Scotland is famous for its magnificent scenery and wildlife, and Eagle Brae is the perfect place to experience both first hand. Located just north of Loch Ness, these luxury log cabins are an ideal retreat from which to explore the Scottish Highlands.
First Impressions of Eagle Brae
Handily situated 20 miles from Inverness airport, it’s a beautiful drive through the countryside to Eagle Brae. You could also take one of the frequent trains to Inverness including the Caledonian Sleeper service.
Arriving at the Highlands mountain retreat, we noticed the intricate carved wooden sign standing proud outside.
Driving the short distance up to reception, we were excited to spot a stag grazing nearby. Sightings of wildlife are so frequent that there’s a book at reception where guests note what they have spotted. We were warmly welcomed by the owners, Mike and Pawana, and their gentle Bernese mountain dog, Kyla.
Eagle Brae is the result of their vision to bring a unique concept to the Highlands, with hand-built log cabins and a very personal service. Their attention to detail has really paid off, with seven stunning cedar log cabins that take self catering to a completely new level of luxury.
Eagle Brae Log Cabins
Created from the finest Western Red Cedar logs, each Highlands log cabin has been hand-built by Pioneer Log Homes of BC, using authentic Norwegian techniques. Â The cedar wood is specially sourced from sustainably managed forests in British Columbia, Canada.
This cedar wood has a beautiful grain, and apparently provides outstanding thermal performance and natural insect deterrent qualities. There are two cabin designs and some are set up slightly differently, with all being individually named.
All of the cosy log cabins have an open plan design with a superb cathedral ceiling, combined living room, kitchen and dining area plus an upper floor mezzanine.
Luxury Highlands Retreat
The smaller Higlands log cabins have a double bedroom and a bathroom downstairs and the open mezzanine room upstairs is set up as a second sitting room. Come with us on a tour of our cabin…
We stayed in Buteo, one of the larger luxury log cabins with an additional en-suite bedroom upstairs and an open plan mezzanine area. Prior to our stay, we were asked whether we preferred the bedrooms set up as twin beds or a double – it’s entirely up to you.
The cabins blend into the landscape thanks to the use of wood and the grass growing on the roof! They’re very well spaced out so you have complete privacy. Inside, they have a really cosy feel thanks to a log burning stove. Not only that, there’s adjustable underfloor heating so it feels really warm.
Pawana is originally from the Himalayas in India and her brother in law is a master wood carver. His team have created the signs and wood carvings that decorate the cabins. They epitomize the intriguing blend of Scottish and Himalayan culture, so unique to Eagle Brae.
Carbon Neutral Scottish Accommodation
Whilst having a rustic appearance, each cabin has a complete range of modern appliances, including a washing machine and vacuum cleaner. There’s also high speed broadband throughout and an office space with its own computer and printer, handy for printing out boarding passes.
Another particularity about Eagle Brae is the dedication to sustainability. It’s one of a handful of tourism destinations in the world to offer completely carbon neutral holiday accommodation.
Completely self-sufficient for all its utility and energy needs, there’s a micro-hydro scheme providing electricity and hot water, wood-pellet burners for under floor heating, and water from a natural underground source. Guests can help by recycling all rubbish where possible.
Buteo means Buzzard in Latin, and it is the only large cabin looking straight down Strathglass glen. This wide valley holds a huge variety of wildlife including otters, kingfishers, deer, badgers, hares, black grouse and golden eagles.
We had an interesting visitor on our very first morning! This cabin really is great for wildlife spotting. It’s far away from any steep slopes so would be perfect for elderly guests or those with impaired mobility.
It’s also the closest cabin to the goats paddock, so a good choice for families with young children, who’ll love playing with the friendly goats. One of their roles is as “eco-strimmers” – i.e. they trim the grass roofs!
We admired the hand-carved mezzanine balcony depicting the Lewis chessmen.
There was a complimentary welcome pack awaiting us, with Scottish shortbread, oatcakes, local beers, incense sticks, Eagle Brae’s own jelly and jams…
and most importantly…their own whisky!
The kitchen is fully equipped, with a dishwasher, microwave, and every utensil that you could possibly need. It’s possible to order around 150 grocery items, quality meats and wines through the Eagle Brae intranet.
