Croft 103
Croft 103 is a sight for sore eyes and resembles a set from a Bond film. Bask in the glory of Scotland’s rugged landscape and natural beauty on the shores of Loch Eriboll near Durness in North West Sutherland. Although they do not resemble the quintessential Scottish cottages of popular imagination, these eco-friendly buildings represent the crème de la crème of craftsmanship and contemporary design. The brainchild of Fiona and Robbie Mackay, this family croft is the ultimate immersive cultural experience and stay. The stunning Hill Cottage has state-of-the-art everything and exhibits a fan shape that mirrors its surroundings. The outside bath, seven-foot feather-topped bed, Anta Tweed accents, and wood-burning stove are simply magnificent, and Shore Cottage is equally impressive with its bold barrel-esque design, sensational views of the surrounding mountains, and bespoke furnishings.
Croft 103, Port na Con, Laid, Sutherland, Durness, Scotland +44 1971 511202
Durness Croft / Courtesy of Croft 103
Alavik Lodge And Cottage
Setting foot on Skye is one for the bucket list, and Alavik Lodge and Cottage epitomize Scottish perfection. These two sanctuaries are strategically placed with outstanding views of the Cuillin Mountains, brooding Highland terrain, and tumultuous waters. Hikers, bikers, walkers, nature lovers, writers, and musicians alike inevitably fall for this magnificent place. The picturesque cottage exudes serenity and hosts a comfortable double bedroom, dreamily snug sitting room, and subtly elegant French sliding doors. The Lodge, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeps up to four people. With its panoramic views, abundance of natural light, wood burning stove, private garden, wraparound veranda, and floor-to-roof glass gable, visitors can’t help but be smitten.
Alavik Lodge and Cottage, Tokavaig, Isle of Skye, Scotland +44 1471 844274
Alvin Lodge / Courtesy of Alavik Lodge
The Green House
Those longing for a respite or a break from the relentless hum of city life should start packing and head for The Green House. This stylish hunter-green cabin in Glenelg gazes over the water to the Isle of Skye. It is no surprise that revered Scottish architect Ian Begg initially designed this retreat. French fabric curtains complement Spanish-esque stone floor tiles, a timber bath chest, a handmade four-poster bed, and furnishings by Jacquelyn Stone. Absorb the majesty of nature from the Finnish wood-burning hot tub on the large timber deck and enter into a welcome trance.
The Green House, Quarry, Glenelg, Scotland
The Green House / Courtesy of The Green House
The Lodge At Glengorm Castle
Just a stone’s throw away from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull sits Glengorm Castle. This 19th-century country estate stands tall before the great mass that is the Atlantic Ocean. Experience the awe-inspiring views for yourself by renting one of the few cottages, or stay in the castle bed and breakfast. Perhaps the most beautiful pick is The Lodge — a former post office for the estate — which is surrounded by rhododendron and foxglove flowers. With one double bedroom and a twin room, this cosy cottage can happily fit four people. Although all the modern amenities are on hand, there is something spectacular about sitting around the wood stove. It is no surprise that this critically acclaimed spot has been voted one of the best places to stay in Scotland.
Glengorm Castle, Tobermory, Glengorm, Isle of Mull, Scotland +44 1688 302321
Little Court
Little Court is the kind of place that dreams are made of. Experience the fantasy of retreating to a cottage by the sea and leave all the unnecessary cares of the world behind. Blink and you may miss this beautiful little two-bedroom abode situated in North Berwick, a picturesque seaside suburb of Edinburgh. The wonderfully whitewashed walls and adorable design accents make this place a perfect getaway spot. Bask in the Scottish sun from the private courtyard graced with flowers or read that book from the nautical and nature-inspired bedroom. From nearby beaches to boats, hiking trails, and shopping, this cottage is the full package.
Little Court, 18A Victoria Rd., North Berwick, Scotland +44 1620 890284
Little Court / © Angus Bremmer
Lochside Holiday Cottage
Once upon a time in Inverie, Knoydart sat a divine place by the name of Lochside Cottage. From the stunning setting to idyllic views, consider this the perfect spot to fall off the radar. Lochside Cottage sits before the enchanting Loch Nevis, or ‘heaven’ in Gaelic. The three Scottish-esque bedrooms — MacRae, Douglas, and Stuart — comfortably fit six people, and the two wood-burning stoves add that extra cottage-cosy feel. Swing by the Old Forge (the most remote pub in mainland Britain) and banter over a pint or two with the locals. The nearby tearoom is a prime pick to indulge in home-baked goods, too.
Lochside Holiday Cottage, Knoydart, Mallaig, Scotland +44 7958 588127
Blue Cabin By The Sea
Blue Cabin By The Sea is a most magical retreat. Those seeking a spot where barely any souls are to be seen will instantly fall in love with this delightful blue beach shack. Owned by prominent architect Ben Tindall, the talent behind the Queen’s Gallery at Holyrood Palace, it is no surprise that this true treasure attracts many a literary lover and writer. From the perfectly picked miniature library with books of local lore and history, to the myriad of maps adorning the walls, zany green bedrooms fit for fairies, and seaside accents, Blue Cabin is a thousand leagues ahead of the rest. Ocean lovers can get lost touring the sea caves, rock pools, private harbour, and smuggling tunnel.
Blue Cabin By The Sea, Berwickshire, Scotland
Blue Cabin By The Sea / Courtesy of Blue Cabin By The Sea