Think about a Scottish fairy story the place picket cabins are scattered on Highland hillsides and pink 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 Pink Cedar cabins, the outstanding 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 Started
Mike first met Pawana on one among his many journeys by way of 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 finally settled in Jersey, the place they raised two youngsters.
Although Mike grew up on “The Rock,” his roots hint again to Scotland. Initially from the Highlands, his household has owned land there because the Thirties — a wild, bracken-filled expanse that will in the future be reworked 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
The place Is Eagle Brae
Situated 13 miles west of Beauly, Eagle Brae lies between Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar, about 25 miles from Inverness. Most guests will journey by way of town earlier than reaching this secluded Highland retreat. To totally discover the encompassing space, having a automotive is crucial.
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Eagle Brae Luxurious Log Cabins
Sustainable Practices at Eagle Brae
Eagle Brae has achieved gold standing from the Inexperienced Tourism Enterprise Scheme for good purpose. If, like me, travelling responsibly is necessary to you, you might be concerned about discovering what makes Eagle Brae a sustainable getaway.
Clear Power Issues
Eagle Brae places sustainability on the forefront of its operations and has been constructed to run on clear power. The resort makes use of an on-site micro-hydro turbine, which generates electrical energy and sizzling water for the cabins. The underfloor heating comes from biomass wood-pellet burners, lowering its carbon footprint. Pure underground springs provide recent, handled water to the cabins, limiting reliance on municipal programs.
The log cabins are topped with grass-insulated roofs that assist preserve 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.
In the event you drive an electrical car and are involved in regards to the distant location, relaxation assured — there’s a common Kind II charger and a Tesla charging level at reception. Even higher, each are utterly EV chargers freed from cost.
Hydro Weir at Eagle Brae
Why Cedar Log Cabins is The Sustainable Alternative
Have you ever ever explored the pure properties and environmental advantages of cedar? I discovered it fascinating to study why it’s the best materials to your sustainable keep within the Scottish Highlands.
Eagle Brae’s log cabins are crafted from Western Pink Cedar by Pioneer Properties in British Columbia, an organization identified for setting up sturdy picket 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, guaranteeing accountable sourcing.
Cedar’s sustainability stems from its quick progress charge, making it a extra renewable possibility 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.
One other key profit is cedar’s pure sturdiness. Its oils shield in opposition to decay, moisture, and pests, lowering the necessity for chemical remedies 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 nicely and good, however what about fireplace security? This was one of many first questions I requested, understanding that the majority sorts of wooden are extremely flammable. Pink Cedar, nonetheless, has a pure benefit – its mobile construction offers it inherent fire-resistant properties. Pink 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 function in restoring and conserving pure environments, and Eagle Brae’s carbon payback scheme is an ideal instance. This initiative permits visitors to offset their journey emissions by planting native bushes, that are grown from seed in a devoted nursery in Struy and safeguarded by fencing to guard them from pink deer.
Hand-crafted Decor and Items
Intricately carved signage traces the driveway and welcomes you inside your cabin. Wood panels on balconies and interiors function native wildlife, Pictish beasts, Celtic knotwork, and pagan gods. Hand-carved by Pawana’s household within the Indian Himalayas, this work permits them to make money working from home reasonably than spending months away on Hindu temple initiatives.
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 picket furnishings and bespoke kitchen fittings created from pure supplies with native craftsmanship. Upcycling is a operating theme too. Don’t neglect to admire the antler chandeliers — handcrafted by Mike to boost the country aesthetic.
The Eagle Brae store, each at reception and on-line, provides a collection 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. Although I’m again house, I’m transported again to Eagle Brae each morning as I attain into the fridge for the candy Highland raspberry jam.
Order Native Meals
Better of all, there’s a menu of home-cooked conventional Scottish meals out there for pre-order or to select from on arrival. All dishes are made with components from close by farms and producers, I used to be torn between Hebridean Crofter’s Pie, Himalayan Venison Curry, and Nice Glen Vegetarian Lasagne, however understanding {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! Full of flavour, it was completely scrumptious.
