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10 Unusual Places to Stay in Scotland For a Unique Time!
As a traveller always on the hunt for something extraordinary, Scotland never fails to deliver. Its accommodation options are just as unforgettable as the destination itself.
Take it from me – my sister and I once stayed in a centuries-old castle perched above the rugged Scottish coastline. While the rest of us were enchanted by the experience, my sister, ever the scaredy-cat, was spooked at every creak and shadow.
Since then, we’ve gravitated towards more serene stays, such as handcrafted log cabins (Best Cabins In Scotland – row 2576) nestled in the breathtaking Highland wilderness or quaint, storybook-like cottages.
I know it can be overwhelming to sift through endless options when you simply want to relax, so I’ve curated a list of my favourite unique places to stay across Scotland – enjoy!
Eagle Brae
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Address: Eagle Brae Log Cabins, Struy, Beauly, Inverness-shire
Contact Information:
- Phone: +44 1463 761301 / +44 7738 076711
- Email: [email protected]
Price Range: Pricing details available upon booking
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Amenities & Facilities:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Washing machine and dryer
- Smart TV
- Private decking area
- Sauna and more
Eagle Brae offers handcrafted log cabins with breathtaking views, perfect for relaxation or adventure—and ideal for you and your furry friends. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, this luxury retreat is equally enchanting for a winter wonderland escape or a summer getaway. With cabins varying in size, they can comfortably accommodate 2 to 6 guests.
Each cabin is a masterpiece, handcrafted from sustainably sourced from British Columbia, Canada. Thoughtfully designed, they feature intricate Himalayan wood carvings, eco-friendly wood burners, and grass-insulated roofs.
For those seeking adventure, Eagle Brae provides a range of on-site activities, including fishing, pony trekking, dog sledding, and wildlife photography, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Highlands, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Pro Tip: For a stress-free start to your stay, pre-order their freshly prepared homemade meals and grocery hampers—giving you one less thing to worry about as you settle in and unwind.
Burnhead Bothy
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Address: Burnhead Farm, Kilsyth, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire
Contact Information:
- Phone: +44 7838 376 887 / +44 7768 424 519
- Email: [email protected]
Price Range: Around £135 per night
Pet-Friendly: No
Amenities & Facilities:
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Rainfall shower
- Outdoor cast iron bath
For the perfect escape from city life, Burnhead Bothy is a must-visit. This off-grid glamping cabin on a 1,600-acre working farm offers peaceful seclusion, with sheep as your only neighbors, and stunning views of the Kilsyth Hills and Glasgow skyline.
The cabin comfortably accommodates up to four guests, featuring an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and cozy heating from a wood-burning stove. For added eco-friendliness, the cabin is insulated with sheep’s wool.
Completely off-grid, Burnhead Bothy is powered by solar panels, providing energy for USB and car charger points to power phones and laptops. With no Wi-Fi, it’s the perfect spot for a true digital detox, letting you fully unwind and disconnect.
Pro Tip: If you need to pick up supplies, Burnhead Bothy is just a 30-minute drive from Glasgow, with Edinburgh, Stirling, and Falkirk also easily accessible by road or rail.
The kitchen is fully equipped, but remember that it operates on gas, so keep meals simple.
The Bus Stop
Media Credit: thebusstop.scot
Address: The Bus Stop, Bankrugg Farm, Gifford, East Lothian
Contact Information:
- Phone: +44 7508 421 888
- Email: [email protected]
Price Range:
- Luxury Bus from £360 (minimum stay 2 nights)
- Eco Bus from £240 (minimum stay 2 nights)
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Amenities & Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Outdoor play area
- Laundry facilities
- Picnic area
Single-decker buses aren’t just for getting around—they can also be transformed into cozy, one-of-a-kind glamping accommodations! With a bit of creativity and care, they offer a truly unique and memorable stay.
Nestled on a working farm in East Lothian, The Bus Stop provides stunning panoramic views of the countryside, with goats, alpacas, and sheep as your neighbors. Despite the rural charm, each bus is thoughtfully spaced for plenty of privacy.
The Bus Stop offers two types of accommodations: Eco Buses, which include a private living area with access to a shared kitchen bus and communal bathroom, and Luxury Buses, featuring a fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom for a more self-contained glamping experience.
Pro Tip: Bring cozy layers for stargazing under the night sky and sturdy shoes for exploring the scenic farmlands.
AirShip 002
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Address: Drimnin, Morvern Peninsula
Contact Information:
- Phone: +44 7710 783 604
- Email: [email protected]
Price Range: Pricing details available upon booking
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Amenities & Facilities:
- Kitchenette
- Living area
- Wood-burning fireplace
- Full-size shower and toilet
- Furnished patio
- Quaint balcony
- Parking on premises
- Free Wi-Fi
Sitting on a private 4-acre lot, the AirShip 002 is a contemporary cabin located at one of the most remote areas of the Scottish Highlands in Drimnin.
Designed by Roderick James Architects, the AirShip 002 is truly unlike anything else, featuring curved glass windows that offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the Isle of Mull, dramatic mountainside, and expansive seas.
An ideal romantic retreat for two, the cabin has a comfy queen size bed positioned next to portholes, allowing you to gaze up at the stars before falling asleep.
Pro Tip: The remote location means you’ll need to stock up on food, drinks, and essential supplies before your arrival.
Dovecot Cottage
Media Credit: coolstays
Address: Central Edinburgh (Exact location available upon booking)
Contact Information: [email protected]
Price Range: From £150 per night
Pet-Friendly: No
Amenities & Facilities:
- On-site parking
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Kitchenette
- Central heating
- Wood-burning stove
- Terrace
- Laundry facilities
Nestled within a hidden garden, this 17th-century stone cottage in central Edinburgh offers a peaceful and secluded retreat. Originally built as a dovecot, it has been thoughtfully transformed into a charming and unique hideaway.
