Imagine a Scottish fairy story the place wood cabins are scattered on Highland hillsides and crimson deer graze at your step. This magical place is Eagle Brae Log Cabins within the coronary heart of Strathglass.
Since 2013, this 8,000-acre Highland property has been delivering extra than simply lodging ever since. With simply ten Western Red Cedar cabins, the exceptional Eagle Brae eco-resort has been purposely designed for a luxurious wilderness expertise demonstrating that trendy consolation can coexist with environmental stewardship. I had the pleasure of spending two nights at Eagle Brae, and I’m excited to share this distinctive expertise with you.
Hillside views from Aquila log cabin at Eagle Brae
About Eagle Brae Log Cabins
How It All Began
Mike first met Pawana on considered one of his many journeys via Himachal Pradesh, the mountainous Indian state between Kashmir and Nepal. Her household ran a guesthouse in a distant village, and it was there that their story started. They fell in love, married, and ultimately settled in Jersey, the place they raised two youngsters.
Though Mike grew up on “The Rock,” his roots hint again to Scotland. Originally from the Highlands, his household has owned land there for the reason that Nineteen Thirties — a wild, bracken-filled expanse that might someday be remodeled into beautiful Highland log cabins.
After eight years of planning and creation, Eagle Brae log cabins opened its doorways in 2013, bringing to life the imaginative and prescient of Mike and Pawana Spencer-Nairn.
Eagle Brae Story
Where Is Eagle Brae
Located 13 miles west of Beauly, Eagle Brae lies between Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar, about 25 miles from Inverness. Most guests will journey via the town earlier than reaching this secluded Highland retreat. To absolutely discover the encompassing space, having a automotive is important.
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Eagle Brae Luxury Log Cabins
Sustainable Practices at Eagle Brae
Eagle Brae has achieved gold standing from the Green Tourism Business Scheme for good cause. If, like me, travelling responsibly is essential to you, you could be excited by discovering what makes Eagle Brae a sustainable getaway.
Clean Energy Matters
Eagle Brae places sustainability on the forefront of its operations and has been constructed to run on clear vitality. The resort makes use of an on-site micro-hydro turbine, which generates electrical energy and scorching water for the cabins. The underfloor heating comes from biomass wood-pellet burners, lowering its carbon footprint. Natural underground springs provide recent, handled water to the cabins, limiting reliance on municipal techniques.
The log cabins are topped with grass-insulated roofs that assist keep comfy temperatures year-round whereas mixing into the Highland panorama. This pure insulation cuts heating wants in winter and retains areas cool through the summer season months.
If you drive an electrical car and are involved concerning the distant location, relaxation assured — there’s a common Type II charger and a Tesla charging level at reception. Even higher, each are fully EV chargers freed from cost.
Hydro Weir at Eagle Brae
Why Cedar Log Cabins is The Sustainable Choice
Have you ever explored the pure properties and environmental advantages of cedar? I discovered it fascinating to be taught why it’s the best materials to your sustainable keep within the Scottish Highlands.
Eagle Brae’s log cabins are crafted from Western Red Cedar by Pioneer Homes in British Columbia, an organization identified for setting up sturdy wood constructions with out counting on concrete or metal. This conventional constructing technique has lengthy confirmed efficient in excessive climates. The cedar used for the cabins comes from licensed sustainable forests, harvested in accordance with British Columbia’s Forest Practices Code, making certain accountable sourcing.
Cedar’s sustainability stems from its quick development charge, making it a extra renewable choice than slower-growing hardwoods. It’s additionally an energy-efficient materials with a decrease carbon footprint than artificial options, because it absorbs CO₂ whereas rising and retains saved carbon even after harvesting.
Another key profit is cedar’s pure sturdiness. Its oils shield towards decay, moisture, and pests, lowering the necessity for chemical therapies and increasing its lifespan. Cedar can also be biodegradable and recyclable, breaking down naturally on the finish of its life or being repurposed into mulch, compost, or different wood-based merchandise.
That’s all effectively and good, however what about fireplace security? This was one of many first questions I requested, figuring out that the majority varieties of wooden are extremely flammable. Red Cedar, nevertheless, has a pure benefit – its mobile construction provides it inherent fire-resistant properties. Red cedar has confirmed itself to be a superpower in sustainable, long-lasting building!
