Scottish staycations just got serious. Design led, unique and truly memorable these are the stylish stays you need on your radar
Black h
Black h is a striking black larch slat covered holiday home surrounded by meadows and pastures on the Isle of Skye designed by Sleat based architects Dualchas. Floor to ceiling panoramic windows afford views to the across Loch Vatten towards Macleod's Tables and to the east across Loch Bracadale towards the Cuillin ridge immersing you in nature whichever way you turn. A moody minimalist masterpiece that celebrates the glory of its environment in widescreen for those seeking splendid isolation.
Black h, Ardmore, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye IV55 82J. 7 nights from £1750 www.harlosh.co
Cape Cove
Cape Cove is without a doubt a jaw-dropping experience that wouldn't look out of place in the Hollywood Hills. It's hard to believe that such glamour is but a stone throw from Glasgow. Architecturally impressive with floor to ceiling glass windows and sleek white walls all forming part of the elegant appeal of this airy aerie that overlooks Loch Long. Add in a teak decked terrace, an outdoor fireplace, and cedar hot tub positioned above the private beach and you have
the most luxurious setting for a contemporary family gathering.
Cape Cove, Shore Road, Helensburgh G84 0NX
From £1700 per week. Cottages & Castles www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk 01738 451 610
The Lazy Duck
The Lazy Duck have a few properties to choose between, but we're smitten with their eco friendly Woodman's Hut. With a south facing veranda, candle filled lanterns and peat fired chimenea burner to sit by and revel in the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park this place has off grid romance in spades.A stargazing window above your bed and the unique charm of a hot water bush shower. If you are the type of person who dreams of a simple life holed up in a rustic wooden cabin then The Lazy Duck should be on your radar.
The Lazy Duck, Nethy Bridge, Inverness-shire PH25 3ED. From £815 per week. The Lazy Duck www.lazyduck.co.uk
Glen Dye
Glen Dye cabin and cottages sit slap bang in the centre of a private estate in Kincardinshire surrounded by wilderness, forest and moorland on the banks of the River Dye.
Their three holiday cottages, each with outdoor woodfired hot tubs and one with its own private cabin are the perfect bolt hole to recharge your batteries in. The old estate sawmill has been beautifully converted but the 1955 Airstream has to be seen to be believed. The potent combination of cool styling, comfort and wild location make Glen Dye an unmissable stay-cation option.
Glen Dye, Bridge of Dye Steading, Stachan, Banchory AB31 6LT. From £225 per night, minimum 2 night stay. Glendye Cabins & Cottages www.glendyecabinsandcottages.com 01330 850 689
Guardswell Farm
Guardswell Farm is just the kind of place you should be thinking of when looking for an eco-considered, design led holiday experience. As before there are a few accommodation options at Guardswell Farm but it's The Infield, a hilltop escape with a south facing glass gable end that looks over the Carse of Gowrie and beyond to the River Tay and Fife that tempts you to step away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. A mezzanine superking size bed, deck area, firepit and wood fired stove complete this haven of calm perfect for a dreamy digital detox.
The Infield, Guardswell Farm, Kinnaird, Inchture PH14 9QZ. From £130 per night, 2 night minimum stay. Guardswell Farm www.guardswell.co.uk
Porteous' Studio
Porteous' Studio is put simply the most exquisite retreat you will find not just in Edinburgh, but possibly in the country. Architect designed the space includes an open kitchen and living area, a bedroom and shower room all created from natural materials to create a warm, peaceful and tactile interior. Calm and impeccably considered, hidden in a courtyard just off The Grassmarket the prevailing impression you take away from this holiday home is that you've discovered a secret, and a perfectly formed one at that. One you're conflicted to share.
Porteous' Studio, 25 Grassmarket, Porteous Pend, Edinburgh EH1 2HP. From £200- £250 per night. Porteous Studio www.porteous.studio
Kyle House
Kyle House is a luxurious hide-away located on the Southern tip of the Kyle of Tongue, that enjoys uninterrupted views along the length of the sea loch to the north that appeals to adventurous travellers seeking out beauty and solitude. Previously derelict, Kyle House's exterior has been faithfully restored using traditional materials: stone, lead and slate. New openings were neatly cut into the rear elevation and on both gables to let light in and provide dramatic views out to the landscape. The interior combines craftmanship and contemporary design in a series of living spaces that have an almost monastic simplicity.
Kyle House, Kinloch Lodge. Tongue, Lairg. Sutherland IV27 4YL Kyle House. Minimum 3 night stay. www.kyle.scot
Killihuntly Farmhouse & Cottage
Like Kyle House, Killihuntly Farmhouse & Cottage forms part of the forward thinkingWildland portfolio of holiday properties. Bought by Anders and Anne Storm Pedersen in 2011 the farmhouse and it's surrounding properties have been painstakingly restored and refurbished with contemporary furniture created by Danish designers and local Scottish craftsmen with The Bothy perfectly suited to families.
The Bothy, Killihuntly Farmhouse & Cottage, by Kingussie, PH21 1NZ Minimum 3 night stay www.killihuntly.scot 01540 661 619
Roulettes Retreat
If you're looking for a romantic destination then you might want to investigate Roulettes Retreat, barely an hour south of Edinburgh in the Scottish Borders. Nestled in a meadow below the Eildon Hills these historic caravans are sourced from France and Holland and each has it's own distinct designs and identity inside and out. Peaceful, tranquil and extremely eco friendly this is an evocative glamping experience to remember.
Roulettes Retreat, Boden Mill, Melrose, TD6 0SU. From £105 per night. Two night minimum stay at weekends. Canopy & Stars www.canopyandstars.co.uk
The Lodge on Loch Goil Summerhouse
Perched on the waters edge with a wood burning stove and breath taking views over the sea loch, the Victorian Summerhouse is up there as Scotland’s most secluded hideaway and certainly works as an intimate retreat for two in Argyll.
The Lodge on Loch Goil, Argyll, PA24 8AE, £500 per night per couple ( afternoon tea, dinner , accommodation & breakfast inclusive ), with an option subject to availability to dine in our treehouse www.thelodge-scotland.com 01301 703 193
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