Lauren
29 November 2023
There's nothing like putting a holiday in the calendar to help you beat the January blues, and with so many stunning properties in our collection, the opportunities for adventures are endless. You've come to the right place if you're looking to conquer your New Year's resolutions too - whether it's taking up fishing, going for a wild swim, or simply visiting a brand new destination, we've got you covered.
Based on which cottages were most frequently booked by our customers in 2023, below we have determined the 10 most popular escapes for 2024 – perfect if you're struggling to narrow down all the wonderful choices in our collection. With a number of romantic cottages on our list, as well as dog-friendly escapes and some rural getaways, you're sure to find something eye-catching here.
With three mentions on the list, Dumfries and Galloway is our top booked region, but the spread across the many regions of Scotland highlights the tremendous offering we have, whatever the location! See for yourself, and start planning your 2024 adventure.
1. The Cooperage, Edinburgh and the Lothians: Sleeps 2

Evidently, one of the most sought-after cottages in our collection, The Cooperage is a charming riverside property for two guests set on the Leith Shore. Part of a converted 18th-century warehouse, it’s a great spot from which to get acquainted with this historic area. With the cobbled wharf just outside the patio doors, you can easily access this quiet part of the Leith harbour district.
Why you’ll love it in 2024:
- Vibrant shops and restaurants nearby
- Light, bright modern style which makes the original features shine
- Bring your dog along
- Parking available as well as good public transport links
- Close to the city centre
- Get to know the area with our handy Edinburgh guide
2. The Seashell - Acharacle, The Highlands: Sleeps 2

It comes as no surprise to see this unique property so high up the list! With its stunning Loch Sunart location, the peace and quiet to be had in this spot is unmatched, as are the incredible views. Taking inspiration from the curves of the seashells you might find on Scotland’s wild west coast, the architecture is just one of many stand-out features of this cottage.
Why you’ll love it in 2024:
- Luxurious touches throughout including a spa bath and underfloor heating
- Perfect for nature lovers, with its turf roof and grounds where deer, pine martens, otters and eagles can be seen
- Curved glass walls and a pretty gravel terrace allow you to enjoy the views both inside and out
- Rural tranquillity, with a village shop and pub a short drive away
- Abundant off-road parking
- Get to know the area with our handy Highlands guide
3. East Neuk By The Sea, Fife: Sleeps 4

Set in a cliff edge position in Pittenweem on the Fife coast, East Neuk by the Sea offers guests sweeping views over the famous Firth of Forth, with its stunning three bridges and bags of maritime history. With magnificent outdoor spaces perfect for dining, as well as flexible sleeping options within, it’s perfect for families and groups of all shapes and sizes.
Why you’ll love it in 2024:
- The coastal path is just a hop, skip and jump away, as is the bustling harbour
- Open plan living, dining and kitchen ensure your group can maximise on each other’s company
- Clean, crisp and characterful modern furnishings create a refreshing, luxurious feel
- Unwind in the bath after a busy day exploring
- Private off-road parking for one vehicle
- Get to know the area with our handy Fife guide
4. Stroneslaney Cottage, Stirling and Clackmannanshire: Sleeps 2

With the spellbinding Balquhidder Glen just a stone’s throw away, this traditional stone cottage is perfectly warm and cosy, with two wood burners, timber beams and exposed stonework combining to create a welcoming atmosphere. Wrapped in nature, the garden blends seamlessly with the local landscape.
Why you’ll love it in 2024:
- Two canine companions are welcome
- Free fishing on a private stretch of river
- Set in a peaceful, secluded spot within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
- The historic life of the building has been lovingly incorporated into a contemporary design
- Get to know the area with our handy Stirling guide
5. Colquhoune's Byre, Isle of Skye: Sleeps 2

A stay on the Isle of Skye is not to be missed, and certainly not when Colquhoune’s Byre is your base. This white-washed cottage is nestled into the landscape, and offers panoramic sea views, offering an unmatched sense of peace and tranquillity. Accessed by a single-track road in a remote area of Skye, the warmth and cosy feel of this cottage make it perfect for a romantic getaway.
Why you’ll love it in 2024:
- Two canine companions are welcome
- Enjoy the warmth of the wood burner
- Explore the local area, with a chance to spot dolphins, basking sharks and seals
- Unwind in luxury in the four-poster bed
- Get to know the area with our handy Isle of Skye guide
6. Rascarrel Bay Retreat, Dumfries and Galloway: Sleeps 2

