Following on from last week where we brought you 10 Unusual Places To Stay In England this week we thought we'd take you north of the border to Bonnie Scotland for some of the most amazing and quirky places to stay.
Achnacarron Boathouse
Achnacarron luxury boathouse in Argyll Scotland is a luxury lochside escape with panoramic views on the shores of Loch Awe, Scotland’s longest freshwater loch.
This stylish two-bedroom boathouse has fantastic state-of-the-art facilities and stunning loch views. The owners have flair for interior design using top quality furnishings, fittings and lighting throughout.
Built on the site of a former hunting lodge in picturesque Argyll, the architect- designed boathouse has a contemporary, spacious open-plan design with loch views from the large windows.
The downstairs has a contemporary kitchen/dining area and stylish and comfy seats by the wood burning stove. One of the highlights is a fantastic deck where you can enjoy a glass of something chilled and take in the amazing views over the water to the woodlands and hills beyond.
The master bedroom is also located on the ground floor with modern en-suite facilities, including a fantastic power shower and comfy bed. There is also another bathroom (with superb shower), a very useful drying room and utility room on this level.
Upstairs offers a cosy lounge with large glass wall offering panoramic views across Loch Awe and another good sized double bedroom. The Boathouse comes with free Wi-Fi, TV, DVD player, a library of films and books, and a mini iPod dock system.
You don’t have to be keen on fishing but the boathouse does have its own private pier and fishing rights. You can also bring your own canoe or pre-order a small boat and outboard from the boatyard across the water.
For further information or to book please click here.
Cow Shed Cottages
Cow Shed and Luxury are not two words you would usually put together, but that’s just what you will find in the Perthshire Hills.
This stylish one-bedroom conversion of a former cow byre has fantastic state-of-the-art facilities and stunning views.
Although intended for two, it’s generous in size with a large open plan kitchen/living room / dining space designed to make the most of the views that can be achieved.
You can see the designers have an eye for interior design borne out by the upmarket furnishings and lighting, including lovely Harris tweed curtains and cushions. The décor throughout is top notch with the colour schemes reflecting the muted greens and browns of the local landscape. It feels like the suite of a 5-star hotel.
The comfy sofa and a multi-fuel burning stove mean the lounge is ideal for relaxing, while the kitchen is very well equipped, with a dishwasher, microwave, cooker and fridge. The generous welcome pack includes fantastic freshly baked scones and bread from the nearby Blair Atholl Watermill, and local free range eggs.
In case the weather is poor – which it occasionally it is in Scotland – the cottage comes with free Wi-Fi, HD Freesat box with 32″ HDTV, Blu-Ray player, and a library of films and books, and a mini hifi system.
The large bedroom has a huge comfy bed, high end décor including top quality soft furnishings and stunning wooden feature wall. It also boasts a 19" flat screen TV and an iPod docking station. The zip & link bed can be set up as two full size twin beds or one super kingsize bed.
For further information or to book please click here.
Treetop House
Treetop House is one of two stunning luxury cottage retreats (the other being The Curved Stone House) nestled in the hillside above Ullapool with a panoramic views of Loch Broom.
The Stonehouses as they are known, are outstanding luxury holiday houses in an amazing location above Ullapool in the North West Scottish Highlands. Combining natural materials and traditional building techniques with contemporary design and a sustainable approach, Treetop House is a two-bedroom five star cottage designed by local architect Stuart Bagshaw, from across the water in on the Outer Hebrides.
Although commanding a magnificent outlook, from above the Ullapool rooftops and out over Loch Broom to the Summer Isles, it’s less than a 10-minute stroll down the steps and driveway through the town to the harbour’s edge. Although there is a second bedroom, the owners do not recommend Treetop House for young children because of a gorge and waterfall at the rear of the property. However, Treetop House is the ideal couple’s getaway, for a honeymoon or special birthday or anniversary celebration.
High-quality furnishings, fittings and lighting are complemented by state of the art satellite TV, music system and wi-fi. Treetops is also a warm and cosy residence, where recycled materials have been used to insulate the building that has under floor heating, generated by air-source heat pumps, and solar water heating (backed up by LPG).
Up the steps to the front door, you enter at ground floor level into a spacious tiled hallway, with a stand for coats and room for dumping sandy shoes or wet boots. On the left is a utility room with washing machine and drier, and facing is the sauna, which also has a window that looks out to the woody gorge at the rear. To the right a wooden staircase, with a wall of ground to ceiling windows, spirals up to the first floor.
The first floor is an open plan area that takes up the full depth from front to rear. The stairs bring you into the dining area at the rear, where floor to ceiling glass doors open out to the hillside and gorge, and wet weather turns a trickling stream into a tumbling waterfall just 30 feet away. Lit by a switch inside, this provides a magical view in the evenings. There is also a patio area here, with a table and two chairs, and steps that lead down to a sun terrace and loungers at the side of the building.
To the side of this open plan room is the circular kitchen area, with every mod con including a coffee machine. You will also find a welcoming bottle of bubbly sitting in an ice bucket, with smoked salmon and cheese produced by local business the Ullapool Smokehouse in the fridge.
At the front is the lounge area, with floor to ceiling windows providing those incredible views out to Loch Broom, and a wood-burning stove to keep you snug if needs be. Another patio door leads out to a viewing area with steps up to a further outside seating area, just outside the second bedroom.
