As soon as the chilly nights arrive and there’s even a rumour of snow in Scotland, we start thinking of cosy retreats with our family or friends, and we start planning an autumn break or winter getaway.
Whether by the sea or nestled deep in countryside; whether we’re after a hotel, shooting lodge, climber’s retreat or log cabin, they all have something in common: they are cosy, welcoming places to stay that offer the authentic, crackling cosiness of an open fire.
Enjoy browsing this collection of holiday places to stay with a log fire in Scotland and hunker down for a night or two, or longer – you’ll soon realise that getting snowed in isn’t so bad after all.
1. Cairngorm Lodges
Cairngorm Lodges, Aberdeenshire © Cairngorm Lodges
Cocoon yourself in one of the five luxury eco-lodges at Cairngorm Lodges and find yourself waking up to complete silence with only the snappy crackle of the fire and the happy chirping of your neighbouring birds to keep you company.
The Red Squirrel, Pine Marten and Osprey lodges and the Capercaillie and Woodcutters cabins offer a real get-away-from-it-all break, with no Wi-Fi: just the lodges, and the woods. They are equipped to a high standard, including outside decking with barbecue and are heated by a wood-burning stove.
Set in the heart of the Royal Deeside on the eastern edge of the Cairngorms National Park, you can choose to stay amidst the Scots pine forest or overlooking a beautiful tranquil lochan.
Suitable for: friends, families, couples.
Ideal for: immersing yourself in complete peace and quiet as well as an active holiday.
What to do nearby: the surrounding abounds in castles and historic sites such as Braemar and Balmoral Castle, or take advantage of what the nature offers and enjoy walking, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, golfing, skiing or wildlife spotting, or just gaze at the starry night skies.
2. Coledale Stables Holiday Home
This light-filled stables conversion is tucked in a private spot yet perfectly positioned in the heart of the charming market town of Kelso in the Scottish Borders, with convivial pubs and restaurants just a roll-cast away.
Coledale Stables Holiday Home enjoys the sophisticated, contemporary feel and offers luxurious touches you’re sure to love. The open plan living area is an incredibly inviting space, while the stylish ceiling-suspended wood burner is a vibrant statement piece, which gives the room an instant wow factor, and provides a colourful talking point.
Suitable for: friends, families, couples (no babies or infants).
Ideal for: cultural and active breaks, including fishing, golf and mountain biking.
What to do nearby: enjoy a castle visit to Floors Castle (a short walk away), or try Manderston or Abbotsford, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, within around 30 minutes’ drive. The River Tweed offers excellent salmon fishing and Kelso Golf Club and Roxburghe Championship Course are nearby too.
3. Knockinaam Lodge
Knockinaam Lodge feels very much like what it is: an award-winning Michelin-starred luxury boutique country house hotel. Step inside and you’ll find a welcoming house with a delightfully intimate and romantic atmosphere.
If the period antique furnishing, wood panelling, tartan, armchairs and vintage bathrooms with sea views don’t quite cut it for you, there are blazing log fires and an amazing dining experience to liven up a cold night.
This former shooting lodge is set in 30 acres of stunning landscape grounds stretching down to a private beach on a craggy stretch of coastline, just round the corner from Stranraer and Portpatrick in Dumfries & Galloway.
For a truly secluded vacation consider Knockinaam’s self-catering option – the contemporary Shingle Lodge.
Suitable for: couples, friends, families.
Ideal for: invigorating seaside escapes, gourmet getaways.
What to do nearby: as well as exploring local attractions such as Dunskey Castle, artisan food shops and art galleries, you can enjoy game fishing, hill walks, pony trekking, as well as visits to nearby Logan Botanic Gardens, Mull of Galloway, Culzean Castle and Galloway Forest Park to name just a few places.
4. Cuil Moss Cottage
Explore Ardgour and remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula with a stay at the gorgeous Cuil Moss Cottage on a Scottish Highland estate, only 5 minutes from the Corran Ferry in picturesque woodland and a short walk to the shores of Loch Linnhe.
Cute, cosy, romantic, and lovingly finished, this luxurious self-catering cottage underwent a full renovation, keeping all the charm of its former life as a shepherd’s bothy externally and in-keeping with its surroundings, whilst its interior is contemporary yet cosy with a log fire, patio area and luxurious bathroom – the perfect utopia to relax and unwind after a day full of fresh air.
Venture into the woodlands surrounding the cottage and you will discover your very own private wildlife watching and star gazing tower, of course complete with a mini wood burning stove. With no air pollution the dark night skies are amazing. Sit back and enjoy the peace, quiet and tranquillity day or night.
Suitable for: couples, friends (sleeps max 2).
Ideal for: wildlife watching, outdoor activities, stargazing, escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
What to do nearby: Scotland’s rugged glens, remote beaches, and dramatic scenery are right on your doorstep; you’re close to Fort William and Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, and Glencoe is a short drive away too.
5. The Hideaway Experience
Escape from everything and everyone except your favourite person at The Hideaway Experience. Designed for couples to enjoy romance and pampering, these luxury abodes offer a fab combo of luxury boutique hotel and countryside retreat.
You’ll find here a private sauna, cocktail bar, patio, hammock, gas barbeque, panoramic views and a double-sided wood burning stove – the list goes on. The lodges even offer massages and have their own mountain bikes for romantic cycles in the country.
Located in beautiful countryside less than 10 miles from Dundee, stay here to recharge your batteries or come to celebrate a special occasion or anniversary.
Suitable for: couples only.
Ideal for: romantic getaway, privacy and pampering; special celebration.
What to do nearby: nearby you’ll find Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, The McManus Gallery & Museum and Glamis Castle, while St Andrews Links Old Course is under 20 miles away.
6. Loch Seil Cottages
Loch Seil Cottages are perfect to while away long dark nights beside cosy woodburning stoves, where you can lose yourself in peace and relaxation and snuggle up with a good book.
Located in Kilninver on the stunning west coast of Scotland, just 10 miles south of Oban overlooking Loch Seil, these luxury self-catering cottages are an ideal base from which to explore this magnificent part of Scotland.
On top of the gorgeous premises, this family-run business offers an extra touch of indulgence for your holiday. Style-wise the cottages enjoy delightful interior, all complete with plenty of homey and elegant furnishings – ideal for a long winter’s hibernation. The charming Barn Cottage features a vaulted ceiling, semi-circular lounge area with fantastic views and a direct access to a private secluded garden with a burn running through it, while the other two – Rowan and Seil cottages – are equally cosy offering exceptional comforts and walled garden to enjoy sun and the views. What’s there not to love?
Suitable for: couples, friends, families.
Ideal for: unwinding and slowing the pace of life, reconnecting with nature, stunning views.
What to do nearby: there are beautiful walks direct from the cottages, with an abundance of birds and wildlife, and plenty of activities to suit all tastes within a short distance; the property is within easy reach of Mull, Iona, Coll and Tiree islands, and Glen Coe and Ben Nevis are also accessible for a day trip.
If you have never cosied up by a real fire then it is an experience to remember. Find more accommodation with a real log fire in Scotland and book your cosy retreat now.
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