Eagle Brae Hamper
Eagle Brae Luxurious Log Cabins
So let’s discuss in regards to the Eagle Brae log cabins! They provide visitors a selection of sizes, sleeping two to 6 individuals in open-plan residing areas with vaulted ceilings – some also have a sauna. Every 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 ambiance. Yow will discover good TVs and WiFi alongside artisan-made furnishings. The eye 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
Entering 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 might really seize the expertise of being there in particular person, activating all of the senses.
I might scent the recent scent of cedar within the air. I might contact the colossal logs. I might really feel the heat underfoot and the silkiness of the Egyptian cotton bedsheets. I might see the carvings lovingly created by hand. I might hear the birdsong echoing by way of the bushes and the rhythmic tapping of a woodpecker added to the soundtrack of the Highlands. I might 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. As an alternative, 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 at last, I sank into the silky Egyptian cotton sheets for one of many deepest, most restful sleep I’d had in ages.
You may spot Shanti — Eagle Brae’s pleasant Bernese Mountain Canine — peering by way of your window. And belief me, I get why there are indicators within the cabin asking visitors to not feed her – it took all my willpower to withstand these large, brown eyes! However don’t fear, she’s tremendous chilled and easily joyful to absorb any love and a focus it’s important to give, particularly a great hip scratch!
Double Bed room in Aquila log cabin
Residing Room in Aquila
Shanti: Bernese mountain canine
Wood sauna
Issues To Do At Eagle Brae
Benefit from the Pure Environment and Wildlife
The 8,000-acre Highland property provides a front-row seat to Scotland’s untamed magnificence. Pink deer roam freely year-round, typically grazing close to the cabins at daybreak and nightfall. I had learn that pine martens and pink squirrels often dart between the bushes, 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 under.
Eagle Brae is house to some uncommon breeds value trying out, together with 4-Horned Hebridean sheep, Black Highland cows, and pedigree Berkshire pigs.
If you wish to go exploring for wildlife, there’s an possibility for a black grouse safari to see their lekking present and digital camera deer stalking to get the cash shot.
Pink deer
Pied Wagtail
Nice Noticed Woodpecker
Uncommon Black-Horned Sheep
Get entangled in out of doors Actions
The Highlands is a hiker’s paradise with mountain trails for all talents. If you’re trying to summit a Munro, the area has loads of peaks over 3,000 toes in Glen Strathfarrar, Glen Affric, and Glen Cannich.
I selected a delicate valley stroll in Glen Affric Nationwide Nature Reserve, typically hailed as “Scotland’s most beautiful glen.” Its hanging landscapes function historical Caledonian pine forests framing mirror-like lochs — an ideal setting for pictures and climbing. The well-marked Canine Falls and Coire Loch path is a simple loop to soak up the cinematic surroundings.
In the event 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 by way of the property, so you’re by no means far-off from prime spots dotted alongside the water’s edge. In the event you’re up for extra out of doors adventures, you can too get pleasure from canoeing, pony trekking, mountain biking or clay pigeon capturing.
Hydro Weir Stroll
Beauly Priory
Càrn Eige vary above Glen Affric
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Discover the Highlands Tradition
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 stunning break surrounded by historical sycamore bushes.
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 befell. Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Citadel contain a day trip with boat journeys out there on the well-known waters to catch sight of ‘Nessie’.
Eagle Brae Evaluations
Customer Evaluations and Awards
If the flawless 5/5 on-line critiques for Eagle Brae appear too good to be true, simply flip by way of the Customer’s E book in your log cabin. Many visitors return yr after yr, describing the retreat as “heaven on earth.” Their handwritten entries reward the distinctive consolation, the expert craftsmanship evident in each picket panel and piece of furnishings, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters proper from their home windows. The standard 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’ Alternative Award, the Highlands and Islands Tourism Award, the Scottish Thistle Award, and the SCDI Award for Analysis 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 commentary sounds cliché however it’s true. From the hand-crafted picket 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. Recognizing pink deer grazing close by, watching birds from my cabin window, and embracing sluggish 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 permit and one which will likely be arduous to high.
Eagle Brae Aquila Luxurious Log Cabin Inside
NOTE: My keep at Eagle Brae log cabins was gifted. All opinions expressed on this weblog are my very own.
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