Our 10 most popular escapes in Scotland for 2024

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.

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.  

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.  

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. 

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.  

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