Mertrick, Scottish Lowlands

2

Woodland cabin surrounded by wildlife on a peaceful 1,000-acre estate, just an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh

1 Bedroom

1 Bathroom

Child friendly

Dog friendly

Eco conscious

Parking

WiFi

Woodburner

Space & setting.

If you go down to the woods today… you’ll find a charming ecolodge, made for a cosy escape. Hidden within 1,000 acres of biodiverse semi-ancient Scottish woodland, the timber bothy is a thoroughly modern place to switch off and sink into nature. A biologist inherited and renovated the estate, and has made it her mission to protect and document its vast flora and fauna. Roe deer, hares and bats are often visible from the south-facing balcony, and you’ll hear the resident woodpeckers during the day and tawny owls once the sun sets.

Inside, there’s a colourful blend of Scandi-Scots details, from artisan Amy Britton tweeds and Skyeskyns sheepskin to locally produced organic skincare in the emerald green bathroom (which has underfloor heating, such a treat). You’ll sleep on an authentic Tatami mat and warm up by the Danish Morsø wood burner. Amazing walks lead out from the front door and if you fancy roaming further afield, there’s a wealth of Scottish history in this area. But the true beauty here is not having to go anywhere — and doing it in ultimate comfort.

Getting here: drive, or train to Alloa then taxi to the estate (12 mins)

“A biologist by background, when I inherited the estate I started documenting the history of the landscape and historic buildings and set about monitoring the wildlife. Now several years later, we have a 10-year wildlife plan which aims to protect and manage the varying habitats on the estate — we encourage guests to take part in wildlife activities. Constructed entirely of sustainably-sourced timber with triple glazing and thermal-camera tested, the idea of the bothy was to show that the do-gooder option can also be luxury. Dawid will be your on-site host who looks after guests from arrival to departure.” Owner, Victoria

My Kip favourites

She loves
“Leaving the little gallery window open at night to listen to the tawny owls and watch the bats flying around the 300-year-old oak tree.”

We love
The huge windows, and the Arne Jacobsen chair, reupholstered with Harris Tweed.

You may not love
A 3-night minimum stay. Patchy phone signal around the bothy but WiFi works well and there is signal in the car park.  Two other cabins in the same woodland but plenty of space between. Dogs must be kept on a lead.

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  • "Despite a month having passed, just thinking about those three days of the trip still brings me immense joy! The cozy and comfortable cottage was absolutely delightful, with a modern design and a tasteful touch in every corner. The quality of the amenities provided in the bathroom was exceptional, and the shower facilities were new and good to use. The heated towel rack was a nice addition, and the warm towels were incredibly comforting. The kitchen had all the necessary equipment, making it easy to cook delicious and hearty meals. The bed was large and incredibly comfortable, and over those three days, we enjoyed restful sleep and felt truly content. I loved the experience of living in the cottage for those three days. Surrounded by nature, it felt like a peaceful retreat while still being connected to the world with reliable internet access. The homemade bread, jam, and honey provided by the cottage were delicious and had a rustic yet exquisite taste that lingers in my memory. The nearby trails were serene, and I particularly enjoyed the warmth of gathering around the fire inside the cottage. It truly was a comfortable journey, purifying both the mind and body—a healing getaway with my beloved dog and friend that will be missed."

    Hsin-Yi, May 2023
  • "A wonderful cabin in a beautiful location! I wanted to get away for a quiet weekend and this was the perfect spot. The cabin is spotlessly clean, modern yet still rustic with gorgeous views into the woods. I saw several deer, red squirrels, and even a couple of owls! Highly recommend."

    Lael, May 2023
  • "Booked this for a much needed break to relax, and it did just that... and more! This lovely little cabin exceeded any and all of my expectations. It was just perfect. Everything was so carefully and consciously thought out. The 'breakfast basket' of eggs, bread, milk, granola etc was such a pleasant touch and made my time there even more relaxing. The surroundings were stunning and well kept. Walks were so enjoyable (I even did one of them three times!) and clearly marked. All very nature orientated which is so great too see. The team of staff were beyond helpful and accommodating too. Such a great find and amazing stay, would highly recommend to anyone!"

    Emma, May 2023
  • "This place has stolen our hearts! The cabin is wonderful. So comfortable, stylish… the extra care with the dog facilities and food supplies were a delight. And the bed is SO comfortable. Great to visit the nearby towns but also just relax by the firepit with the spring sunshine shining down. We saw beautiful wildlife, including what we think was an amazing golden pheasant flying by. We don't want to leave so will certainly be back"

    Jo and Michael, April 2023
  • "Such a wonderful place - so very peaceful and the perfect spot to relax in front of the stove. We really enjoyed the welcome pack of bread, hot cross buns and gnocchi to bake in the oven. Thank you too for the tips on local cafes and walks"

    K&G, April 2023
  • "We have had a really great stay in Pine Marten. David was incredibly welcoming, helpful and full of knowledge. The bothy itself was stylish, cosy and well equipped, with the bonus extras of the breakfast hamper and info on nearby walks and shops etc. There was absolutely nothing else we needed at all we will definitely be back!"