The first of three Dumfries and Galloway cottages to make our top 10 list, Rascarrel Bay Retreat makes spectacular use of its Castle Douglas location, nestled in a beautiful private bay. Ideal for romantic escapes, it offers a sauna, a private hot tub, and easy access into the further reaches of Scotland as well as south onto the Solway Firth and Lake District.
Why you’ll love it in 2024:
- Two canine companions are more than welcome
- Ideal location for beach adventures, with all the amenities you require for a luxury break
- Dining al fresco is a must – enjoy the atmospheric mood lighting on the covered deck
- If the sea, the sauna and the hot tub aren’t enough, enjoy a soak in the bath
- Get to know the area with our handy Dumfries and Galloway guide
7. Hazel Lodge at Bengairn, Dumfries and Galloway: Sleeps 4

There’s so much to discover here without even having to leave the lodge – soak up the views of Bengairn Loch whilst you soak in the private hot tub, and watch the daily activities of the 1,000-acre cattle farm that surrounds the lodge. When you’re keen to explore further afield, the stunning seaside village of Auchencairn is just a few miles away.
Why you’ll love it in 2024:
- Bring the dog along
- Ideal for two couples or a small family
- The single-storey, open-plan layout makes for easy, convenient living
- Enjoy ample off-road parking and secure storage for bikes
- Well suited whatever the weather – warm up beside the wood burner, or dine alfresco in the sunshine
8. Rascarrel Bay Platinum 4, Dumfries and Galloway: Sleeps 2

You might be wondering if we’ve made an error, this property has already appeared on the list, but in fact, this is a second offering from the same location! Much like Rascarrel Bay Retreat, this lodge offers a private hot tub from which you can watch the waves lapping against the shore, and spend your days exploring the beauty of the Galloway Forest Park.
Why you’ll love it in 2024:
- Two canine companions are welcome
- Ideal for a couples' retreat, the luxury and peace of this lodge will impress
- The floor-to-ceiling windows invite light into the space
- The traditional cabin style creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere
9. Scotstonrig Cottage, Scottish Borders: Sleeps 4

This special spot in Peebles is ideal for a small family looking for countryside views and access to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With a relaxing wood burner and period details, and being just a short distance from Edinburgh, it’s the ideal base for holiday adventures in 2024.
Why you’ll love it in 2024:
- Two canine companions are welcome
- Perfect for horse riders, with paddocks on site
- Enjoy a soak in the bathtub
- Spacious garden with stunning views
- One double room, one twin
- Get to know the area with our handy Scottish Borders guide
10. Loch Earn Lodge, Perth and Kinross: Sleeps 2

Set within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and overlooking Loch Earn, as the name suggests, this lodge is ideal for outdoor adventures! With walking, cycling, water sports and fishing all possible within a short distance, and the views of the mountains and lochs from the windows, you’ll feel wrapped up in rural warmth with a stay here.
Why you’ll love it in 2024:
- Enjoy all the amenities, including a village shop, and restaurant in the nearby town of St Filians, known as the gateway to the Highlands
- Two canine companions welcome
- Enclosed garden with barbecue to be enjoyed on bright days
- King-size luxury in the bedroom
- Get to know the area with our handy Perthshire guide
Other favourites
It just so happens that small and cosy cottages made up most of our top 10, but that doesn't mean that our larger cottages are to be sniffed at! Below we've collated our top cottage per sleep size based on our 2023 data, and they're just perfect for any group get-together.
Seven and under

Sleeps 3: Gardeners Cottage - Lunan Bay, Angus
Sleeps 5: Cunnoquhie Garden Cottage, Fife
Sleeps 6: Professors Cottage - Highlands, The Highlands
Sleeps 7: Dunedin, Perth and Kinross
Eight and above

Sleeps 8: The Old Manse, Isle of Skye
Sleeps 9: Taobh An Uillt, Isle of Skye
Sleeps 10: Ardle Lodge, Perth and Kinross
Sleeps 18: Waters Edge - Dunoon, Argyll and Bute
Haven't quite find the large cottage you were looking for? Click the button below for more choice.
There's more inspiration to be found...
We hope that this round-up of our most popular cottages in 2023 has inspired you to explore more of Scotland in 2024, but if you're still undecided, why not make the most of our other cottage round-ups? From bothies to our best party houses, there's something for you and your group in our hand-picked portfolio.
Our best Scottish party houses
Top dog-friendly cottages in Scotland
The best bothies in Scotland
5 romantic getaways in Scotland
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.