An incredible treehouse and luxury bothy in native woodland, near Trossachs National Park (sleeps 2 + 4)
The Bothy, Lanrick Estate
The Treehouse (Pipit), Lanrick Estate
Space & setting.
On the banks of the River Teith, this pair of woodland hideaways provides a welcome reset from today’s rush-around world. Shaded by a tall pine and with marshmallow-moss coating the ground below, the canopy-grazing treehouse riffs on the woodland which surrounds it. This couple’s retreat is elevated in every sense of the word; towering 20 feet off the ground and with fabrics and luxe detail worthy of a boutique hotel. In a nearby clearing, a traditional Scottish bothy is given a contemporary spin to provide a brand-new space for wholesome family holidays, with bunk beds made from an old sycamore tree blown down in a storm. But it’s the little luxuries that prompt the big wows. From underfloor heating and alfresco copper bathtubs by London Encaustic to handmade Siabann toiletries and optional fridge-fillers from the nearby farm shop, it’s impossible to resist the urge to nest here.
There’s no WiFi, and your satnav won’t help much with directions, making a holiday here an adventure from the off — and a wildly romantic one at that. The estate borders idyllic Trossachs National Park so you can hike up mountains and kayak across glassy lochs by day, then share a moonlit bath on your private decking by night or find peace, heat and quiet in the magical woodland sauna.
Getting here: drive, or train to Stirling/Dunblane then taxi (15 mins)
“The land has been in my family for years, a traditional mix of native Scottish forestry, parkland and mixed farmland. Four generations still call it home, including my 101 year-old-grandmother! Having run my own design and build business in London for years, I wanted to combine my architectural skill with childhood nostalgia; I spent my youth playing amongst this ancient woodland, building dens and treehouses.” Owner, Simon
Sensitivity to the environment was very important to us both: we wanted to diversify the land but with minimal human impact on the eco system, and we felt treehouses were the best way to do this. My background is African safaris, so my experiences of staying in luxury camps and lodges in the bush were perfect inspiration for beautiful interiors.” Owner, Louisa
She loves
“Sitting out on the deck watching the sunrise, drinking a coffee and listening to the amazing birdsong… and when lucky, seeing red squirrels playing in the trees.”
We loved
The soothing Scandi-inspired interiors and bathing alfresco in the early morning light.
You might not love
You’re not totally secluded — the treehouses are in a row, spread up a hill), but you’re not overlooked and the balconies are screened for privacy. Only 1 bedroom apiece; kids sleep on a sofabed in the lounge. Sorry, no dogs. You’ll need to drive to pubs, shops and restaurants.
Sustainability.
Using locally sourced, renewable materials for the build and interiors has kept the carbon footprint to a minimum. Air source heating combined with the excellent insulation makes the treehouses incredibly energy efficient, with the only input being low levels of electricity.
Surrounds.
- Explore the estate, acres of native Scottish forestry and parkland. Pack a picnic from The Smiddy farm shop and try to find the hidden ‘Stone Tree’…
- Retreat to the stunning woodland sauna, buried beneath a mound of earth and complete with a plunge pool, best enjoyed after a restorative Swedish massage (which you can book on site).
- Laze on the banks of the Teith, watching for otters, red kites, osprey and the flash of a kingfisher’s iridescent feathers if you’re lucky.
- Between February and October, Louisa can organise fishing lessons with a local ghillie for trout and salmon.
- Take an early morning hike up Ben Ledi in Trossachs National Park, then fuel up with lunch at arty Mhor 84. In the afternoon, kayak across the lochs or go wild swimming.
- Bring bikes and cycle round Loch Venachar, stopping for a delicious lunch at Venacher Lochside.
Specifics.
- A treehouse and a bothy in a woodland clearing, part of a vast estate
- Pipit:
- Underfloor heating
- Bedroom with super-kingsize bed
- Bathroom with walk-in shower or bath tub, plus outdoor bath
- Bathrobes, Siabann toiletries and bubble bath
- Open-plan living area warmed by a woodburner; the sofa converts to a sofabed for 2 kids
- Kitchen with electric hobs and Bosch combi oven; basics provided
- The Bothy:
- 2 bedrooms: 1 kingsize + 2 single bunks
- Bathroom with shower
- Outdoor copper bath
- Fully-equipped kitchen including oven, electric hob, fridge, microwave and dishwasher; basics provided
- Open plan living/dining area warmed by a wood-burner
- Outdoor decking with electric BBQ, fire pit and seating
- Welcome pack from the local farm shop
- Prebook food hampers and easy meals (eg build your own burgers)
- Walking maps, Bananagrams, cards and battery candles
- Outdoor terrace with dining furniture and BBQ
- Woodland sauna
- Swedish massage available on request
- No WiFi but 4G is good
- Travel cot and highchairs to borrow
- Sorry, no dogs allowed
- A caretaker lives across the fields
- Drive to pubs, shops and restaurants
- Booking conditions: min 2 nights
- Remember to pack: wellies