Beautifully pared-back and secluded eco cabin, 30 mins from Edinburgh
Space & setting.
Hidden in a secluded glade on a former farm, this cabin is off-grid perfection. The minimalist, wood-clad space has just enough luxe for relaxation – a deep king-sized bed, a record player and vinyl and a hand-built Japanese Ofuro style hot-tub-for-two. But it’s really the wild Scottish Border surroundings that take centre stage. Sunlight streams into the space through picture windows, showcasing a wide open sky, and gorse- and heather-blanketed slopes that undulate all the way to the Pentland Hills. Bring walking boots and layers; you’ll spend hours exploring.
In spring, you’ll be surrounded by cherry and wild apple blossom; daffodils and wildflowers. In summer, the grass grows long and the bright yellow gorse scents everything with coconut. Autumn is an explosion of colour, thanks to red beeches and golden larches, and as winter draws in you’ll see incredible early morning mists and sparkling frost. Night skies are silent and starlit, and when it snows, it feels a bit like Narnia. But don’t let all this wild seclusion fool you, there’s plenty within easy reach if you can bear to leave – Edinburgh is just 30 mins’ drive away, while 3 miles away are West Linton’s cosy pubs, farm shops and restaurants.
Getting here: best to drive
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Sustainability.
Built entirely from local larch, Douglas fir and hemlock. Electricity is wind-powered, from a private turbine on the hill. Toiletries are biodegradable and all cleaning products eco. EV charging on request.
Surrounds.
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Deepsyke Forest -
Pentland Hills © edinburghtourist.co.uk -
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Jupiter Artland -
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- The vast, dense Deepsyke Forest lies just behind the cabin. Wander through tree-formed tunnels and listen to the lulling soundtrack of birdsong.
- Peggy’s Pool is a gorgeous wild-swimming spot fed by a gently tumbling, little waterfall.
- Hiking trails criss-cross the distant Pentland Hills. In winter, local skiers and snowboarders flock to these slopes, so if you’re vising in snowy times, bring your kit.
- Borrow the owner’s bikes and cycle 3 miles to the Whitmuir organic farm shop and cafe, brilliant for easy meals and seasonal produce. For Scottish flavours, eat at The Gordon Arms pub and The Bakehouse in West Linton, both local favourites.
- Stroll to the nearby Newhall Estate, the historic home of Alan Ramsay (a Scots poet comparable to Burns), whose poems are etched into the rocks that line the banks of the stream.
- Further afield, try the adrenalin-fuelled, world-famous mountain biking trails of the Tweed Valley’s Glentress Forest.
- Art aficionados will love Jupiter Artland, Edinburgh’s contemporary sculpture park and gallery, which showcases some of Scotland’s biggest names.
Specifics.
- Standalone cabin on a non-working farm, approached down a grass path through fields
- Open-plan interior warmed by a woodburner
- Kingsize bed with feather and down duvet, sunken into the platform
- One babes in arms welcome; travel cot to borrow
- Ensuite shower bathroom with compost loo; biodegradable toiletries
- Kitchen with induction hob, fridge, coffee press and basic ingredients
- Outdoor firepit with tripod skillet
- Wood fired, custom built hot tub from local larch in the Japanese ofuro style
- Record player, board games, jigsaws, books and binoculars
- Extra thoughtful touches: a HWB and wellies
- Alfresco seating and firepit
- Dog friendly
- Good phone signal, but no WiFi
- The owner is available by phone
- Bikes to borrow if the owner’s not using them
- EV charging on request
- Cycle, walk or drive 5 mins to shops, cafes and pubs (3 miles)
- Booking conditions: min 2 night stays over weekends. min 2 nights and 3 night minimum in July
- Remember to pack: waterproofs and wellies/boots
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