Unusual places to stay in Scotland

admin posted 4 years ago

Updated: 7 December 2024

When it comes to unusual places to stay in Scotland, the Scottish Highlands and Islands have plenty of quirky holiday homes to rent. Here’s our pick of unusual accommodation for a special holiday whether you want a hot tub and sauna, a unique historical hideaway or a coastal home.

Unusual places to stay in Scotland for couples

In our pick of unusual places to stay in Scotland for couples, you’ll find that some properties are just for a romantic break for two or some are larger holiday cottages in case you want more space or decide to invite friends and family with you.

Signal Box Newtonmore, Cairngorms

blue signal box behind white fence

The Signal Box is a quirky holiday cottage in the Cairngorms National Park. This detached wooden building was built in 2004 next to the train station in the village of Newtonmore. In 2013 it was selected to appear in The Times’ list of ’50 best cottages, beach houses and rural retreats’.

Book and find out more about the Signal Box

Hebridean Earth House, South Uist, Outer Hebrides

Modern house built into the hillside with glass front overlooking loch Hebridean Earth House South Uist

Looking for a truly unique romantic getaway in Scotland? Take a look at this underground house overlooking a freshwater loch in the Outer Hebrides. Built into the hillside, clever use of solar tubes in the roof and the large glass front give you a light and airy living space. If you’re looking for a secluded, romantic bolthole or a honeymoon to remember, this special property is worth a look.

Book now and find out more

Moorhen Lodge, near Inverness

Moorhen Lodge is a luxury log cabin with a hot tub located in woodlands near the Scottish Highlands village of North Kessock and only 10 minutes drive from Inverness.

Book Moorhen Lodge and find out more

Smiddy Cottage, South Uist, Outer Hebrides

traditional stone built thatched croft cottage Smiddy Cottage South Uist

Smiddy Cottage is another cosy cottage if you’re looking for a romantic getaway. This thatched croft style cottage was only built in 2008 but blends into the landscape with its grey stone walls and decorative wagon wheels. With beautiful beaches in easy walking distance and wildlife all around, this is a special location.

Book now and find out more

Beach Bay Cottage, Uig, Lewis, Outer Hebrides

Neolithic style house with grass roof overlooking the beach - Beach Bay Cottage Uig Lewis

Beach Bay Cottage is a unique holiday cottage inspired by neolithic design and built of natural stone with a turfed roof. It’s perched above the incredible Uig Bay with it’s dazzling white sands and turquoise sea. It makes a perfect romantic cottage for a couple with its 2-person sauna and what a place to spend your honeymoon! If you’re taking the children, they’ll love the family-friendly beach less than 110 yards from the cottage.

Book now and find out more about Beach Bay Cottage

Unusual places to stay in Scotland with hot tub

Heilan Roo, near Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park

Heilan Roo hpt tub in gravel garden surrounded by trees with house in background at night

Heilan Roo is a stunning, contemporary property in the woods of Killiecrankie near Pitlochry on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.

Inside you’ll find a light and airy open-plan living space with dual-aspect bi-folding doors and skylights. Outside the mature garden has a wood-fired hot tub and a fire pit making it perfect for winter holidays in the snow too. Indoor entertainment includes a pool table. You can also book short breaks.

Book and find out more

Woodland lodge with hot tub – Pine Marten Lodge, Nethy Bridge – Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms

Pine Marten Lodge in forest

Pine Marten Lodge is an impressive luxury log cabin in the woods in Dulnain Bridge near Nethy Bridge. If you’re looking for an unusual place to stay with hot tub in Scotland, take a look at this lodge in the Cairngorms National Park.

Book and find out more

Aurae luxury lodge with hot tub and sauna, near Inverness

Each lodge has its own sauna and a luxury hot tub on the private decked area with fantastic views to the Black Isle and a surround sound music system which covers the whole house and the outside decked area. Perfect for you if you’re looking for a luxury self-catering lodge with a hot tub in the Scottish Highlands.

Book and find out more about Aurae

Katchana log cabin, near Aviemore

Katchana log cabin with hot tub near Aviemore

From the elevated position of this unusual holiday property, you will enjoy views over Loch Insh on one side and the mighty Cairngorm mountains on the other. Katchana log cabin has large windows so you can enjoy stunning views and wildlife from the house. You  may be lucky enough to see red squirrels, pine martens and ospreys. And there’s a hot tub in the garden too.

Book Katchana log cabin now

Large unusual places to stay in Scotland

The Preston Tower Apartment – Fyvie Castle, near Rothienorman

Preston Tower Fyvie Castle

If you’re looking for a cheap castle to rent in Scotland, the Preston Tower Apartment at Fyvie Castle is a budget-friendly option sleeping 12 guests. You’ll still get the feeling of grandeur that comes with staying in a Scottish castle. The only problem will be deciding who gets to sleep in the popular turret bedroom.

Visit the website for more info and photos or to book

Portree Bay House, Portree, Skye

Portree Bay House Skye - Beach-front garden with telephone box - unique places to stay in Scotland

The holiday house is set on the edge of Portree bay with a unique beachfront garden with the most photographed phone box in Scotland. You will have your own private access to the beach which is the perfect place to watch the incredible sunsets. Portree Bay House is a listed three storey stone house with panoramic views over the bay, the isle of Raasay and the Cuillin Mountains.

Book and find out more

The Fortalice, Perthshire

The Fortalice Perthshire Scotland exterior gates

The original house was built in 1560 and was partially destroyed in 1640 by the Duke of Argyll. The current owner has rebuilt and renovated Fortalice to create a historical home with modern comforts including underfloor heating. Set over five floors, this castle accommodation offers seven bedrooms, sleeping 16 comfortably and boasting luxurious comfort without compromising original character.

Visit the website for more info and photos or to book

Achnacloich, near Connel, Argyll and Bute

Achnacloich castle with daffodils

On the shores of Loch Etive, Achnacloich is a 500-acre country estate with stunning gardens. Dating back to the mid-19th century, this grand country house has wonderful views and perfect for a holiday with extended family and friends.

Visit the website for more info and photos or to book

Want more holiday accommodation options?

Hopefully, you enjoyed our selection of unusual places to stay in Scotland. For more great holiday homes to rent, see our directory for holiday accommodation in the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

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