Big Sky Croft

2-4
2

Muir of Ord, Scottish Highlands

From £160/night

Two beautifully handcrafted Highland hideaways on a wild family croft near the Black Isle (each sleeps 2)

Eco conscious

Parking

Private garden

WiFi

Woodburner

Tucked away on a remote Highland croft, these romantic hideaways have been hand-built by owners Ailsa and Jonny with warmth and whimsy. Each is a love letter to their wild north setting – think whisky barrel furniture, Scottish-made vintage textiles, tartan blankets, tweed curtains handsewn by Ailsa, and lovely Scottish art. The Loft is a Scandi-cool apartment above the croft shop; airy, with skylights and a deep roll-top bath looking towards Ben Wyvis. The Hideaway is a restored static caravan the couple once lived in themselves, which has been stripped back to the bones and rebuilt into a cosy, timber-clad retreat amongst the rowan trees. Both are bursting with character.

With miles of forest walks on your doorstep and the Black Isle’s beaches, distilleries and foodie haunts a short drive away, this is the kind of place where you can completely immerse yourself in your surroundings and soak up the stillness. It’s a particularly soothing space for city dwellers looking for peace: swap sirens for birdsong, rush hour for a gentler rhythm. Hide from the world and return restored. The whole point of a holiday.

Getting here: train to Muir of Ord (5 min taxi) or to Inverness (20 min taxi)

Book this hideaway.

Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!

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Big Sky Loft

“These hideaways are very close to our hearts. We’ve designed and handcrafted the interiors ourselves, drawing on our love of the Highlands and our own adventures and travels. The Hideaway is particularly personal – it was once the static caravan we lived in, and where we brought our first baby home. Years later, we’ve stripped it back and rebuilt it by hand, giving it a whole new life inspired by traditional bothies.” Owners, Ailsa & Jonny

My Kip favourites

They love
“Looking out over the swaying treetops as we drink a morning coffee, planning the day ahead.”

We love
How personal these spaces are. Almost everything has a story, from the Loft’s handmade bed and whisky-barrel furniture to The Hideaway’s reclaimed timber table, old church pew and violin on the wall.

You may not love
A 3-night minimum stay. Other rentals on site; you’re not totally secluded. The Hideaway is closed Nov-Feb in case the water pipes freeze, and is set next to the owners’ home so you may hear their kids playing outside. Sorry, no pets.

 

  • "Ailsa's place is one of the most beautiful we've ever stayed in,down to the very last detail. She's thought of everything, and some things we didn't expect--lovely, thoughtful, welcoming touches. It's remote enough that you feel like you're out in the country, but there are lots of places a short drive away. If I could give it 6 stars, I would."

    Samantha, May
  • "The loft is a little gem! Beautifully located in nature and stylishly furnished down to the last detail. There is nothing missing and we immediately felt super comfortable. It was also very positive that there is no TV that distracts from the beautiful nature and the fantastic apartment. The bed was super comfortable for a very good night's sleep. With a little luck, you can watch the two Highland cattle grazing from the bathroom window. Absolute 5 star recommendation!"

    Sebastian, June
  • "Our stay was the highlight of our holiday. A perfectly remotes pot surrounded by beautiful land with access to small towns and local goods. Ailsa was a wonderfully communicative and respectful host. I hope to come back soon!"

    Regina, September
  • "I can’t say enough positive things. We felt extremely comfortable and slept amazing! On top of that, the design and interior decor of the loft is STUNNING. Exactly like the pictures. We loved visiting the farm store and the dairy farm store Ailsa suggested. We bought all of our food from those 2 spots and didn't really need to go anywhere else. Truly an amazing experience. We will absolutely be back."

    Caroline, September

Sustainability.

Both spaces have been created with a strong emphasis on reuse, natural materials and locally sourced pieces. The Loft is highly insulated and incorporates reclaimed, vintage and recycled furniture, while The Hideaway saw the owners strip their old caravan back to its bones and rebuild it using handmade and reclaimed furniture. Art, textiles and decorative pieces are sourced from Scotland wherever possible, with natural, refillable products used throughout.

Surrounds.