Fish carving in Aquila log cabin
Regenerative Tourism Initiatives
Regenerative tourism performs a key position in restoring and conserving pure environments, and Eagle Brae’s carbon payback scheme is an ideal instance. This initiative permits friends to offset their journey emissions by planting native timber, that are grown from seed in a devoted nursery in Struy and safeguarded by fencing to guard them from crimson deer.
Hand-crafted Decor and Gifts
Intricately carved signage traces the driveway and welcomes you inside your cabin. Wooden panels on balconies and interiors characteristic native wildlife, Pictish beasts, Celtic knotwork, and pagan gods. Hand-carved by Pawana’s household within the Indian Himalayas, this work permits them to do business from home reasonably than spending months away on Hindu temple tasks.
By partnering with artisans, Eagle Brae helps protect conventional crafts. Examples embrace tweed curtains woven on Himalayan and Hebridean handlooms, custom-designed cotton rugs crafted in Rajasthan, and wood furnishings and bespoke kitchen fittings produced from pure supplies with native craftsmanship. Upcycling is a working theme too. Don’t neglect to admire the antler chandeliers — handcrafted by Mike to reinforce the country aesthetic.
The Eagle Brae store, each at reception and on-line, provides a choice of responsibly sourced gadgets, together with Indian cotton rugs, Hebridean sheepskin rugs, Lochcarron tartan throws, eco-friendly soaps, and recycled coasters. A distinguished piece is the Nehru jacket, handcrafted –from shearing to tailoring – in Himachal Pradesh from Himalayan sheep’s wool. Even although I’m again residence, I’m transported again to Eagle Brae each morning as I attain into the fridge for the candy Highland raspberry jam.
Order Local Food
Best of all, there’s a menu of home-cooked conventional Scottish meals obtainable for pre-order or to select from on arrival. All dishes are made with elements from close by farms and producers, I used to be torn between Hebridean Crofter’s Pie, Himalayan Venison Curry, and Great Glen Vegetarian Lasagne, however figuring out {that a} fishmonger arrives weekly from Scrabster in Thurso Bay with recent seafood, I opted for the North Coast Fish Pie — and it didn’t disappoint! Packed with flavour, it was completely scrumptious.
Eagle Brae Hamper
Eagle Brae Luxury Log Cabins
So let’s speak concerning the Eagle Brae log cabins! They supply friends a selection of sizes, sleeping two to 6 individuals in open-plan dwelling areas with vaulted ceilings – some actually have a sauna. Each cabin has a pure really feel from the cedar, bringing collectively trendy comforts with Highland character with underfloor heating, {custom} carvings and native tweed furnishings to create a particular Scottish environment. You can discover sensible TVs and WiFi alongside artisan-made furnishings. The consideration to element extends from the sensible kitchen amenities to the considerate placement of home windows that body mountain and glen views.
Aquila Cabin at Eagle Brae
Stepping into Aquila Cabin at Eagle Brae, I used to be misplaced for phrases. I had browsed the web site, learn the descriptions, and seen the photographs, however nothing may really seize the expertise of being there in individual, activating all of the senses.
I may scent the recent scent of cedar within the air. I may contact the colossal logs. I may really feel the heat underfoot and the silkiness of the Egyptian cotton bedsheets. I may see the carvings lovingly created by hand. I may hear the birdsong echoing via the timber and the rhythmic tapping of a woodpecker added to the soundtrack of the Highlands. I may style the buttery Scottish shortbread within the welcome hamper. I used to be in love with each element.
We had initially deliberate to dine out, however the considered leaving this sanctuary was unimaginable. Instead, we loved an ideal night in, beginning with a sauna and invigorating chilly bathe, adopted by a home-cooked wholesome meal. The log fireplace flickered as we performed playing cards, and eventually, I sank into the silky Egyptian cotton sheets for one of many deepest, most restful sleep I’d had in ages.
You would possibly spot Shanti — Eagle Brae’s pleasant Bernese Mountain Dog — peering via your window. And belief me, I get why there are indicators within the cabin asking friends to not feed her – it took all my willpower to withstand these large, brown eyes! But don’t fear, she’s tremendous chilled and easily completely happy to absorb any love and a spotlight you need to give, particularly a great hip scratch!
