A Scottish retreat at Eagle Brae
Following the success of our Hampshire retreat last Summer, myself and nine other bloggers were over the moon to be invited to the Highlands last week for a stay at Eagle Brae. For those who haven’t heard of Eagle Brae before, their website states –“Eagle Brae is a luxurious hideaway in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. With breath-taking scenery, untamed wilderness, magnificent wildlife, hand-crafted log cabins and all the comforts of home, our luxury log cabins in Scotland offer an unforgettable Highland getaway unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.”
And having read that, and seen some of their stunning photographs, I was more than happy to get on a train (which due to train strikes became 5 trains!) and make the 7.5 hour journey North. Despite the stress and panic of cancelled trains and numerous diversions, as we approached the Highlands and I looked out of the window, I literally felt all of that stress just melt away. The views were spectacular!
After a 45 minute drive from Inverness station, tucked away off a peaceful country lane, we arrived at Eagle Brae and we were itching to check in and see our cabin!
We were met by hosts at reception, Mike and Pawana, who gave us a lovely warm welcome before helping us to our cabins. Our cabin was the Loxia and is Eagle Braes most popular cabin.
Loxia sits at the end of its own private pond towards the hills above Erchless castle in the distance. In a quiet, secluded spot, set amongst the birch trees, it is genuinely one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
The attention to detail on the exterior is flawless, with Himalayan wood carvings and grass insulated roofs.
I love that each cabin has its own private decking area to enjoy, adorned with the most perfect little touches.
Each cabin is sustainably sourced and lovingly hand made, something which is reflected both inside and out. Made from red cedar wood, each cabin feels beautifully authentic and the inside was so carefully thought out.
With a huge open plan living, dining and kitchen area, it felt both cosy and spacious. With underfloor heating and a log burning stove, it was lovely and warm and made us feel instantly at home.
The kitchens are well equipped with just about everything you could possibly need, including all of those little extras which make the cabins so luxurious.
It was lovely to see a hamper of goodies waiting for us too, including shortbread, Scottish tablet, crackers, whisky and beer.
Loxia sleeps 6 people, with one bedroom and en suite upstairs and one bedroom downstairs with a large bathroom.
There are also two beds on the balcony, tucked away in the recess and draped with curtains for privacy. I can just imagine how excited my children would be to sleep in these beds!
Also upstairs is a desk with computer, scanner and printer, which is perfect for those who need to work during their stay. Not that we used it, we were all in agreement that our stay at Eagle Brae was purely to relax!!
I love how each of the cabins has such character, from the decorations which grace the walls to the thoughtful additions to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Whilst many of the cabins include taxidermy, which certainly isn’t for everyone, Loxia has none. It did have the most stunning light feature made firm deer antlers, something which simply added to its charm and authenticity.
Eagle Brae offer a number of services to their guests, from locally sourced wines, groceries and home made meals. We were very lucky to sample some of these on our first night and let me tell you, they were delicious! Having never tried venison before, I was a little apprehensive, but the venison curry was one of the tastiest things I have ever tried, alongside the pork belly and scotch bonnet cassoulet and a vegetarian lasagne.
That night as we walked back to our cabin, we all looked up in disbelief at the amount of stars in the sky! Never have I seen a sky so clear, and I think we all felt a little over whelmed at just how beautiful that was, and how lovely it was to share that together.
Waking the next morning to the most stunning views made getting out of bed so much easier! We couldn’t wait to explore our surroundings and breathe in some of that fresh Scottish air.
Even thought there are six cabins at Eagle Brae, and three more currently being built, it genuinely felt as though we were the only people out there. There is something so peaceful and still about the location, and I think we all walked around completely mesmerised at every turn.
As a blogger, and an enthusiastic photographer, I think we were all in our element at just how photographic Eagle Brae is! As beautiful as it was in the Winter, I would love to see it through the Autumn and Spring, I imagine colours would be breathtaking!
