Rough Luxury Wild and wonderful Scottish staycations

ROUGH

LUXURY

Photography by Murray Orr

From cute campers to luxe cabins, here’s where to find the chicest rural accommodation for a Scottish staycation

Photography by Murray Orr

Best for a breath of fresh air…

GUARDSWELL FARM

Nr Kinnaird, Perthshire This family-run farm sits on a south-facing hillside offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and beautifullydesigned off grid accommodation in three of the chicest little cabins we’ve ever seen: The Kailyard, The Pendicle and The Infield (each sleeping two). Our favourite is The Infield, which sits high up on the hill behind the farm and features a glass gable end to make the most of those views. From £130 a night. www.guardswell.co.uk

Best for food lovers…

INVER

Strathlachlan, Argyll & Bute This west coast destination on the banks of Loch Fyne is a restaurant with rooms…with a difference. Guests can enjoy the acclaimed cooking of Scottish chef Pam Brunton before retiring to their own little bothy overlooking the water. Contemporary interiors and luxe touches make these simple timber pods the perfect overnight escape for couples looking to get away from it all. Bed & Breakfast £225 a night. www.inverrestaurant.co.uk

Best for a road trip...

STAYCATION SCOTLAND CAMPERS

Glen Lonan, Nr Oban Enjoy a few days exploring the Highlands in a state-of-the-art VW campervan. Staycation Scotland Campers feature pop top roofs so there’s space for two double sleeping compartments, giving you the option to bring the kids along for the ride. With gas heaters and wifi as well as a fridge, oven with grill and hob, the vans make a veritable home from home. From £95 a night. www.staycationscotlandcampers.com

Best for families…

HILLHEAD FARM PODS

Dumfries Located on a working farm in the countryside outside Dumfries, Hillhead pods offer beautiful views out to the hills of the southern uplands. With a comfy double bed plus hidden bunks, the cosy pods are great for family breaks. Each pod has its own shower room and mini fridge. Continental breakfasts, BBQ and campfire packs can be pre-ordered. Overnight stays from £140 for up to two adults and two children. www.hillheadfarmpods.co.uk

Best for going off grid…

INVERLONAN

Glen Lonan, Nr Oban Accessible only by boat or foot, these two bothies on the banks of Loch Nell offer stunning architecturally-designed accommodation and a true unplugged experience. Guests are encouraged to switch off their devices and get back to nature. You can head out for a swim or a paddle on the loch, cook outdoors on the open fire pit or wood-fired pizza oven, or simply unwind with a book in front of the wood-burning stove. £440 for a two-night stay. www.inverlonan.com

Best for instagram…

GLEN DYE

Nr Banchory, Aberdeenshire The clever people behind this uber-cool country escape somehow manage to combine a completely authentic wilderness experience with the most polished, stylish and comfortable accommodation around. The latest addition to their impressive collection of cabins and cottages is Garden Camp where sleeping quarters (for up to six people) take the form of a Showman’s Caravan and safari tent while living quarters are made up of a remodelled Victorian garden shed and proper wash house with underfloor heating. You’ll also have access to The Glen Dye Arms, a BYOB pub with log fire and record player, and a custom-built glass-fronted wood-fired sauna. Most amazingly, as it’s brand new, there’s still some availability this summer – yes, really! £516 for a two-night stay. www.glendyecabinsandcottages.com

Best for coastal views…

CATCHPENNY SAFARI LODGES

Nr Elie, Fife These tented lodges on the East coast of Fife offer a luxury under canvas experience with none of the inconvenience of actually pitching a tent. Perfect for family holidays, the lodges each sleep up to six people and are perched high up on the shoreline along the stunning Fife Coastal Path allowing for uninterrupted sea views and breathtaking sunsets. From £750 for a three-night stay. www.catchpennyelie.co.uk

Photography by Caroline Trotter

Best for beach lovers…

CARNISH CABINS

Isle of Lewis You couldn’t get much further from the madding crowd than Uig, the most sparsely populated spot on Lewis. Bordering the golden sands of Uig beach, you’ll find two boutique cabins, each kitted out with double beds, proper kitchens, shower rooms and even flat screen tvs – as if you’ll ever tire of looking at the stunning sea view. 7 nights from £695. www.carnishcabins.co.uk

Best for a stopover…

GREAT GLEN POD

Spean Bridge Just ten miles north of Fort William, near Ben Nevis and on the road to Inverness and Skye, Great Glen Pod couldn’t be better placed for a stopover while exploring the Highlands. With a small double bed, microwave, kettle and toaster, and a covered deck, the cosy heated pod for two has everything you need for a night away from it all. From £55 a night. www.greatglenpod.co.uk

Best for retro vibes…

WAGON AT MONACHYLE MHOR

Lochearnhead Known for its unique urban style, Monachyle Mhor is a pink farmhouse-turned-hotel with luxury rooms inside and a few quirky accommodation alternatives on the grounds – one of which is this restored 1950s Pilot Panther showman’s wagon. With an authentic retro vibe and wood-burner, the wagon is a cosy getaway with ever-changing views over the loch, and dedicated bathroom facilities located at the hotel, a minute away. £130 a night. www.monachylemhor.net/room_type/wagon/