Three gorgeous off-grid architect-designed cabins, on the shores of glassy Loch Nell (each sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
The west coast of Scotland is famously spectacular, with a rugged coastline and soaring mountains. But a 15-minute drive from Oban lies a wilderness paradise that’s free from any tourists: simply acres of private farmland, beech and oak trees, cut through by the serene Loch Nell. It’s a place to truly escape the hustle of the real world and immerse yourself in nature.
Your adventure begins as you’re boated (or driven) up the loch to your remote cabin, which blends seamlessly into the ancient oaks of the shoreline. There are 3 to choose from – 2 gleaming corten, one galvanised tin – and once you’re dropped off, it’s just you and total silence. The cabins are even more beautiful inside, with a luxe minimalist style, huge windows, a kitchen crafted from native ash, and a romantic mezzanine bedroom. Totally off grid, you’ll need to light fires to brew your morning coffee or heat water for an alfresco shower. Spend your days exploring the loch on SUPs and kayaks, wild swimming with white-tailed sea eagles soaring overhead, and steaming in the lochside sauna, then be whisked away to a secret lochside location for a truly magical wild dining experience. This is a place to slow down and reconnect with nature’s beauty and rhythms. It will rejuvenate your soul.
Getting here: drive or train to Oban (overnight sleeper from London Euston) then taxi (15 mins).
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Sustainability.
The cabins are completely off-grid with solar power (back-up generator for winter months). They are built on stilts so could in theory, be taken down and leave no trace or environmental impact on the surroundings. Rainwater harvesting. Toiletries and detergents used are all organic/bio-degradable.
Surrounds.
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Loch Nell -
Oban © Visit Scotland
- Wake up with a wild swim then warm up in the lochside sauna
- Explore Loch Nell by SUP or kayak: there’s an ancient fortified dwelling (which offered protection from Picts, Vikings etc) in the middle of the loch.
- There’s a fishing rod in each cabin. Fish for trout then grill your catch for supper. Feeling lucky? There’s a £100 prize if you catch an Arctic Char! (Photo then release, not for eating please). Or order a Pizza Hamper to cook in the outdoor pizza oven, or a BBQ hamper with meat from the owners’ farm.
- The surrounding woodlands and wider area are home to some of Scotland’s most iconic species: pine marten, red squirrel, otters and wild cats on the ground, hen harriers, merlins, white-tailed sea eagles soaring up above. You may also see the rare and protected Marsh fritilary butterfly.
- Celebrating something special? Book onto a totally unique, off-grid wild dining experience with highly-acclaimed chef Tim Kensett. You’ll be collected from your cabin and taken to a secret lochside dining spot where dinner will be cooked over a fire using the freshest and most local, seasonal and ethically-sourced ingredients he can find – including produce from the owners’ gardens and meat from their farm.
- The grounds are rich in Neolithic, Iron Age and Middle Age history and mythology: you can easily walk to mysterious stone circles, cairns, duns and ancient burial grounds.
- If you can face leaving, the local area’s a cycling paradise, set on the Caledonian way.
- Day trip to the glorious Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, or take the foot ferry from Oban to Kerrera island with its ruined castle and crystal-clear swimming coves.
Specifics.
- A trio of standalone cabins on the shores of Loch Nell. Each has:
- Open-plan interior with sofa and kitchen downstairs and a mezzanine bedroom
- Outdoor bathroom (shower and eco toilet)
- Organic toiletries and luxury hammam towels
- Fully equipped bespoke ash kitchen with Argyll pottery, a Charnwood wood-burning cooking stove, icebox (changed every 24 hours) and basic ingredients
- Indoor table, sofa and woodburner
- Board games, books and binoculars
- Outdoors: wood-burning oven (pizza etc), Kadai fire bowl (BBQ) and small camping gas stove for easy cups of tea
- Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, life jackets, fishing rods
- Lochside wood-burning sauna
- Daily breakfast included and delivered to your door (eggs, bacon, sausages, muesli, yoghurt, bread, jam, Argyll Roasters coffee)
- On-site supplies store with meat from the owners’ farm and high-quality local produce
- Food hampers can be delivered to your door (meat box, fish box, burger box, pizza box etc)
- Wild dining experience can be arranged with a local chef
- Drive to a pub / shop / restaurant
- Bethea is dog friendly
- Staying rules: the site has open water, high drops and rugged terrain, which represent potential hazards. It is guests’ responsibility to behave with due care and the owner will not be held liable for any damage or injury caused on site due to risky or reckless behaviour
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay
- Remember to pack: wellies and waterproofs for winter months; bikes
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations: 8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
Yes, the cabins run on renewables with enough power to charge a phone, lights and small appliances… however it is limited — all part of the off-grid experience! There’s no WiFi, although there is some 4G connectivity, depending on network.
The owner / manager will always be around for check in and to help you make the most of your stay. There’s also a contact number for any questions or in case of emergency.
Yes – each cabin has a wood-burning stove and a supply of wood.
Yes, you’re provided with masses of bottled water.
Each cabin comes with a Yeti adventure cooler which is perfect for keeping everything you need chilled. You can order groceries in advance and they will be here waiting for you.
No – they can only be accessed by buggy, foot or on water; all part of the adventure! Parking is located at the main farm, just under a mile from the site.
Yes, you’ll find natural, environmentally-friendly products that are sensitive to the surroundings and suitable for an off-grid stay. Guests are asked to avoid using their own toiletries — unless the products are super eco-friendly, too!
Yes, Beatha is dog friendly.
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