One of my favourite things about Eagle Brae, and a memory which will always stay with me, is the deer. Although I have seen fleeting glances of deer in the wild, I have never seen so that close up, and that was pretty special.
Eagle Brae also have goats and two of the most adorable, and photogenic, Bernese Mountain dogs I have ever seen!
One thing that really stood out to me was how much effort has gone into making Eagle Brae one of very few tourism destinations in the world which continually strives to offer carbon neutral holiday accommodation.
Eagle brae is totally self sufficient for all of its utility and energy needs and it’s evident that they strive to be a leading member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme. In a world where many are trying to make a fast buck, for Eagle Brae there is no cutting corners, no sacrifice of their beliefs and genuinely, not one single negative that I could share with you.
After three wonderful days I was so sad to have to leave behind our little cabin in the woods and those beautiful surroundings. I could easily have stayed for longer, if not the entire Winter!
Arriving home I couldn’t help but feel I was changed somehow by the magic of Scotland. I felt far less stressed, a lot more relaxed, and happier than I had felt in months. There is something so special about Scotland, but something even more special about Eagle Brae.
** We were invited to stay at Eagle Brae as part of a press trip to Inverness. All words and opinions are my own **
Wasn’t it the most beautiful place? Looking back at it, makes me want to instantly go back. I agree it would be lovely to see it in the spring time too x
Me too, it feels like forever ago already doesn’t it? xx
Great pictures!
#coolmumclub
Katelynn, hampersandhiccups.com
Thank you! xx
I need to go to Scotland, the pictures and breathtaking and I love the cabin, very rustic and comfortable at the same time. A nice place for one to be in tune with nature.
Oh you do! It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth! I’d move there in a flash! xx
Oh my goodness what an absolutely gorgeous looking place. Your photos have brought it alive, especially the deer, what a special sight. I would love to visit, it looks wonderful.
It was absolutely stunning Nichola!! I have never visited the highlands before but I think I’d move up there tomorrow. I loved it! xx
It looks like its from a film! I hope you had a wonderful time, it sure looks like you did 🙂 x
It felt like it, I have never been anywhere quite as peaceful! xx
Oh Laura – this is the 3rd post I’ve read about this amazing trip. Someone put me on a plane and deposit me there now please. never mind a holiday – that is like my dream home. I’ve looked them up as I’d love to go there. Beautiful photos. Sarah Stockley
Ahh thank you Sarah, you would love it up there, the opportunities for photos are endless!! I would gladly have moved in and never left! xx
Oh my goodness what an absolutely beautiful place does this look like, I have to admit I have never been to Scotland and yet it is somewhere I would love to go. Eagle Brae looks absolutely beautiful and I can see why Loxia is their most popular cabin it is straight out of a book.
It really was like a fairytale cabin! I had never visited the highlands before but it was so worth the trip! Scotland is stunning, you should go! xx
I definitely want to! My birth family is part Scottish so I think I definitely need to make the time and head up there and explore a little, I may just have to look into renting one of these cabins!
Ahh you should, I honestly can’t recommend them enough. xx
Eagle Brae looks like the most amazing place to stay and so good that they are green and really committed to what they do. My hubby would be very happy photographing those deer and my girls woudl be cuddling the dogs. Mich x
It was just beautiful Michelle, I can’t tell you how relaxed I felt up there! It was the perfect location for a photographer, I took over 400 photos! xx
I cannot get over the quality of these beautiful pictures. This place looks breathtaking!! The mountain dog is also very cute. Looks like you had an awesome time!
Ahh thank you! I loved taking them, there is just so much to see and capture! The dogs were adorable, I wanted to bring one home, hehe! xx
MY goodness it looks beautiful and sounds so amazing! I loveeeee deer! I will have to check this place out because it just looks so magical!
My husband would LOVE to go here (as would I!) he is forever saying he wants to go to scotland on holiday, or move to the highlands…I’m not quite sure that’d ever happen, but I could definitely manage a few nights here. Beautiful Laura.