You can also order a range of 10 tasty home-cooked meals, if you’d like a night off from cooking. We tried the wild venison stew, accompanied by green beans and sweet potatoes.
It was really delicious, and had been sourced locally. Fresh fish is also delivered once a week, and Eagle Brae keeps its own traditional Hebridean four horned sheep and rare-breed Berkshire pigs.
We enjoyed breakfast on the deck outside, taking our tea from the funky Scottish mugs – this one features the famous poet Robbie Burns.
Continuing our tour of the cabin, upstairs there’s a great view over the living area. I really liked the selection of books and magazines.
So often in holiday accommodation these are old books that people have left behind. Here they’ve deliberately chosen books that you’d actually want to read like the latest Bill Bryson.
The mezzanine would be ideal for children to play in or for luggage storage.
Whilst I would have happily slept in one of the cabin beds, they were so cute.
The upstairs bedroom is a comfy space and I got the feeling that I was sleeping in a children’s fairytale 😉
The ensuite bathroom is the only one at Eagle Brae to have both a shower and a bath. There’s also fragrant homemade soap made by Pawana.
Downstairs there’s another good sized bedroom and a bathroom with a huge power shower, rated by guests as the best shower at Eagle Brae.
Highlands Estate
The 8,000 acre Struy Estate, where Eagle Brae is located has been owned by Mike’s family since the 1930s. It’s a beautiful area of Scotland in which to relax or to enjoy all the activities on offer nearby. Next to Reception, there’s a lake which attracts many birds and a decked outdoor seating area.
Inside Reception, guests can help themselves to complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate, make a note of the animals that they have spotted or purchase a Himalayan Nehru jacket. These are entirely hand-made: hand sheared, hand spun, hand woven and hand tailored.
Highlands Activities
The cabins are so homely that you may never want to leave, yet if you tear yourself out there’s lots to do in the area. There are some incredible Scottish Highlands attractions including Plodda Falls, Glen Strathfarrar’s forest and grassland and nearby Loch Ness.
There are also several munros, or Scottish mountains over 3,000ft high within close reach. Wildlife and bird spotting is easy from the comfort of your log cabin and Eagle Brae can arrange a variety of other activities.
These include salmon and trout fishing, canoeing and kayaking, archery, golf, pony trekking and camera stalking. Similar to stalking with a rifle, pictures are shot, not animals.
We were fortunate to try out dog sled riding. This once in a lifetime experience is led by Olympic contenders, Leask Racing Sleddogs. In fact Eagle Brae has just hosted an International Federation of Sleddog Sports World Cup Race.
Final Thoughts About Eagle Brae
For a truly unique and personal experience in the Scottish Highlands, there’s nowhere better than Eagle Brae. Guests return time after time, and I can certainly see why. Try it and you’ll fall for its many charms.
And if you’re interested in log cabin stays, check out these lodges with hot tubs in Cumbria.
Eagle Brae, Struy, Beauly, Inverness-shire IV4 7LE, Scotland
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We were guests of Eagle Brae for the purposes of this review.
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I was so lucky, Ira! The cabins really do blend in perfectly with that gorgeous scenery
Lucky you indeed, Suze!! <3
xoxo
Oooh Suze, it looks so cute and cozy and romantic. The wood carvings are gorgeous and the dog sledding must have been a real highlight!
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
It was very romantic with the log burner and that view. The dog sledding was amazing, gives an adrenaline rush like skiing!
The Cabin looks so cool! perfect romantic getaway
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
It’s a brilliant getaway Candice, though I was surprised how easy it was to get to
Woow…this is simple but amazing place 🙂
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Sometimes simple is the most luxurious ;-0
what a spectacular place to spend the week-end, my dear…
Must see Scotland one day
kisses
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It was totally spectacular, and the scenery was incredible
In that case you’d both love it, and it’s a brilliant idea for a birthday present!
spectacular.That place is so beautiful
So right, it is stunning isn’t it
Those cabins do look straight out of a very fairytale! SO cozy!! Thanks so much for sharing, Suze. I’m definitely going to recommend this to a few friends who are planning a trip to Scotland next year.
Happy travels 🙂
Your friends will love it, Lauren – it’s so magical and there’s a lot to do nearby
I love the highlands and would love to go back. The cabins look amazing, the perfect retreat. The dog is gorgeous as well
Kyla the dog was such a sweetheart, very cuddly!
