EAGLE BRAE CABINS Discover Highland Luxury: A Review of Eagle Brae Cabins

Onsite Review by Donnie Rust and KerryLouise Darcy Winterz

In the heart of the Scottish Highlands lies a hidden gem where luxury meets nature in perfect harmony—Eagle Brae Cabins. Set within the sprawling 8,000-acre Struy Estate in Invernessshire, this retreat offers an unparalleled escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquillity, Eagle Brae promises a master-crafted experience that blends comfort with the wild beauty of the Highlands. The Lost Executive sent Donnie Rust and his partner to explore.

A Dream Of The Highlands

During our stay in the cabin Parus, which is perched at a top of the hill and benefits from the best scenery, I dropped in and enjoyed a wonderful coffee with the co-owner Michael. We chatted about the history of the land, Struy Estate, and what it took to bring Eagle Brae to life. It is quite the story.

Owned by the Spencer-Nairn family since the 1930s, Struy Estate has always been a place of natural beauty and serenity. However, it was the vision of Michael and Pawana Spencer-Nairn that transformed this estate into the ultimate Highlands holiday destination. Their dream was to create a space where guests could enjoy all the comforts of home in a setting that feels both intimate and aweinspiring.

It was a huge project, with much of the timber and wood being shaped into the cabins in Canada and then shipped over to the Highlands where they were assembled. By that stage, the infrastructure that would support the cabins with their ultrareliant modern amenities had to be installed and functional. The whole tale is outlined in their incabin photo book.

THE CABINS. CRAFTMANSHIP AND COMFORT.

Eagle Brae is home to ten individually named log cabins, each a masterpiece of artisanry. Built in 2013 using sustainably sourced Western Red Cedar logs and traditional Norwegian techniques, these cabins are a testament to the careful attention to detail that defines Eagle Brae. The cabins were constructed with a focus on sustainability, featuring grass-insulated roofs, bio-mass boilers, and a micro-hydro scheme that provides electricity and hot water.

Each cabin is a sanctuary in itself, secluded from its neighbours and offering stunning views of the surrounding Highland landscape. Whether it’s the sparkling River Glass or a secluded pond teeming with wildlife, every cabin has a vista that invites relaxation and reflection. Inside, the cabins are equally impressive, with artistic Himalayan-carved wooden furnishings, natural décor, and handwoven fabrics that create a cozy yet luxurious environment.

Guests can choose from four smaller cabins— Tringa, Parus, Sylvia, and Strix—each featuring one double bedroom. For larger groups, the Buteo, Loxia, and Aquila cabins offer an additional en-suite bedroom upstairs and two single log beds on the mezzanine, accommodating up to six guests. All cabins feature a spacious open-plan living area with a sitting room, kitchen, and dining area beneath a stunning cathedral ceiling. The mezzanine level adds a touch of elegance with its exquisitely carved balconies overlooking the living space below.

A Haven For Adventurers

While the cabins themselves are a marvel, Eagle Brae’s true allure lies in the wealth of outdoor activities available. The Scottish Highlands are a playground for adventurers, and Eagle Brae is the perfect base from which to explore. Whether you’re interested in mountain climbing, hiking, fishing, or sledding, there’s something for everyone.

The nearby Munros—mountains that rise over 3,000 feet—offer a challenging yet rewarding experience for climbers. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy salmon fishing in the rivers or trout fishing in the lochs, with the serene surroundings adding to the pleasure of the catch. Even a simple walk through Strathfarrar’s pinewood forest and wildflower-strewn grasslands becomes an extraordinary experience in this picturesque setting.

For those seeking a unique adventure, Eagle Brae also offers pony trekking and husky sledding, providing a taste of traditional Highland life. After a day of exploring, guests can return to their cabin to enjoy a homecooked meal or take advantage of the on-site shopping facilities to stock up on essentials. The nearest village, Beauly, is just 13 miles away and offers additional shops, restaurants, and amenities.

Sustainable Luxury

One of the standout features of Eagle Brae is its commitment to sustainability. The entire site is selfsufficient, with a micro-hydro scheme generating the electricity and hot water needed for the cabins. Each cabin’s bio-mass boiler ensures a consistent supply of heat, while the grass-insulated roofs blend the buildings seamlessly into their natural surroundings.

This focus on sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of luxury. The cabins are equipped with contemporary fixtures and fittings, including ecofriendly wood burners to keep the space cozy. Modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and a dedicated office space cater to those who need to stay connected, even in this remote location.

A Warm Welcome And A Lasting Impression

Eagle Brae isn’t just about the cabins and the activities—it’s about the experience as a whole. The site has a genuine community feel, thanks to the friendly and attentive owners, Mike and Pawana, who are always on hand to offer suggestions or assistance. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, yet there’s also plenty of privacy for those who prefer a more secluded stay.

For those who want to make the most of their time at Eagle Brae without the hassle of cooking, a selection of home-cooked meals is available to order. Groceries, wine, and quality food can be ordered through the convenient Eagle Brae intranet, ensuring that guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.

Practical Information

Eagle Brae is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, with Inverness being the closest rail station and airport. However, reaching the cabins themselves requires navigating a dirt road, which means that vehicles with lower gears and a strong engine are recommended. Smaller cars might struggle with the terrain, so it’s worth considering when planning your trip.

The cabins can accommodate either two or up to six guests, depending on the layout and size. Short breaks are permitted within 30 days of arrival for selected dates, with a minimum stay of two nights during the low season (November to March) and a week during the high season (April to October). Well-behaved dogs are welcome, though a surcharge applies, and there are limits on the number of dogs allowed per cabin.

Eagle Brae offers an exceptional experience that combines the best of Highland luxury with the beauty and tranquillity of nature. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with the outdoors, embark on new adventures, or simply relax in a stunning setting, Eagle Brae has something to offer. The only challenge you might face is finding the will to leave this enchanting haven and return to the everyday world.

What I Would Have Liked To See

There is nothing that springs to mind that I thought the cabin was lacking. After some deliberation I did think that the wooden stairs could have done with some kind of covering on them to create a bit more traction because when I walked on them in my socks, I almost slipped a couple of times when coming down. That being said, the easiest solution would be for me to wear slippers instead of socks. So, forget I said anything.

What I Liked

The decoration. The hand carvings throughout the cabin offer a great deal of authenticity and personality to the place which I found quite inspiring.

Every effort has been made to make the accommodation comfortable. Onsite review-stays aside, there is a minimum length of stay available and guests generally have to book for about a week according to Michael. With this in mind it was good to find a seated area with two comfortable couches and a television for me and my partner to relax in. If we had children with us or were here for several nights, this would be a perfect way to relax in the evening after a day of activities. Also, in the highlands one has to make considerations for what to do in the inevitable rain.

I really liked the working desk with its assortment of charging points which got a solid smiley face from me.

Also, there are deer that wander freely through the resort.

www.eaglebrae.co.uk

Eagle Brae, Struy IV4 7LE