Thanks for sharing with #coolmumclub
Ahh I feel the same as your husband, I would pack up and go in a flash! It’s just stunning and I can’t recommend it enough! xx
Oh wow! How simply unbelievable! Stunning.
Amy, we all just walked around in awe for the three days I think! It’s one of, if not the, most beautiful places I’ve ever been. xx
Oh my gosh! This is my kinda place! How far away from Edinburgh is this? We’re coming for a little mini moon and this would be perfect!
It was amazing! I think its around 3.5 hours drive from Edinburgh, it’s way north! Worth a visit though! xx
I absolutely love Scotland! I have studied in Edinburgh and live in Glasgow! I have never been up North but it sounds wonderful! your pictures are beautiful!
Thank you! I have never been that far north before but I wouldn’t hesitate to go again. It was breathtaking! xx
Your stay looks absolutely stunning and your photos are gorgeous. I bet it’s an amazing feeling to wake up to those views.
Thank you. Oh it was lovely to wake up to those views, I didn’t want to leave! xx
Laura, these photos are unreal! Bet the air felt good to breathe in there (thats such an old lady thing to say!)
Thank you! Haha we all actually said that about the air, it was so weird, you could just tell how pure it was? xx
The photos are amazing. The cabin looks very nice and cozy too. I wouldn’t mind staying there
Thank you! It was absolutely stunning! xx
That’s a long train ride! I would love to go hang out with some other bloggers! If nothing else the landscape is gorgeous.
Yes it was! Worse as the one day I needed to travel and the trains went on strike! xx
This is breathtaking! Scotland has always been a dream of mine!
Oh you should go, it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth! x
Such beautiful pictures, looks like a gorgeous place! The cabin looks super cosy!
It was lovely and cosy, I loved the log burner! xx
This honestly looks like a magical place to stay. It’s the kind of place I’d actually love to spend Christmas!xo
Oh me too Sophia, I bet it would be just magical! xx
I absolutely love Scotland! We go nearly every year and it’s one of my absolute favourite places. The lodge looks beautiful and the place itself looks magical! I can’t believe that Deer!!! How close you were!
Rachael xx
Me too, I think its my absolute favourite place! The deer were SO close! Some of them were quite tame! xx
OMG this looks amazing! I stay in Scotland and Inverness isn’t far from us, a few hours in the car. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Will def have to look it up and see about staying 🙂
Oh your really should, Im sure you would love it! xx
This looks wonderful, my grandchildren live in Scotland so maybe I should say at this place #thatfridaylinky@_karendennis
Oh I am sure they would love to go and stay there! Those little beds are just perfect for little ones! xx
Wow that cabin looks absolutely insane, I’d love to head somewhere like this which feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere. I’ll definitely have to check this out for a trip away x
Yes I loved that! It felt so secluded and yet just a short drive away there was Loch Ness and Inverness and lots of lovely villages. xx
This seems like such a perfect place for a break away! The pictures have got me planning my trip in my head already! X
It was exactly what we needed after the madness of Christmas. It’s impossible to feel stressed in that setting! xx
This looks so lovely, your pictures are just stunning. What a beautiful place to stay, thanks for sharing.
Thank you, it was amazing! Im so gutted we had to leave! xx
Laura, the cabin looks amazing and your photos are just gorgeous! I’ve never really wanted to go to Scotland, but your post and photos are giving me LIFE!
Really lovely post babe!
Ahh thank you so much Lucie! I can’t recommend it enough, it was just beautiful!! xx
That looks amazing. I have friends in Aberdeen and we once went up that way for a few days which was amazing. Need to go back!
It was such a lovely few days, I love Scotland! I’ve never been to Aberdeen, must try it! xx
Oh Laura this place is magical and it looks like your in Norway instead of Scotland, I love it 🙂 I must mention to my friend who lives in Scotland she would love to stay here and so would i 🙂
Yes that’s how it felt! It really didn’t feel as though we were in this country at all! I would recommend it to anyone! xx
First, I would claim one of the beds in the corner with the drapes. This cabin is beautiful and so is the land. I used to do cabin trips with groups of friends and they were always such a good weekend.