    Jonny & Lois, January 2023
  • "I had such a lovely peaceful weekend, the perfect start to the year."

    Connie, January 2023
  • "5* escape in the most cosy and well set up bothy. We had the best stay over New Year, and the team were so welcoming and helpful throughout our stay. It was the most beautiful and relaxing set up. The bothies are so so well put together with all the nice little touches considered. Could not recommend enough for an escape for peace, quiet and scenic beauty!"

    Jessica, December 2022
  • "To say that we were blown away by the stay is an understatement, we left so relaxed and refreshed. The welcome basket was a lovely addition with all local products. The sleeping area is accessed from a wooden ladder which was quirky and once up it was spacious with an extremely comfortable bed and the most amazing bed linen. There was a limited phone signal which I took to be a positive as rather than be glued to the phones we chatted into the small hours. I woke early in the morning after the first night and made a pot of coffee and read my book in total quiet outside. This is definitely on our revisit list of places to stay for a few days away. The location is not far off the road but you have a feeling of being in a different world. Perfect for a relaxing break away."

    Mr and Mrs C, 2022

Sustainability.

Built entirely from sustainably-sourced timber including Scottish larch. Breathable and thermally efficient woodfibre insulation. Built using a fabric-first approach, maximising the performance of the materials and reducing the need for heating system. Triple-glazed windows for extra cosiness and heat retention. Duvet made from recycled plastic bottles. 10-year wildlife plan in place to help protect and manage the surrounding natural habitats.

Surrounds.

  • Castle Campbell
    Castle Campbell
  • Linlithgow Palace © Visit Scotland
    Linlithgow Palace © Visit Scotland
  • Wallace Monument
    Wallace Monument
  • The estate offers fantastic wildlife-based tours, from bat walks and tree planting to pollinator surveys.  You can also watch amazing pine marten footage from around the estate.
  • Hire a bike and cycle to a wonderful farm shop, 25 minutes down a peaceful road.
  • Or bike to the Wallace Monument (you’ll spot whisky warehouses and Cambuskenneth Abbey on the way). Climb to the top for a phenomenal panorama — plus cake and a cuppa at the Legends’ Cafe.
  • Solsgirth Home Farm hosts an artisan food and craft market every second Saturday of the month. Get ready to fill your tote bags.
  • Discover Castle Campbell in the postcard-pretty village of Dollar, about 15 minutes away by car. Stop at Kitty at Home for vintage home delights and pick up a giant cinnamon roll from Troy-Anne’s Patisserie for the drive home.
  • Go history hunting at Mary Queen of Scots’ old digs. Linlithgow Palace is half an hour south and Inchmahome Priory is accessed to the west by crossing Scotland’s only lake.
  • Grab your walking boots and a flask of tea, and climb 648m to King’s Seat in the Ochil Hills. The reward is a beautiful countryside view.
  • Love live music? Grab a table at the Tolbooth in Stirling (about 30 mins away by car) to watch some of Scotland’s finest musicians do their thing.

Specifics.

  • Eco cabin secluded set in woodland
  • Super kingsize bed (can be twinned) in a sleeping gallery accessed by a ladder
  • Bathroom with walk-in shower and organic toiletries
  • Fully-equipped kitchen including Smeg under-counter fridge, Bosch combi steam oven and induction hob;
  • Welcome pack including sourdough loaf, local honey and speciality tea
  • 2 or 3 course evening dinner and picnics in the woodlands can be ordered (Dinners must be booked 1 week in advance)
  • Cosy living area warmed by a woodburner
  • Outdoor balcony area overlooking the meadow
  • Firepit
  • Wellies to borrow
  • No children under 12
  • Up to 2  small-to-medium dogs welcome but must be kept on a lead
  • All-terrain TREK bicycles to hire on site
  • Manager Dawid is on-site during office hours Mon-Fri
  • Cycle 25 mins to local farm shop or drive 15 mins to shops, pubs and restaurants
  • Booking conditions: minimum 3 nights (including over festive period from 22nd December 2023-onwards). Lowest rate applies to 4 night stays, enquire for further discounted rates for longer stays.
  • Remember to pack: easily carry-able bags for the 80m walk to the cabin, walking shoes, waterproofs just in case!

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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.

FAQs.

Yes but please note the balcony is not fully enclosed. There is a wall-mounted ring to which the provided 5m lead can be attached. Please ensure your dog is on a lead when out walking due to livestock and wildlife.

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