  • Firth-of-Cromarty
    Firth of Cromarty
  • Loch Ness
    Loch Ness
  • Spittal Forest is on the doorstep, where red squirrels scamper and roe deer wander. Stock up on delicious groceries from the farm shop nearby and head out on stunning hikes with a picnic, then come home to cook dinner. Everything you need is right here if you just want to hole up.
  • Explore the beautiful Black Isle, a remote peninsula of winding roads, sandy coves and wildlife-rich headlands. Spend a slow day pottering between Fortrose, Rosemarkie and Cromarty — all pretty seaside towns with antique shops, foodie spots, and long beaches (10–20 mins’ drive).
  • Brunch at The Storehouse at Foulis Ferry,  a waterside café and deli with sweeping views across the Cromarty Firth, serving seasonal dishes, Highland meats and locally roasted coffee (15 mins’ drive).
  • Sip a pint at Black Isle Brewery, an organic microbrewery set on a working farm with a rustic taproom and garden. Sample their bold, biodynamic beers — a dark porter by the firepit, or the citrusy Blonde Ale in the sun (10 mins’ drive).
  • Just 10 minutes down the road, you’ll find Glen Ord Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. Try a wee dram and learn how they make their rich Singleton whisky, then unwind in the stylish tasting room for a post-tour sip.
  • Step back in time at Culloden Battlefield, a hauntingly beautiful moorland where the Jacobite rising came to a dramatic end. The visitor centre brings history vividly to life, and the windswept landscape is glorious for a walk (30 mins’ drive).
  • Stroll the riverside, browse independent shops or dip into cosy cafés and excellent restaurants of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. A great base for picking up local produce and artisan wares (30 mins’ drive).
  • Check off one of Scotland’s most iconic spots off your bucket list with a scenic drive around Loch Ness. Wander the ruins of Urquhart Castle with sweeping views of the mysterious loch, and keep an eye out for Nessie as you cruise across the water (40 mins’ drive).
  • Further afield, the Cairngorms, Western Isles, Isle of Skye, Glen Coe, Torridon and the famous North Coast 500 route are all within easy reach as are endless brilliant places to walk, cycle, climb, wild swim, kayak and ski. Jonny, a passionate hillwalker; mountain biker and climber, will point you to the best spots.

Details.

  • Two hideaways on a family croft (there are 4 other rentals on-site too)
  • The Loft – sleeps 2 + a baby
    • Loft apartment above the little honesty shop
    • Kingsize bedroom
    • Bathroom with rolltop bath and rainfall shower; Laura Thomas toiletries
    • Fully equipped compact kitchen including fridge with freezer compartment, electric oven, induction hob, espresso percolator, dishwasher and toaster; basic supplies
    • Open-plan living/dining area warmed by a woodburner
    • Board games, books, binoculars, cards
    • Private terrace with bistro table and chairs, bench, firepit and BBQ
  • The Hideaway – sleeps 2 + a baby
    • Hand-restored caravan tucked in the trees
    • Kingsize bedroom with dressing table/writing desk
    • Compact ensuite shower room with Scottish toiletries
    • Fully equipped kitchen with oven, hob and fridge
    • Dining table and old church pew seating
    • Living room with woodburner, books, games, Bluetooth speaker and digital radio
    • Small private garden with outdoor seating, BBQ & firepit
  • Both hideaways:
  • One baby under 2 welcome. Cot, high chair and children’s crockery available
  • Welcome basket of local milk and whisky
  • Free WiFi
  • Sorry, no pets
  • The owners are available by phone should you need anything
  • Laundry facilities on request
  • Walk to a farm shop (20 mins / 10 mins’ drive)
  • Drive to supermarket, pubs, bakery and restaurants in Muir of Ord (5 mins)
  • Bike hire available locally
  • Booking conditions: 3-night minimum stay. Note the Hideaway is only bookable March through October
  • Remember to pack: walking boots and waterproofs

Simple

30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £40 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay. These terms also apply to any booking amendments or date changes.

See our full booking Ts & Cs

FAQs.

Yes – The Ord Arms in Muir of Ord or The Lovat Arms in Beauly are the closest (5/15 mins’ drive).

Gifts, local treats like jam, chocolate and coffee plus BBQ charcoal and firelighters. They don’t sell fresh items but the Black Isle Dairy do an honesty shop which is only 5 mins’ drive away with fresh milk, eggs, bread, meat, cheese, the best ice cream and lots of other treats. Black Isle Berries at Tore is another incredible farm shop, 10 mins’ drive away.

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