Oh those beds are gorgeous aren’t they! We had the best time together, it was just beautiful! xx
This looks absolutely magical Laura! Just the getaway needed for us stressed out mamas for a big of a reboot. I do need something like this right now. Thanks for linking this up to #coolmumclub my lovely xoxo
It really was! We deserve a break every now and then don’t we? Thank you for hosting. xx
Oh this trip sounds wonderful! I live further north than Inverness but till now hadn’t actually heard of Eagle Brae – it looks fab!
Oh Im so jealous, I have totally fallen in love with the highlands! xx
Eagle Brae seems like a very peaceful place. I love your shots! That dog is so adorable!
It really is the best, I think I’ve found my happy place! xx
Oh Laura it looks amazing! Your photos are bloody outstanding. Take me next time please!
Hahah I’ll pack you in my suitcase next time Jenna! xx
I think the best part of staying at Eagle Brae is that its a home away from home, the pictures are awesome, feel like visiting this place right now!
Yes I totally agree, it was so welcoming and cosy! We didn’t want to leave! xx
Oh, my God, I’m so in love with this place, the scenario looks fascinating, comfortable and so warm, I would like to spend some time in a place like that, you had a good time there, I loved the pics.
Me too! It’s impossible to feel anything other than relaxed when you’re there! Just beautiful! xx
How beautiful is that place? Just utterly stunning! So glad you got to get away and have a break. I have been looking for something like this to stay in in Scotland, so thanks so much for the inspiration too! 🙂
Thanks Emma. It was the perfect place to unwind! xx
Wow wow wow. That’s looks truly amazing. I’m to Scotland this February. And I wish I had seen this before I booked. And that dog it looks truly amazing.
Oh you should definitely considerer it for future trips! The dogs were adorable, I wanted to take one home with me! xx
This looks absolutely amazing, and those photos are just so gorgeous. It really does sound like the perfect place to take a break from it all.
It was amazing, I feel quite sad that we had to come home!! xx
Your excellent description transferred me to the place itself. I would love to stay at a cabin that looks so warm and cozy
Oh it’s just gorgeous, and it really was so cosy and warm! xx
Oh my goodness, it looks divine! Such lovely photos too x
Thank you Lorna, it was perfect! xx
What an absolute wonderful place! I want to visit Scotland soon and I will definitely try to book this magnificent house!
It was gorgeous Georgia, I can’t recommend it enough! xx
This is the sort of Scotland experience I would love to have. I really have no idea where to go or what to see and this is a good tip, I shall read more about the area. Lovely photos.
It’s gorgeous Janet! I have a second post coming out today about what we did when we were up there! xx
the whole things looks amazing, the lodge and the views. I would love to visit with my kids – they love exploring the outdoors.
Me too, there is so much to explore and they would love to see the deer! xx
What a fantastic opportunity to visit and stay at such a beautiful log cabin. The views are spectacular and the photographs look like picture postcards.
Thank you Nayna, it was amazing and the perfect place to photograph! xx
That looks like such a magical place, I would love to escape there with my family for a few nights.
It’s gorgeous Jenny. I’m not sure how relaxing it would be if I took my children, hopefully the fresh air would knock them out! xx
What a gorgeous place to stay. I have always wanted to explore Scotland.
You should, it’s the most amazing place and SO relaxing! xx
What a stunning location. The lodge is pretty special too. Seeing deer that close must have been amazing.
It was amazing Claire, I’ve never seen deer so close before! xx
Oh wow Eagle Brae sounds so amazing! I love the decor and how cozy everything looked. And those views wow!
Yes the views are just priceless, I miss waking up to that view! xx
This place is so magical! Such a good place for a retreat – if only it was closer to me! Definitely will have to check it out when I’m there.
Its definitely worth a visit! It’s stunning! xx
This retreat camp is so beautiful and peaceful. I would love to visit. Thanks for sharing.
