River Cabin

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Straloch, Scotland

Luxe off-grid cabin with wood-fired hot tub on a vast estate, close to Cairngorms National Park and Highland towns (sleeps 2)

1 Bedroom

1 Bathroom

Alfresco tub

Eco conscious

Parking

Private garden

Woodburner

Space & setting.

*Brand new*

Once a basic fishing hut, this vibrant cabin on the banks of a Scottish burn is a real one-off. Its sophisticated style is more boutique than bothy nowadays — walls are splashed in bold Farrow & Ball and embellished with quirky Fired Earth tiles; curtains frame a romantic sleeping nook — but it remains fully off grid, simply solar powered.

Tucked away in a secluded corner of a 3,000-acre Highland estate, the dramatic hills behind are criss-crossed with paths leading deep into rugged landscapes, while the adjacent woodland comes alive with the chatter of fieldfares in autumn and the call of cuckoos in spring. On the wider estate, you can kayak across a loch, roam heather-clad moors or join guided nature walks. You’re also on the fringes of Cairngorms National Park for epic landscapes, and close to Pitlochry and Dunkeld for culture. As you stargaze from your wood-fired hot tub or sit by the fire reading on a rainy day, listen for the hoot of an owl and congratulate yourself on a brilliant find. This is Highlands escapism at its best.

Getting here: train to Pitlochry, then taxi (20 mins)

Formerly known as the Fishing Hut, this cabin was built around the original structure which dates to the 1950s. Lucy, who was brought up here, always loved the cabin and recognised its charm and potential. It was her dream to ‘do something with it’, and in spring 2020 she finally began the process by consulting local architect Colin Smith of Casa Architect, Aberfeldy. Planning permission was granted, but then Covid put the whole project on hold. Two years later, finding a contractor was nigh-on impossible given the backlog after Covid, but by July 2023 the work finally started. The cabin was completed in September 2024 and opened for business in October.

My Kip favourites

They love
“Having quality downtime in nature; bird watching from the hot tub and walking in the woods.”

We love
The unique exterior (American Deep South porch vibes!), and the exuberant style, designed by the owner’s interior-decorator friend Tyrella Nash (Dunville Interiors).

You may not love
Heated by woodburner only; can take a short while to warm up during winter. No TV or WiFi and a patchy phone signal; you’re here to unplug. You’ll need to drive to shops and pubs. Sorry, no children or pets.

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  • "We had a fabulous stay at this little gem. It had everything we needed and was so comfortable. We really appreciated all the special design fittings. The bed was comfy, the fire was cosy, the hot tub divine, the kitchen well equipped and the shower hot. We played games, read and enjoyed walks from the cabin. It was also a reasonably short drive to some spots we wanted to visit. We managed to bag some Munros on Friday. Thank you for a lovely stay. We would recommend it and hope to one day come back."

    Ry & Liz, October 2024
  • "Off-grid and off the charts elegant, we spent a wonderful 48 hours at the River Cabin unwinding and being totally at one with nature. Couldn’t have asked for any more, thank you."

    Anon, October 2024

Sustainability.

Totally off-grid. Solar power and shower water from a natural spring.

Surrounds.

  • River Cabin
    Walks from the cabin
  • Blair Castle via Unsplash
    Blair Castle via Unsplash
  • There are endless Highland walks on your doorstep, through woodland and wildflower meadows and across heathland and ridges roamed by wild stags.
  • From kayaking and fishing on the loch to guided nature walks, the estate offers heaps of activities for outdoor adventure. Resident chef Penny can deliver her famed Wild Picnic fayre to the cabin for you to take out and about with you.
  • The picturesque town of Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire, famed for its Festival Theatre on the banks of the River Tummel, has some incredible walks and golfing greens, or for the adrenaline-seeker, there’s abseiling, canyoning and quad bike-riding (20 mins’ drive).
  • Have a mooch around the bustling town of Dunkeld, filled with cracking eateries, independent shops and fantastic forest walks (30 mins’ drive).
  • Immerse yourself into Scottish history with a visit to Blair Castle, the fairytale-esque home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl for over 7 centuries (30 mins’ drive).
  • Go high-end shopping at House of Bruar, known as ‘Harrods of the North’ and famed for its food hall and huge range of country clothing (40 mins’ drive).

Specifics.

  • Cabin on a family-run estate
  • Open-plan layout, warmed by a woodburner
  • Curtained sleeping nook with double bed
  • Bathroom with shower and flushing loo; bathrobes and organic Highland toiletries provided
  • Well-equipped kitchen including electric fridge, two-ring gas hob, oven with grill; basic supplies provided
  • Homemade meals, Wild Picnic fayre and breakfast hampers available on request
  • Books, board games and binoculars
  • No TV or WiFi; patchy phone signal
  • Garden with wood-fired hot tub, deckchairs, firepit and Big Green Egg BBQ
  • Sorry, no children or pets
  • Solar-powered electricity + two 13 amp power sockets; no hairdryers please
  • Back-up gas-powered generator
  • The owners and housekeeper live nearby should you need anything
  • Drive to shops and pubs (10-45 mins)
  • Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay
  • Remember to pack: slippers and walking boots/wellies

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Payment: 30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations: 8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs

FAQs.

There is no additional charge for the hot tub. Please note it can take 2.5 hours to warm up. You basically fill it, light a fire, then wait and stir regularly.

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