Bedroom details
5 Bedrooms (Sleeps 10 + cot)
For the seekers of Scottish escapism, contemporary living meets Highland magic at our hidden eco homestay, enveloped by enchanting pine forest. Promising an elevated position with fishing loch and rolling country views, our exquisite air and solar-powered retreat with a stylish glass and timber façade offers a dose of remote living with a luxurious twist. Inside, you'll uncover an array of thoughtfully designed living and sleeping spaces, offering uninterrupted vistas of Birkenbaud's dramatic rural backdrop at every turn. Welcoming up to ten guests, Birkenbaud is the perfect escape for multi-generational stays and escapes with friends. Choose from five stunning bedrooms and explore the considered entertaining spaces, including a games room with a pool table. Outdoors, the magic continues, with weaving Scottish landscapes of forests and a loch setting the scene for the staycation of daydreams. Uncover three fire pit areas where your kin can gather for cosy fireside moments beneath the cosmos, and host unforgettable evenings in the private, forest kitchen, complete with a barbeque and bar. After days spent exploring Scotland's untamed surrounds, unwind in the wonderful spa, where you'll find a hand-crafted sauna, hot tub, whisky barrel cold plunge and a changing room. Whether you're longing to wake to snow-dusted winter scenes or dream of the rich hues of a Scottish summer - retreat from reality and delve into the tranquil beauty of Scotland. Settled in Moray Speyside in northeast Scotland in the heart of Whisky Country, Birkenbaud is a dream destination for nature lovers. From trailing wildly beautiful glens and seeking waterside solitude on the shores of a glistening loch - a world of adventure awaits for the travel dreamers.
Setting
Due to Birkenbaud's remote setting, you'll be surrounded by a vast array of wild animals during your stay, including red squirrels, pheasants, hare, deer and grouse. Birkenbaud also has its very own resident Barn Owl. Set below Wardend Fishery, a natural nature reserve, there is plentiful opportunity for spotting many bird breeds, including highly protected Ospreys. Nuts and seeds are provided for feeding, and a pair of binoculars are on hand for sightings.
Living and eating
Marrying the contemporary features of a Californian ranch with traditional farmhouse interiors, our hidden Scottish homestay promises an array of cosy yet exceptionally spacious open-plan living spaces to gather.
Uncover the main living, kitchen and dining space on the ground floor, where floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors accentuate the uninterrupted countryside views beyond the retreat. Neutral hues take the lead in this divine space, echoing the soft colour palette throughout. Drawing the eye to the views is a charming wood burning stove, a heavenly addition during the snowfall season. A plump, L-shaped sofa looks out to towering spruce trees, whilst a handmade, solid-oak feasting table seating up to ten guests is perfectly positioned to admire the wildlife in the fishery below.
At the opposite end of this captivating space resides the solid wood kitchen, where bespoke, white shaker cabinetry and a spacious, quartz-topped island ensure a divine space for crafting meals for any occasion - whether you're savouring them around the farmhouse table or retreating to the stone terrace for aperitifs and conversation at golden hour. Everything you could need is on hand, including two integrated ovens, induction hob, a washing machine, tumble dryer, microwave, two cafetieres and an American-style fridge/freezer with an ice dispenser.
Discover the sumptuous second lounge just next door, where contrasting interiors create the cosiest space for lounging in style. Residing in the centre of the room is a hand-crafted rustic stone fireplace, contrasting perfectly with a contemporary sculptural chandelier by Pooky, an opulent brass coffee table and taupe textured wallpaper. Inviting for movie night gatherings, you'll find a black, L-shaped velvet sofa and a black and white houndstooth armchair.
Settled on the top floor at the apex of the retreat is a wonderful games room, designed for soirées of any occasion. From homemade tipples enjoyed beside lakeside vistas, to a dose of light-hearted competition around the pool table - endless family fun awaits. Alongside a games table and selection of board games, at Birkenbaud you will also find two Smart TV's, complete with Freeview and Netflix, and a Bang and Olufsen Bluetooth speaker.
Sleeping & Bathing
There are five equally heavenly bedrooms to choose from at Birkenbaud.
The first bedroom on the ground floor is endlessly romantic, with soft creams and pale ochre hues. Ensuring a restful repose with a super-king bed, this calming space promises a chest of drawers, built-in wardrobe for storage and a mirror. The delightful en-suite includes a bath with an overhead shower.
At the opposite end of the ground floor, awaits the sumptuous second bedroom where you'll find botanical artwork and a carefully considered grey and pink colour palette. Looking out onto charming Scottish landscapes on two sides, this bedroom has a super-king bed, its own separate dressing room, and a chest of drawers. Adjacent is the en suite bathroom, complete with an oval shaped bathtub and a separate enclosed shower.
Take the breath-taking, double wooden staircase to find the third bedroom, a dream in a symphony of neutral tones. Light-filled with two large Velux windows, this space promises a wooden king size bed, two rattan bedside tables, and a large chest of drawers. This bedroom also benefits from built-in wardrobes and an en suite bedroom with shower.
