loch shift under the constantly changing sky.
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Surrounded by Skye’s typically rugged landscape, and looking out at Loch Dunvegan, The Black Shed is a stylish bolt hole for two. Whether you’re holed up inside or exploring outside, you’ll be able to enjoy the calmness of the location.
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Craggy mountains loom over Strathmore Cottage, which sits beside the river of the same name; strike out into the hills and then return for an evening by the fire and soaking up the quiet.
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Ardnamurchan
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The clifftop position, and staggering views it provides, of this renovated crofter’s cottage is enough to promise complete escape and peace. A short walk will take you down to a secluded beach.
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