These Fairy-tale Cabins in Scotland Have Some of the Country’s Most Stunning Views — See Inside
It doesn't get more Scottish than this remote getaway, complete with a cozy fireplace, castle views, and beautiful Scandinavian-inspired design.
Courtesy of 57 Nord
"There’s no place on earth with more old superstitions and magic mixed into its daily life than the Scottish Highlands," “Outlander” author Diana Gabaldon once said. And magic is what you'll find as soon as you walk into 57 Nord.
If pop culture is any barometer, Scotland’s beauty is the stuff of legends, and it’s on full display from the floor-to-ceiling windows inside the two modern timber cabins here. Located in the Wester Ross region of the Highlands, Sky House is made for couples and Hill House is designed for four. Both overlook the beloved Eilean Donan Castle (as seen in “Highlander”) and the intersection of three lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Alsh, and Loch Long).
Related: The Best Times to Visit Scotland for Good Weather, Fewer Crowds, and Lower Prices
Courtesy of 57 Nord
Although remote — a roughly five-hour drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh — this location is an ideal jumping-off point for adventures on the nearby Isle of Skye, as well as the start of the iconic NC500 driving route. But as soon as you set down your bags, the idea of leaving will seem more difficult than driving on the opposite side of the road.
“I was inspired by the setting at 57 Nord, which perfectly embodies the wild beauty of the region,” says owner Mumtaz Lalani. “I wanted guests to feel that same connection with the landscape around them. From the expansive glass windows to the uniquely positioned bathtubs, I wanted our guests to feel immersed in nature.”
Courtesy of 57 Nord
Lalani handpicked every item in each house, paying homage to the region's Norse-Gael heritage by mixing Scandinavian and Scottish design. “The carefully considered materials of timber, wool, marble, and travertine mimic and reflect the surrounding landscape, further blurring the line between interior and exterior, creating a deeply restorative experience for our guests,” she says.
Vaulted ceilings, light timber floors, and natural tones give the space an airy and bright feeling that helps ward off any pesky Scottish weather. Local artists provided tried-and-true Scottish touches, like handwoven cushions inspired by basalt rock found on the Isle of Staffa. And the wool rugs lining the timber floors are handmade from the fur of rare seaweed-eating sheep on the Isle of Auskerry.
Courtesy of 57 Nord
Scandinavian-style furniture — including hyper-efficient wood-burning stoves, light marble countertops, a low-rise woolen sofa from Muuto, and leather and oak Samurai armchairs from Danish designer Norr11 — accentuate the European design blend.
The property's bathroom soaps are organic products L:A Bruket sourced from Sweden. But no fancy shower gel or rain shower can compete with the picture-perfect bathtubs at Hill House. Set next to floor-to-ceiling windows inside both of the two bedrooms, these stone soaking tubs have panoramic views over the dramatic Scottish scenery.
Courtesy of 57 Nord
Each bespoke home has a fully equipped kitchen stocked with everything needed to prepare a meal. Gourmands will love the welcome basket, featuring Scottish cheese, local milk, butter, chocolate, and bread made just down the road.
Courtesy of 57 Nord
If cooking on vacation isn’t your thing, local chef Verity Hurding of MasterChef: The Professionals fame can come in by request to whip up a seven-course Scottish feast. You can visit the chef's new restaurant, Eòlach, located inside the nearby Kyle of Lochalsh train station. Duncan, the local fisherman down the hill, can also deliver that day’s langoustines by hand.
Courtesy of 57 Nord
If and when you do muster up the strength to leave these ultra-calming abodes, drive to the Isle of Skye to hike around the Fairy Pools or take a quick drive down to Eilean Donan Castle to wander its historic grounds. Need more inspiration? A detailed book of suggested activities and local favorites can be found in each cabin.
After a full day of exploring, pick a bottle of red from the kitchen’s wine fridge, draw up a bath, and light the fire. Gaze out at the last light overlooking the loch or the illuminated 13th-century castle below. It doesn’t get any more Scottish than this — but after all, that’s how it was designed.
Related: How to Plan the Perfect Scotland Vacation
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