Our top cottages for 2025

There’s nothing quite like booking a holiday to beat those January blues, and here at Cottages & Castles, we’ve got you covered. With a wide selection of unique properties across Scotland in our collection, there’s something to suit every type of traveller. Whether you're after a secluded Highland hideaway with panoramic mountain views or a charming cottage by the coast, we’ve got the perfect escape ready for you.

Scotland offers an unrivalled setting for a memorable holiday, with its rugged landscapes, historic castles, and serene lochs. This guide showcases ten of our most-viewed cottages on our website throughout 2024. From picturesque lodges to delightful riverside retreats, these handpicked properties provide a taste of Scotland’s natural beauty and warmth.

With options for every occasion, our list includes romantic getaways, family-friendly stays, and dog-friendly cottages, along with luxurious properties featuring hot tubs for that extra touch of relaxation. So, whether you're planning an adventurous escape or a peaceful break, explore our top Scottish cottages and find your perfect retreat.

Highland Hot Tub Retreat

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Highland Hot Tub Retreat offers a secluded sanctuary for relaxation. The private hot tub with clifftop sea views is the star feature, perfect for unwinding under a starlit sky. Inside, you’ll find cosy, rustic decor and everything you need for a comfortable stay. Curl up by the wood burner in the evenings with a good book or watch your favourite films on the smart TV, making it a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern convenience.

Writer’s Retreat

Perched on the water’s edge, Writer’s Retreat is a haven for creatives and nature enthusiasts alike. Overlooking the tranquil beauty of Loch Ewe, this charming cottage provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and inspiration. Adding to its unique appeal, a delightful shepherd’s hut in the garden and a luxurious hot tub offer quirky and cosy spaces to unwind. Whether you’re seeking quiet moments of reflection or a refreshing escape into nature, this serene retreat promises an unforgettable experience.

New Lodge

This exceptional Highland retreat offers a luxurious and spacious getaway for up to 18 guests. Perfect for celebrations or family gatherings, its unique features include an adjacent ceilidh barn equipped for dancing, games, and entertainment, plus two all-weather tennis courts and private salmon fishing. Nestled by the picturesque Loch Carron, the property boasts stunning panoramic views, eco-friendly heating, and meticulous decor. With seven beautifully furnished bedrooms, multiple lounges (including one with a home cinema), a grand dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen, this bespoke holiday home guarantees an unforgettable experience.

Strone Castle Cottage

Strone Castle Cottage offers a perfect blend of history and modern comfort, with breathtaking views over Loch Ness. Perched in a stunning location overlooking the iconic 15th-century Urquhart Castle, this charming cottage immerses guests in the area’s rich heritage. Inside, you’ll find a cosy and welcoming atmosphere complemented by all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay. It’s an unforgettable spot for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Kingie Lodge

This stylish home overlooks the River Kingie and mountains, set within a 17,000-acre estate, perfect for a large family or group. This secluded holiday cottage offers gorgeous views and sleeps 14 guests and 5 dogs, with an option to book a nearby cottage for six more people. Inside, enjoy cosy evenings by the open fire or competitive fun in the billiards room. Outside, explore trails, enjoy swimming and fishing in Loch Quoich, or take fantastic hillside walks. An idyllic Highland retreat between Fort William and Inverness.

Colquhounes Byre

Colquhounes Byre is a traditional, white-washed stone cottage on the Isle of Skye, blending the rustic charm of a traditional Scottish byre with modern luxuries. Nestled in the heart of stunning countryside, it’s the perfect retreat for relaxing and soaking up the beauty of Scotland’s natural landscape. Whether you’re exploring the island’s rugged scenery or unwinding in cosy comfort, this enchanting getaway offers a magical experience. Keep an eye on the skies – you might just catch the dazzling northern lights from this idyllic spot!

Jam Factory

Escape to this tranquil, converted studio cottage, once a jam factory, nestled in a remote and private setting on Scotland’s wild West Coast. Surrounded by nature and wildlife, this cosy retreat offers complete solitude. Thoughtfully designed, it features an open-plan living space with a wood burner, a king-size bedroom and a well-equipped kitchen. Without a TV, the cottage invites you to embrace its peaceful surroundings. Perfect for a romantic getaway, step outside into untouched wilderness or unwind in the enclosed garden for ultimate relaxation.

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This secluded cottage on the shores of Loch Broom offers breathtaking panoramic views, placing you right at the water's edge. Its standout feature is the sunroom with 180-degree vistas, perfect for relaxing in any weather. Inside, enjoy the cosy sitting room with a wood burner and outside, dine in the private garden or explore nature’s bounty – spot otters, seals, and porpoises. With fishing, canoeing and hill walks nearby, it’s a true Highland escape.

Burnside House

Set on the banks of Loch Broom with its own secluded beach and stunning views towards Ullapool, this three-storey Highland retreat sleeps 12 across six beautifully styled bedrooms. Perfect for family gatherings, it features a cosy sitting room with loch views, a kitchen/dining area with an open fire, and a summer room with table tennis. Outside, enjoy open gardens, spectacular sunsets, and abundant wildlife including otters, seals, and eagles. Just 1.5 miles from Ullapool, it’s an ideal base for exploring the breathtaking Wester Ross region.

The Snug And River Hideaway

Nestled by the river on the edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, this sleek rustic lodge in the sleepy hamlet of Gartness is perfect for a romantic escape. Just 16.5 miles from Glasgow, it’s decorated with fairy lights, wood, and stone interiors, with a charming outdoor space featuring a wood burner. Relax in the cosy double bedroom with river views and stylish spa-like shower room. Outside, dine alfresco by the river, unwind in hammocks, and enjoy the tranquil setting with your four-legged companions.

Start planning your 2025 holiday today

With so many incredible options to choose from, finding your perfect Scottish escape has never been easier. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic retreat, a family gathering, or an adventure-filled getaway, our carefully curated collection has something to suit everyone.

From the rugged beauty of the Highlands to the serene shores of Loch Lomond, each property offers unique experiences and unforgettable memories. Start planning your 2025 getaway today and discover the charm, tranquillity, and adventure Scotland has to offer.