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“I grew up here, and my parents rewilded the 18 acres during our childhood, planting over 2,000 trees. During the pandemic I had a change in work circumstances, going from busy freelancing in the arts to a scarily clear diary. The silver lining has been the chance to create this cabin. Using a scale cardboard model, I designed then built every element of the cabin, with the help of 2 friends. We did everything from casting the foundations (mixing then hauling wheelbarrows of wet cement down the hill) to putting together the frame, roofing, cladding, insulating, and laying floorboards. I’ve put on a lot of muscle! We finished by planting a native hedgerow to connect the forest behind us to our land, and create a corridor for wee creatures. I’m hoping for hedgehogs.” Owner, Lotte
She loves
“When golden hour hits, I take one of the outdoor wooden stools and a pair of binoculars up the slope next to the cabin, and look out as the light spreads across the hills. Sometimes I see the local family of deer leaping across the field back to the forest. A winter favourite is to get up early, make a coffee and sit at the picture window to observe the drifting mist in the valley. Because of the unique lay of the land, it tends to pool and gather almost like water, before slowly receding as the sun rises.”
We love
The total silence and the stunning swimming pond; floating on your back and looking up at the huge sky is almost meditative.
You may not love
Check in on Mon/Wed/Fri for 2 nights. The path here through the fields can get muddy; bring good footwear. The loo is a composting one (no flush), though a fancy version!
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.
Details.
- 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
- EV charging on request (see FAQ)
- Cycle, walk or drive 5 mins to shops, cafes and pubs (3 miles)
- Booking conditions: min 2 nights, checking in Mon, Wed or Fri
- Remember to pack: swimming costume and walking boots
Strict
30% deposit on booking, with the balance due 12 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 12+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £40 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 12 weeks of stay. These terms also apply to any booking amendments or date changes.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
In 3.30pm / out 10.30am
Yes, 2 dogs are welcome, for an additional £20/stay. They must be kept off furniture please.
Yes, there’s plenty of space for a travel cot (please BYO).
Yes, absolutely. There’s an additional £20 charge to do so.
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