Kyla, the gentle Bernese mountain dog, looks absolutely adorable! A lot of breaks are described as ‘relaxing’, however this one truly does look as though it’d serve as a wonderful break 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x
She’s gorgeous, she’ll come to the cabins looking for food but only if you want her to
This looks wonderful – I’m very tempted to book up right now!
Ooh you should Suzanne, I guarantee you will love it. Where else can you see animals right outside your door and do dog sledding with Olympic contenders!
Rustic luxury perfection!
It totally is, Emma!
We have stayed in a few cabin hideaways, the best was over Christmas last year. This looks lovely, what a beautiful location and wow for the wildlife. Brilliant that they are carbon neutral too. I would love to visit other parts of Scotland, I have only visited Glasgow and Edinburgh Lucy x
The Highlands are beautiful, we were really blown away by the foliage, the wildlife and the mountains or munros as they’re called
so beautiful! this looks like an amazing experience 🙂
xx Sera | STARDUSTBOHEMIAN.COM
Log cabins in Scotland made by a B.C manufacturer! Great to hear that our province’s expertise is being exported to Scotland :-). They sure do look cozy. And the birdwatching looks like it would be good too…
Truly gorgeous and your photos capture the essence of a lovely look 😉 http://www.bauchlefashion.com
This looks like such a unique and wonderful place to stay 🙂 I like how the decor is very wooden and earthy! The st bernard is the cutest thing! Also, have you changed your hair color? It looks lovely!
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
I accidentally changed hair colour, I’ve had it toned down a bit since 😉 The St Bernard dog was adorable, a gentle giant
This cabin is so cute, I want to stay there
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
I want to move in 😉 Have a great weekend, Laura
Such a lovely piace, truly Amazing …. I love the se pics!!!!
xo Paola
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Thanks Paola, it was very photogenic!
What a gorgeous place! It looks like a dream, a movie! You are so lucky to have been able to stay at this cosy cabin. Perfect to disconnect from daily life.
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It was a great place to disconnect, but with the reassurance of high speed wifi when we needed it!
Wow! Amazing pictures!! Great places!!
Xoxo,
Love from www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Glad you liked them Trang
So gorgeous and cozy! It looks like they have thought of everything! I love all of the amenities as well as the beautiful landscape. Great post!
Http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
They really did put so much thought into everything and I love the fact that it was eco friendly too
What a fabulous review! Sounds amazing <3
Chiara
http://www.culturewithcoco.com
That’s very kind Chiara, thanks for stopping by
These pictures are absolutely amazing! Seeing them, I would love to visit Scotland!
Fashion Soup
Scotland really is stunning, I definitely recommend a visit to the Highlands and Eagle Brae
My gosh this retreat is so stunning! I love scotland <3! The interiors look so cosy as well!
Serene | I Am Serene L
I was surprised how warm and cosy it was, a great place to come back to after a day of walking or sight seeing
Oh my! the place is so breathtaking
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Gorgeous. Suze! That last shot is amazing. Perfect timing.
Thanks V, we actually saw a few rainbows – the sky is so clear up there. Great for spotting stars at night too
Such a dreamy place! Luxurious yet cozy! Baci,
Coco et La vie en rose fashion blog – Valeria Arizzi
It certainly ticks all the boxes, Coco!
How lovely, right in my neck of the woods! Can wait to get back up there!
Ooh luck you, Claire having family up there! Such a beautiful region
It’s quite unique and I was so lucky to visit it! Enjoy your weekend too, Danielle
What a marvelous trip, what a marvelous time! I love the blending of cultures and in the inclusion of nature is this obviously exquisite setting. A thing I often love about your posts is the inclusion of animals within them. The goats, I just got can’t over how precious they are. I would visit if only to see them!
XOXO
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It’s always a treat for me to see animals as we live right in the city. This was a great place to find them and the mix of cultures was really enriching too
Wow, this place looks amazing! The environment is stunning, and the cabins with the grass on the roof are so cute!
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Stairway to Heaven…
Amazing photos, this palce looks gorgeous
Adela Acanski
Suze this looks absolutely incredible! What a glorious place to find in Scotland; though I have to say I don’t think I would ever leave the cabins…!
Lauren xx | The Lifestyle Diaries
This looks beautiful. Makes me want to go on vacation.
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