The tower bedroom features a cozy double bed with views of the expansive garden. The living area adds to the cottage’s appeal with a rustic-chic cedar-wood kitchen tucked beneath a mezzanine, blending historic character with modern touches.
Despite its historic origins, the cottage boasts modern comforts, including heated floors, central heating, and a wood-burning stove for added warmth and coziness.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to explore Edinburgh’s city centre, it’s just a leisurely 20-minute walk away.
Loch Tay Glamping Domes
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Address: Loch Tay Highland Lodges, Milton Morenish, Estate, Killin
Contact Information:
- Phone: +44 1567 820 323
- Email: [email protected]
Price Range: From £46 to £111 per night, depending on the season and specific dome selected
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Amenities & Facilities:
- Private firepit and barbeque area
- Hot tub in select domes
- Communal kitchen
- Communal dining facilities
Nestled on the scenic shores of Loch Tay, these geodesic domes offer a comfortable and unique glamping experience, just a short distance from the city.
Each dome accommodates up to 4 guests with a king-sized bed, and additional mattresses can be provided for children, making it an ideal spot for a family getaway.
Inside, you’ll find a cozy log burner to keep warm, while outside, a private fire pit and barbecue create the perfect setting for a picnic with stunning views of Loch Tay and the Ben Lawers mountain range.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, the area offers a range of on-site activities, including watersports, sailing, and canoeing.
The Folly at Old Melrose
Media Credit: oldmelroseestate
Address: Old Melrose House, Melrose, Roxburghshire
Contact Information:
- Phone: +44 01835 822 277
- Email: [email protected]
Price Range: £595 to 895 per week
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Amenities & Facilities:
- Kitchen
- Deck area
- Stone fireplace
- Wood-burning stove
- Central heating
Perched on the historic Old Melrose Estate, The Folly is a beautifully converted Victorian summerhouse nestled in an elevated, secluded woodland. This idyllic riverside retreat is perfect for two guests and their furry companion.
While thoughtfully modernized for a comfortable stay, The Folly retains its timeless charm with features like the original tiled floors and elegant stained glass windows.
Outside, the deck offers a serene spot to relax while taking in views of the expansive estate. Guests can explore the enchanting Victorian walled garden, meet the friendly farm animals, or enjoy a treat at the on-site tea room.
Pro Tip: If you’re a fishing enthusiast, be sure to inquire in advance about the excellent fishing opportunities on the renowned River Tweed.
Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage
Media Credit: cantick_head
Address: Cantick Head Lighthouse Principal Cottage, Longhope
Contact Information:
- Phone: +44 7525 345 623
Price Range: From £170 per night
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Amenities & Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Central heating
- Laundry facilities
- Indoor fireplace
An active 19th-century lighthouse on South Walls in the Orkney Islands, Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage offers a historic and serene escape by the dramatic Scottish coastline.
Once home to a Victorian lighthouse keeper’s family, the cottage sits atop a 115-foot cliff, boasting breathtaking views of the Orkney seascape. Accommodating four to five guests across two bedrooms, it’s an ideal retreat for families or small groups seeking tranquility.
This self-catering haven is perfect for those craving solitude and peace. However, its remote location means you’ll want to stock up on essentials before your arrival.
Pro Tip: The area is renowned for its rich marine wildlife, so bringing binoculars can enhance your wildlife watching experience.
The Five Turrets
Media Credit: thefiveturrets
Address: Ettrick Terrace, Selkirk
Contact Information:
- Phone: +44 175 021 349
- Email: [email protected]
Price Range: From £800 per night
Pet-Friendly: No
Amenities & Facilities:
- Wood-burning stove
- Kitchen
- Mezzanine library
- Bike storage
- Garden area
As the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover. Built around 1870 in the Scottish Baronial style, The Five Turrets was originally a coach house and billiard room for the neighboring lodge.
Today, this historic listed building’s insides has been beautifully transformed into a modern self-catering rental. With sleek fixtures and stylish furnishings, it comfortably accommodates up to eight guests across four double bedrooms—perfect for families or groups of friends.
At its heart is a stunning triple-height living area, complete with a cozy wood-burning stove, a spacious dining table with sweeping views of the Scottish Borders, and a fully equipped open kitchen ideal for shared cooking evenings.
Pro Tip: Enhance your stay with personalized packages, including a private chef, massage therapy, gin tasting, e-bike rentals, fishing on the River Tweed, paddleboarding, or guided nature walks.
The Treehouse at Caerlaverock Estate
Media Credit: caerlaverockestate
Address: The Estate Office, Bowhouse Farm, Caerlaverock
Contact Information:
- Phone:
- Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Price Range: £749 per week
Pet-Friendly: No
Amenities & Facilities:
- Kitchenette
- Full-sized bathroom
- Wraparound balcony
- King-sized bed
The Treehouse at Caerlaverock Estate is a romantic off-grid retreat for two, tucked away within the expansive Caerlaverock Estate. Cozy and inviting, it features a wood-burning stove and plush seating, making it the ideal escape from the modern world.
One of the standout features is the bathroom, boasting a luxurious shower with a window that brings you closer to nature, especially since USB ports are the only charging option here.
For even more enchantment, step onto the wraparound balcony to soak in breathtaking 360-degree views of the estate. And don’t miss the wood-fired hot tub—perfect for unwinding under a blanket of starlight.
Pro Tip: Be prepared for a digital detox, as the power supply is limited to USB charging points.