Jewel greens reign in the fourth bedroom, where a bespoke, feature wood shelf from nearby Logie Timber is positioned to woodland vistas. Draped in a patchwork floral quilt, a king size bed waits for lingering lie-ins. For storing belongings, there is a chest of drawers along with some hanging hooks.
Finally, a sweet, spacious twin bedroom is a charming setting for the little ones. Promising earthy tones with vibrant interior additions, there are two single beds with bedside tables along with a small velvet sofa for the night-time storytellers.
Along with a family bathroom with a shower room on the first floor, you can find an additional W.C, located on the ground floor adjacent to the utility.
Outdoor space
Reconnect with nature within Birkenbaud's expansive 1.5 acre outdoor space, where an array of alfresco pursuits reside in every season. A paradise for the nature enthusiasts, admire far-reaching countryside scenes from a choice of seating at the front of the retreat, including four Adirondack chairs and a small cast-iron table and chairs for up to four. Gather around the stone circle for fourteen to share dreams and tales around the firepit, an ethereal setting to watch the sun set, before toasting marshmallows and sipping whisky at nightfall.
Veiled by Scottish pine trees, the rear of Birkenbaud promises a private setting to create staycation moments beneath enchanting Scottish skies. Draw inspiration from Nordic culture and embrace a whisky-barrel cold plunge, before retreating to the heavenly sauna complete with a changing area, which has been hand-crafted by the owner. There is also an electric hot tub for those who'd prefer to unwind in balmy waters with a glass in hand. For those seeking extraordinary open-air dining, retreat to the interior-designed outdoor kitchen and bar for meals savoured in the wild, complete with a barbeque and bar stools from Sklum.
You will also find a children's play park complete with a woodland walkway, a 6-metre fireman's pole with slide, basketball hoop, and a swing-set for two.
Please note, there is a livestock fence surrounding the retreat with two gates. It is recommended that owners keep an eye on their canine companions whilst in the garden.
Access
Please note, due to Birkenbaud's secluded setting, it is advised during the winter season for guests to consider hiring a 4x4 car to travel to the retreat. During the journey, there will be occasions where you travel down a long, single-track road with passing places. As you approach the property, there is also a steep, rough track before arrival.
Parking
There is ample parking available at Birkenbaud. There is also an electric car charging point on site for guest use.
Babies and children
Babies and children are most welcome at Birkenbaud. A travel cot and highchair can be provided upon request - please do get in touch with the Sales Team if you require these.
Dogs
Two dogs are most welcome at Birkenbaud View. Please note, there is an additional charge per dog, per week or short break.
In the Area
Tucked away within the often snow-dusted spheres of Northeast Scotland in Moray Speyside, the heart of The Whisky Country, Birkenbaud is an otherworldly sanctuary in which to uncover Scotland's boundless charm, settled around a 50-minute drive from Inverness Airport and about a 1 hour 25-minute drive from Aberdeen Airport.
Whilst the Highlands are well known for their sublime and often remote landscapes, there are a wealth of exquisite eateries to uncover far and wide. Travel north to the historic town of Elgin for a dream-worthy, contemporary fine dining experience at Orrin, promising an eight-course tasting menu crafted with seasonal produce, whilst for those in pursuit of a cosy candlelit setting, The Drouthy Cobbler offers hearty, traditional fare within an elegantly rustic space. For the seekers of sumptuous, speakeasy-style soirees, retreat to The Cocktail Joint to delight in artfully prepared tipples in a characterful backdrop. Further afield near Moray's coastline lies Forres, where you can dine in laidback, pub style beside an open fire at The Bonnie Beastie, or head deeper into the countryside and sample authentic Thai flavours at The Croft Inn.
It's no secret that a visit to Moray Speyside isn't complete without venturing to one of the many distilleries within the region. Pay a visit to The Macallan Distillery in Craigellachie and attend a private whisky experience, where you'll uncover the craftmanship and passion behind the world-renowned spirit. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to dine beside uninterrupted countryside scenes at TimeSpirit or hide out in their glamorously moody lounge bar - please note, booking at Macallan is essential. Closest to the retreat is Benriach Distillery, where you can meet the friendly whisky makers and savour their characterful single malts in a range of guided tours.
Birkenbaud boasts a myriad of experiences for the whole family without needing to drive, including a hike to Millbuies Country Park, a forty-hectare woodland with a stunning loch. Stroll down to Wardend fishery, where you can rent equipment and enjoy rural scenes, with home-baked goods and coffee from the onsite van. Start the car and drive to the beach for bracing sea swims in the calm ocean tides of Findhorn or indulge in dolphin and seal spotting at Spey Bay and Cullen. Home to more than a dozen golf courses, Moray Speyside is world-renowned for its golfing opportunities. Discover more of the local culture inland in the sweet village of Aberlour, where you can treat yourself to famous Walker's shortbread. Alternatively take a tour at Johnston's of Elgin -renowned for luxurious cashmere and fine wool garments.