It was beautiful, I felt completely relaxed for the first time in months! xx
Sounds like an incredibly well spent three days, I love Scotland and would be awesome to take my parents here for there 30th anniversary, love that they are leading the way in being a green business and looking out for the environment.
Oh it would be the perfect place to treat your parents. They are stunning cabins and there is no better setting that’s for sure! xx
I followed your trip with interest as fell in love with Scotland last year and would love to travel farther North next time. I would love to see the deer up close and the accommodation is quite stunning
I’m the same Kara, totally in love with Scotland and now I have seen the highlands I just want to explore even more of it! I’m hoping to visit some of the islands this year! xx
That is just stunning. It’s my dream holiday. Beautiful!
It was mine too! I want to go back! xx
If I’m honest, I’m just jealous, jealous, jealous. Would love to have been part of it, especially as Scottish parents are always looking for accommodation just a few hours drive away. They don’t want to go miles with wee ones for a good experience.
Haha to be fair I would have been super jealous too had I seen it, it was the most perfect break and I can’t pretend otherwise! xx
Despite those terrible delays in travel it must have been so worth it in the end. Those photos are exactly how I picture the highlands in my mind and teaming up with the beautiful log cabin is an absolute dream.
It really was worth it, I’ve never stayed somewhere quite as lovely as that! xx
What a stunning looking place!!! We are looking at holidaying in Scotland this year (so we can take our dog with us) instead of Centreparcs.
I am looking all around for places at the minute and seeing your photographs make me want to see Scotland even more than I thought.
That Stag is just glorious…. oh and who wouldn’t want to stay in that cabin!! I know I would x
Ahh Scotland is perfect for dogs Tanya, there are countless walks and the cabins allow dogs to stay too! I can’t recommend Scotland enough! xx
Oh wow how amazing was this!! Lucky you. I love the fact that you got close to nature and that welcome basket was lovely x
Thanks Melanie, some of the deer were quite tame with being born at the cabins. It was just lovely! xx
This looks wonderful. Scotland is on my travel list for the coming years and this place looks amazing.
It’s stunning Nadia, I’ve never had a trip to Scotland and not enjoyed it! xx
What a gorgeous place!! I would love to relax with a cup of tea and a book there
It was the perfect stay for relaxing! xx
the cabin is absolutely beautiful! I absolutely love how youve captured the deer, it’s stunning
Thank you Nicol. xx
What a totally beautiful place. I’d visit in a flash if it wasn’t so far from Cardiff! Your photos are superb as usuall – particularly the one of that lovely doggy.
Some of the girls travelled from South Hampton in our group Linda, they flew in just over an hour! And thank you, the dogs were SO photogenic! xx
Looks a fab place to visit stunning photos Thank you for linking to #Thatfridaylinky please come back next week
It was beautiful Nige, I can’t recommend it enough! xx
Wow, what a beautiful place <3 Loving the cabin vibes 😀
It was stunning, my new favourite place! xx
Oh Laura you photos are stunning! I really want to go back with the kids as I am sure they would love it! Such. beautiful place and so relaxing. Please take me back! x
Ahh thank you, it was just the best wasn’t it! My children are desperate to go too, they aren’t happy that Mummy got to see deer and they didn’t! xx
The views are stunning and breathtaking. I like places like that, so relaxing and peaceful. I would love to visit and never leave the place.
Oh me too, I was gutted to have to leave! xx
Waw what a stunning place! I’ve never been one to go on “retreats” as such but looking through the photos and hearing your opinion on your stay makes me want to now! It just looks so cosy! X
It was lovely Whitney, and exactly what we all needed after a stressful Christmas! xx
Wow what an absolutely beautiful place and cabin! Steve has always wanted to stay in a cabin in Scotland and this looks like the perfect place
If you’re going to stay in a cabin in Scotland then this is definitely the best choice! xx
Oh my gosh. This is like my ideal holiday, I am SO jealous! Haha. It looks stunning!
