Even before we turned in, simply seeing the Eagle Brae signage, you could tell that this was going to be something special – heavy, hand-carved wood, noticeable but also not an eyesore that detracts from the beautiful countryside views.
Turning in, you are faced with a long, somewhat steep driveway that gives nothing away, but simply adds to the wow factor. As you drop down over the peak of the hill, your eyes are automatically drawn to the most beautifully crafted, sustainable log cabins that, I for one, have ever seen. The reception is also hand-made and sits beside a pond, while the log cabins are spread out around the grounds, allowing their occupants to feel completely alone in the wilderness. Also drawing your attention is the breathtaking landscape, the rolling hills, the towering Munros, and the valley glens for a far as the eye can see.
A break at Eagle Brae near Inverness in Scotland is all about returning to nature, in every aspect, and if you are after a relaxing retreat not far from Inverness itself, this is the perfect hideaway whether for a couple of nights or an entire week.
The History of Eagle Brae
This piece of paradise in the Scottish Highlands opened in 2013. The luxury, eco-friendly log cabins sit on 8000 acres of land which has been owned by the family since 1934, and offers a blend of both Mike’s Scottish heritage and Pawana’s childhood home in Himachal Pradesh state situated between Kasmir and Nepal.
Eagle Brae was born out of a desire to create a relaxing environment away from modern society, where you could spend time in a peaceful, handcrafted and unique setting. Inside, each cabin has handcrafted wooden panels depicting Highland wildlife, Celtic knotwork and Pagan gods, kitchens have been designed and handmade to fit each cabin, while the traditional tartan soft furnishings have all been woven by hand.
But that’s not all.
Each cabin at Eagle Brae has also been crafted by hand using Western Red Cedar wood, one of the most durable materials on the planet, making it perfect for environmentally-conscious builders, which was a big consideration for owners, Mike and Pawana. They wanted to create a memorable experience that was also environmentally sound – materials are renewable, energy consumption minimal, thermal efficiency is superb and the lifespan of these cabins are considerable. But it’s not just the cabins themselves, the whole concept of Eagle Brae revolves around sustainability, which is why they even have their own micro, hydro turbine which generates all the electricity for the site, as well as a natural, underground spring water supply providing water to each log cabin.
For anyone worried about their carbon footprint, Eagle Brae has you completely covered.
First Impressions of our Luxury Log Cabin in the Scottish Highlands
Even before you arrive, the experience starts. Check-in here is not like a hotel or any other self-catering park holiday experience. You will receive a personalised message before you arrive, confirming which log cabin you will be staying in, when your cabin will be ready and any other information that may be important during your stay. It means that you can go straight there on arrival, and your break can start even quicker.
Pulling up outside, you instantly feel like you are alone in the woods. Not in a creepy, horror novel kind of way, but in a secluded, not-overlooked by other holidaymakers way. It gives a sense of freedom and isolation without being completely alone and is ideal for those looking for a complete break from society.
Before even walking into the log cabin, the scenery alone makes you realise just how special this place is. Where else, so close to Inverness, would your vista consist solely of mountains and forests as far as the eye can see. However, when you do cross the threshold, it feels like you have been transported into your own little corner of Narnia.
Inside Our Luxury Romantic Hideaway near Inverness
Whilst all log cabins are similar, we were staying in Parus which is the highest situated cabin in Eagle Brae and a 1-bed dwelling. As soon as you walk inside, you can see the care and attention to detail that has gone into creating this wonderful place. From the location of the wood-burning stove, designed to warm the entire cabin, to the carvings around the banister and the hamper of local produce left on the kitchen table, everything has been thoroughly considered, with no corners being cut.
On our arrival, it was cold and wet outside, but the cabin had already been warmed by the underfloor heating making it even more inviting. The sofas have been positioned in front of the woodburning stove making the whole area feel cosy while allowing for a peek out over the striking views of the mountain tops. The kitchen area has everything you could possibly need, and should you be there longer than a few days, there is a washing machine and drying room by the front door.
The bedroom in is also located downstairs and has not one but two windows looking out over the differing landscapes, a large wardrobe, beautiful bedside tables, and a small selection of books to peruse. While the bathroom next door has a large rain-head shower and an enormous bathtub, fantastic for soaking in after a day of hiking nearby.
But that’s not all.
Rather than having a TV in front of the stove which would interrupt the quiet nature of the space, there is a large TV room upstairs with two further sofas, a beautiful coffee table and a further bookshelf crammed full of books relating to Scotland, the local area, nature and various fictional reads to enjoy while you are there.
This entire space is a real treat, and one that I challenge anyone not to feel wowed by.
This isn’t just about the lodge however, it’s about the entire experience which makes this place special.
Our Personal Experience of Eagle Brae
Opening the door and letting the wintry breeze flow through allowed for the sounds of nature to filter into the lodge.
The fire may have been crackling away, and the rain may have been tapping on the roof, but it’s the bird song that we find truly relaxing and it’s here on the small hillock in the middle of the Inverness countryside, where a break in nature is exactly what we needed – a way to unwind, unplug and simply enjoy the views from the window.
I can only imagine what it would be like here in the summer months with the patio doors wide open, the sun streaming through and the smell of BBQs lingering in the air: the ever-changing colours of the tree tops giving way to the vibrant greens after the lengthy winter with its deep reds, burnt oranges and paling yellows. Currently though, with the chilly nights and the lack of light pollution, just maybe the Northern Lights will make an appearance.
This place is quiet, so quiet that you can even hear the deer chewing when they come to visit and visit they will; wandering so close to the lodges that you will be able to see their finer details and watch them as they peaceful munch their way through the grounds unafraid but remaining fully aware of their surroundings.
Perhaps it’s the fresh air, but this place has certainly worked its magic on us. After just two nights we are sad to leave but feel completely rejuvenated and ready to face the madness of the modern world once again.
Final Thoughts…
This is not your usual holiday park or log cabin retreat. There are just 10 cabins to choose from, making it a small, perfectly-formed retreat where you can either go hiking, relax with a good book, enjoy sitting outside with your coffee watching the local wildlife or head out on day trips perhaps whiskey tasting or to explore more of the nearby Scottish heritage.
Eagle Brae is a special place; one that time hasn’t forgot but where the owners have actively paused it. It’s somewhere to visit if you want to switch off, explore nature and completely relax, and one we wholeheartedly recommend everyone should experience at least once.
Eagle Brae at a glance…
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Would you visit Eagle Brae in Scotland? What do you look for in a luxury log cabin break?
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