Double Bedroom in Aquila log cabin
Living Room in Aquila
Shanti: Bernese mountain canine
Wooden sauna
Things To Do At Eagle Brae
Enjoy the Natural Surroundings and Wildlife
The 8,000-acre Highland property provides a front-row seat to Scotland’s untamed magnificence. Red deer roam freely year-round, typically grazing close to the cabins at daybreak and nightfall. I had learn that pine martens and crimson squirrels often dart between the timber, although I wasn’t fortunate sufficient to identify them this time.
The soundtrack of Eagle Brae is a continuing refrain of birdsong, with yellowhammers and pied wagtails flitting across the feeders. Overhead, the skies are patrolled by majestic birds of prey, from ospreys to golden eagles, effortlessly circling as they scan the land beneath.
Eagle Brae is residence to some uncommon breeds value trying out, together with Four-Horned Hebridean sheep, Black Highland cows, and pedigree Berkshire pigs.
If you need to go exploring for wildlife, there’s an choice for a black grouse safari to see their lekking present and digicam deer stalking to get the cash shot.
Red deer
Pied Wagtail
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Rare Black-Horned Sheep
Get concerned in outside Activities
The Highlands is a hiker’s paradise with mountain trails for all talents. If you need to summit a Munro, the area has loads of peaks over 3,000 ft in Glen Strathfarrar, Glen Affric, and Glen Cannich.
I selected a delicate valley stroll in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, typically hailed as “Scotland’s most beautiful glen.” Its putting landscapes characteristic historical Caledonian pine forests framing mirror-like lochs — an ideal setting for pictures and mountain climbing. The well-marked Dog Falls and Coire Loch path is a straightforward loop to absorb the cinematic surroundings.
If you don’t need to enterprise too far, the hydro weir loop on the Eagle Brae property was a critical contender for pinch-me views of heather moorlands and snowcapped mountains.
Anglers can forged traces into the River Glass for salmon fishing. The river runs via the property, so you might be by no means distant from prime spots dotted alongside the water’s edge. If you’re up for extra outside adventures, you may as well take pleasure in canoeing, pony trekking, mountain biking or clay pigeon taking pictures.
Hydro Weir Walk
Beauly Priory
Càrn Eige vary above Glen Affric
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Explore the Highlands Culture
Beauly Priory is a brief drive from Eagle Brae. The church was based within the thirteenth century by Valliscaulian monks from Val-des-Choux close to Dijon in France and now stands as a hauntingly lovely break surrounded by historical sycamore timber.
The historic Culloden Battlefield lies simply 50 minutes from Eagle Brae and is an opportunity to stroll the grounds the place the well-known 1746 battle occurred. Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle contain a time out with boat journeys obtainable on the well-known waters to catch sight of ‘Nessie’.
Eagle Brae Reviews
Visitor Reviews and Awards
If the flawless 5/5 on-line critiques for Eagle Brae appear too good to be true, simply flip via the Visitor’s Book in your log cabin. Many friends return 12 months after 12 months, describing the retreat as “heaven on earth.” Their handwritten entries reward the distinctive consolation, the expert craftsmanship evident in each wood panel and piece of furnishings, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters proper from their home windows. The high quality of guided actions and the nice and cozy, private service from workers are additionally recurring themes in visitor suggestions.
It’s no shock that Eagle Brae log cabins have earned quite a few accolades, together with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, the Highlands and Islands Tourism Award, the Scottish Thistle Award, and the SCDI Award for Research and Innovation.
My ideas on Eagle Brae Log Cabins
I used to be past excited to expertise an genuine log cabin keep, and Eagle Brae exceeded each expectation. Mike and Pawana have created one thing really particular — a Scottish Highland retreat the place sustainability and rustic luxurious work collectively. This remark sounds cliché nevertheless it’s true. From the hand-crafted wood interiors to the eco-friendly building, each element demonstrates a respect for nature with out compromising on consolation.
My keep at Eagle Brae is etched in my reminiscence with the tranquil setting and connection to the encompassing wildlife. Spotting crimson deer grazing close by, watching birds from my cabin window, and embracing gradual mornings and post-dinner saunas gave me the reset I didn’t even realise I wanted. Eagle Brae is an expertise that lingers lengthy after you allow and one which will probably be laborious to high.
Eagle Brae Aquila Luxury Log Cabin Interior
NOTE: My keep at Eagle Brae log cabins was gifted. All opinions expressed on this weblog are my very own.
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