Haha it was amazing Sarah! I can’t lie! xx
Oh my goodness what a stunning place to stay and they seem to have thought of everything you need whilst there x
They really did, it was a real home from home! xx
This just looks absolutely amazing! I am desperate to go and stay there!!!
It was amazing Lisa, I would recommend it to anyone! xx
What an absolutely stunning place to visit! I love everything about that place – I am going to suggest to my husband we take a trip south to visit it one day!
Oh you would love it Im sure! It was just perfect! xx
Oh my god, this is stunning! Genuinely my idea of heaven, I’m so jealous.
Bet those delays were a distant memory when you arrived, beautiful!
Katie xoxo
They really were, I’ve never felt my stress disappear so fast! xx
Oh wow what a gorgeous place to stay! How cute are the little beds in the recess with the curtains, I’d want to sleep in one of those. The area looks absolute stunning and so relaxing, I can imagine every bit of stress just floating away instantly
They really are the cutest aren’t they? I can imagine my children tucked up in there! xx
Oh wow. Looks like an amazing place to stay. When I went to Scotland we saw deer and it was so magical. Your photos look fantastic.
Thank you Rachel. Scotland really does have a magical feel to it! xx
It looks so beautiful out there. It must have been an amazing trip there. It does look so beautiful. And I know what you mean about venison. I was apprehensive at first, but it’s one of the most amazing tasting meats I have ever had.
Isn’t it just? I absolutely loved it, it’s so tender and tasty. Im not sure I would know how to cook it myself! xx
oh wow what a beautiful place! I have never heard of Eagle Brae but I am off to do some research as I love discovering new places in Scotland!
Im sure you would love it just as much as we did! x
Eagle Brae really does look utterly breathtaking! The cabin almost looks like it’s from a fairy tale book. Although I live in the North of England I’ve never actually been to Scotland, I really need to after seeing this.
It really was like a fairy tale Helen, I didn’t want to come home! xx
What beautiful views and that cabin is like taken out of a good book or novel. The attention to details is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
It was perfect Wanda, I just couldn’t fault it! xx
This looks incredible. Are you able to take dogs? I couldn’t see if they were able to stay? x
Yes you can! It’s perfect for dogs up that way! xx
We love your photos of Eagle Brae and it looks so remote and beautiful. The perfect retreat! We’ve never been that far north but would love to go and escape the daily grind x
Oh you should try it. It’s the furthest north we have been but I can’t wait to explore the highlands further! xx
Wow, what an amazing place to stay! I’d love to explore more of Scotland. The surroundings and scenery look absolutely beautiful. Stunning photos too! Polly x #FabFridayPost
Thanks Polly. I love Scotland, it’s just the most relaxing place we’ve ever been I think! Not sure how relaxing it would be there with my kids in tow…! xx
What an absolutely STUNNING retreat and your photos are beautiful! x
ahh thank you so much lovely xx
Popping back from #FabFridayPost (love this)
Thank you Su! xx
What an amazing place to stay. I would love to escape to a place like this x
It really was the most relaxing trip I’ve ever had! xx
Sounds lovely and the photos are stunning! #fabfridaypost
Thank you lovely xxx
This is a beautiful place to stay at. It must have been amazing. So peaceful and relaxing. What a great getaway.
It was SO relaxing, I didn’t want to come home! xx
I want to be one of these nine bloggers, ’cause this place is really perfect! And I really like your jacquard sweater, I had knit the similar recently 😉 Check on my blog!
The White Ocean
Haha thanks Lena, we are very lucky that’s for sure! And thank you! I’ll check it out! xx
Oh I miss Scotland so much! These pictures are fabulous and they take me back!
Thank you Kat! I’m missing it already! xx
OMG! This place looks too good to be true! I loved each and every photograph of yours and the decor is just brilliant!
Thank you! It’s the most gorgeous place!! xx
Wow what an absolutely stunning place! I can’t believe you left 😉 xx
Haha I know!! I really didn’t want to! xx