Weird and wonderful places to stay in Scotland
TAKE A BREAK IN A BUS OR BOOKSHOP
With the country opening back up, it’s a chance to get a change of scenery. And if you choose to have a staycation, why not go for something a little unusual? There’s a host of Airbnb properties around Scotland that offer a unique break. From running your own bookshop to sleeping in your very own airship, there’s plenty of options out there… as SEAN MURPHY discovers
WIDGEON AND NEST, LAKE OF MENTEITH, STIRLING
This stunning waterside lodge in Stirling is the very definition of a chic modern space – it even includes a hot tub and sauna.
Featuring panoramic views over the lake towards ben Lomond and the Menteith Hills, the Widgeon comes with its own bannockburnWhinstone patio which sits on the lake and is perfect for an alfresco meal or drink late into the night.
Sleeping six to eight people, it also has an incredible added box room – The Nest.
Clad in larch and mirrorpolished stainless steel, the two-storey annex comes with a large bed, sofa and a unique view of the lake, making it perfect for a wee romantic escape.
THE OPEN BOOK ( BOOKSHOP WITH APARTMENT ABOVE), WIGTOWN
A book lover’s dream, the Open book is the ideal place to stay if you want to experience the thrill of running your own bookshop.
Situated in the heart of our National book Town, this intriguing listing offers the chance to play the role of bookshop owner for a week or two, as you enjoy living in the charming little apartment above the shop.
The Open book offers support from a team of volunteers to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
hoBBit hideaWay, moRay
Transport yourself to the pages of the world’s favourite fantasy book with a stay in Scotland’s very own Hobbit Hideaway.
This stunning handcrafted earth house in Moray is a little slice of a rustic paradise.
A “natural home” built using locally sourced, renewable and recycled materials including straw bales, round-wood, stone, earth and clay, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to the set of Lord of the Rings.
Ideal for four people, it even comes with its own garden for picking veg and herbs.
The whimsical listing features a babbling brook, complete with mini waterfalls and a fairy glen to enhance the magic of your stay.
THE BUS STOP, GIFFORD
Described as a “holiday experience with a difference”, these beautifully converted buses and upcycled accommodation are set within a working farm with panoramic views of the Lammermuir Hills, in the heart of the East Lothian countryside.
Offering both luxury and rustic buses, the whole family (including dogs) can enjoy 360-degree uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside and even their own hot tub. Each bus, above, comes with a wood-burning stove, while a converted stable block on-site offers a small farm larder, supplying essentials like wine, beer and ice cream.
CONVERTED DOOCOT COTTAGE, EDINBURGH
This spectacular 16th-century Dovecot Cottage is a quirky retreat for those who enjoy getting away from it all.
Located just 15 minutes walk from Edinburgh city centre and surrounded by a beautiful garden, the cottage’s most striking feature is the converted doocot which once housed hundreds of messenger pigeons.
The stone cottage accommodates up to four people and houses a double bed in the tower. A mix of old and new, it offers a modern bathroom, underfloor heating and a cosy wood burner.