Siskin cabin is situated in a pleasant glade in our woodland garden. It sleeps up to two people in a double bed, with cooking facilities, a compact dining/seating area, and a compost toilet and bucket shower in a small en suite bathroom. The comfortable, eco friendly cabin, which we designed and hand crafted, has a wood burner with firewood supplied from our own woodland. French doors open onto an outside deck with table and chairs, and a view across the wood and fields, ideal for relaxing after a day exploring the area, and maybe spotting the Red Kites swooping overhead!
There is no mains electricity, but there are low voltage lights and USB phone charger for your convenience (run from a solar charged battery). There are also rechargeable lanterns as well as a speaker to play music from your smartphone. In the kitchenette you have cooking equipment and essentials, a double gas hob, sink and storage (there is no fridge but a cooler is supplied). Fresh water, which can be heated on the gas hob or wood burner, is supplied by a foot pump. A supply of water and wood will be provided at the start of your visit. An old whisky barrel has been repurposed as a shower tray (or mini bathtub!) where you can fill the bucket with heated water for a short shower. All bedding and towels are provided, with cosy blankets to snuggle into on chilly nights while you watch the flames crackle in the wood burner. There are also books, games, and a radio to keep you entertained.
The woodland is within a 2.5 acre Permaculture Learning and Demonstration (ScotLAND) garden. This is part of a network of homes, smallholdings and community projects across Scotland which showcase what can be achieved using Permaculture, a framework for creating sustainable ways of living. The household and gardens are being transformed using Permaculture design and techniques to create an ecologically balanced habitat, and this ethos is continued in the construction of the cabin. Wherever possible low-impact materials have been used, for example, locally milled larch and sustainable certified timber, sheep's wool insulation, green sedum roof, rainwater harvesting, low VOC natural paints, organic towels and recycled wool or plastic bottle mattresses, duvets and curtains. They have been furnished with upcycled and hand-crafted items using beechwood cut and milled from the woods around you.
A stay here is ideal for people with an interest in nature, sustainable living, eco tourism, organic food growing or Permaculture. There is plenty of wildlife around, with many animals, birds and insects frequently visiting us. Guests are welcome to explore the small woodland, following the meandering paths, and relax on the log benches provided.
We are ideally located for travellers on the North Coast 500, but why not take some time to explore the Black Isle and its hidden treasures such as cycling, dolphin watching, history, woodland walks and tranquil coastal villages such as Cromarty, Avoch and Rosemarkie.
We are now taking bookings for this summer, and you can find further details about staying here and book on our AirBnB page. Or email hello@blackislepermacultureandarts.co.uk for more information about a Permaculture inspired holiday!