At the rear of this open-plan room a second bedroom on the left, and a separate toilet with shower on the right. Up a few more steps is the magnificent master double bedroom, with ensuite bathroom to the right. The bedroom, like the lounge, has those dramatic floor to ceiling windows looking out to the loch, with patio door taking you out to stand at the prow of this unique building. At night, you can look down to the water and watch the brightly-lit Stornoway ferry haul its way out to sea, or gaze up to a star-filled sky. There are also steps leading down to that seating area outside the single bedroom. You can lie in bed at night and watch shooting stars as you drift off to sleep.
The en-suite bathroom has a freestanding luxury bath and double shower with drench head, natural stone tiles and twin sinks.
For further information or to book please click here.
High Seas Hobbits
High Seas Hobbits are situated on a quiet, family run farm in Aberdeenshire. They offer luxury camping facilities and a unique way to experience your natural, rural surroundings. Enjoy stunning Scottish countryside with uninterrupted views over the sea and picturesque fishing villages merely a stone's throw away. The nearest towns are Fraserburgh and Banff.
The Hobbits, which have been described as smarties tubes on their sides, are fun and unusual. They are fully insulated to keep guests cosy and dry. One Hobbit has a double bed and two singles, while the other most comfortably sleeps 2 in a double or 2 singles. A kettle, microwave, fridge, crockery and cutlery are provided, even a TV. They are set in their own field and enjoy complete privacy. It is a restful place and children can run freely and safely.
A few paces away you will find a novel toilet. A huge disused whisky barrel from one of Scotlands Distilleries has been transformed into a 'one off' loo. With its quirky appearance, this toilet has been officially awarded Home Throne Award' in 2012. The shower room comes complete with a full length mirror, seat, shelving and hooks - all furnished with authentic rustic charm.
Each hobbit has a dining area with chairs, tables and private fire pit.
For further information or to book please click here.
Sleeperzzz
Sutherland, in the Highlands of Scotland, is a remote and beautiful area. Rogart is one of the few unspoilt crofting villages existing today. It is perfect for walking, cycling, bird-watching or simply watching the world go by! Fishing is available on the River Fleet.
Stay on a first class train besides a working railway station. There are 3 carriages named after scottish whiskies - Clynelish and Glenmorangie both have 4 bedroom compartments each sleeping two. Both carriages have a shared kitchen, dining room, living area and two toilets and showers.
Glenfiddich comprises two self-contained sections. One section has two beds in one compartment. The other has two compartments, sleeping two in each. Both sections have their own kitchen, dining room, living area, toilet and shower.
Dalmore is the Showman's Wagon, which has a double bed and living area. Guests use the cooking and toilet facilities in the adjacent carriages.
There is also a renovated Bedford SB Bus, with two beds and a living area. Again, facilities are located in one of the nearby carriages. This is summer accommodation only.
In total, there are 26 beds.
For further information or to book please click here.
Bressay Lighthouse
Built between 1856 and 1858 and situated on the rocky headland at the south entrance to Lerwick Harbour, Bressay Lighthouse is an iconic image for any visitor to the isles.
Passing the ‘Bressa Light’ is the start and finishing post for any journey to or from Shetland by sea, and is a welcome landmark for locals and visitors alike.
The nineteenth century lighthouse provides a tranquil and peaceful retreat with open views across the sea. Perfect for a family holiday, or enjoying a getaway with friends, the opportunity to stay in one of Shetland’s most famous landmarks is not to be missed.
The beautiful island of Bressay, just off the east coast of mainland Shetland, offers the perfect combination of isolation while still having all amenities right on your doorstep. A five minute ferry journey takes you to the capital town of Lerwick with its five star museum, restaurants, bars and shopping facilities.
The cottage sleeps up to 6 people and isn’t in the lighthouse tower itself but are alongside it, but this doesn't detract from the enjoyment of this stunning location.
For further information or to book please click here.
Sealoch House
Sealoch House is a luxury, contemporary property - a modular home made in 7 completed sections and transported to its beautiful picturesque location near Ullapool. There are uninterrupted and stunning views of Loch Broom. Sheep and lambs graze in the pastures and the peace and quiet is tangible.
The house has direct access to the shores of Loch Broom and its pebble beach. Or walk up into the hills to see the amazing views of Ullapool, the Summer Isles and the nearby Munroes. A great location for exploring the Wester Ross region. Ullapool is a 15 minute drive away with its shops, bars, restaurants and other amenities plus an altogether Highland atmosphere.
The house has lots of windows to make the most of the surroundings, a grass roof, natural timber cladding and all modern conveniences. The house sleeps 6 people in 3 spacious bedrooms with views and high quality ensuite facilities. The light and open living area has distinct areas for cooking, dining, reading, relaxing and watching TV. Large doors open out to a timber raised deck overlooking the loch.
There is a 50" Samsung plasma TV, bluray player, surround sound base plus you can play music by ipod or record player (bring your old vinyl). Great insulation, a woodburning stove and air to air heaters (giving both heating and cooling) give warmth and comfort. Enjoy the art and red cocktail cabinet!
Additionally electricity is supplemented by solar PV panels, and a large natural garden and private parking are available for your use.
For further information or to book please click here.
That's all for now, but be sure to check back next week when we will be switching our attention to unusual places to stay in Ireland, and if any of these have now got you in that holiday spirit be sure to check out our Men's and Women's Holiday Shops here at Cruise Fashion.