Stay at
Muir Estate
Tucked away between Thornhill and Callander in Scotland, nestled in 188-acres of private woodland and grazing pasture, The Lodge, which sleeps 10-12 adults and 2 infants, has a wood burning hot tub and pizza oven, and a stone BBQ. It's the perfect haven to escape the madness of the modern world, to chill out and enjoy much needed time together.
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Note: the Bothy is no longer available.
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The Lodge is an eco-friendly property of Scottish vernacular desin with a Scandi twist offering spacious open plan living. It was designed by Swedish architect, Märtha Wachtmeister, and her vision of ‘less is more'. Muir Lodge fuses traditional Scottish construction features with contemporary Scandinavian layout, design and finishes. Externally, the lodge, which was built in 2010 on the site of a pre-existing ruin, has a distinctly Scottish vernacular appearance. Of timberframed construction with a stone façade under a slate pitched roof, it has Danish double glazed windows, with individual sliding panels, which reveal the Scandinavian internal theme. Internally the open plan layout is flooded with natural light and radiates comfort.
The accommodation is spread over an L-shape floor plan, incorporating a wing consisting of 3 double bedrooms, two with a private en-suite, and the other with a private shower room. In the centre of the plan there is a boot room, additional shower room and a utility room with washing machine/dryer and sink. In the core living space in the opposite wing there is a large open plan kitchen, dining area, casual lounge area with log burner and 2 double sofa beds. To take you upstairs, there is a beautifully designed and modest staircase which has roller style child gates at either end. On this level is a large lavish lounge with forrest green and mustard velvet sofas and a wood burning fire, where you can sit and look out amongst the trees. Also on this level is the large master suite comprising an en-suite bathroom, with ‘his and her’ basin units, large walk in shower and double ended free standing bath. The bedroom has a super king bed and single sofa bed, walk-in wardrobe shared with the twin room. This room also has a glass gable end where you can view our herd of deer and stags....quite spectacular. The 5th room can be accessed privately via an additional staircase. It is a super king bed, the room is carpeted and has it's own en-suite bathroom with vanity unit and double ended bath with hand held shower. All beds split into singles.
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A particular characteristic of the lodge is the well renowned, high quality Danish Dinesen Douglas Fir flooring used throughout. The full length planks, which are 400mm in width, produce clean lines and highlight the simplicity of the architecture. Other Danish design features include the kitchen and three stylish Rais stoves situated in the dining room, lounge and master bedroom.
Environmental sustainability was to the fore in the design process with the services and systems including a Danfoss under floor and ground source heating system. Water for the heating system is sourced from a private borehole located to the north of the house. Furthermore, over specified insulation, 50% thicker than standard, has been installed which enables the lodge to retain heat for prolonged periods and reduces energy consumption.
The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you could possibly need and want for your visit, with a range style cooker complete with 7 ring gas hob, 2 large electric ovens one of which has a grill and the small grill can also be an oven. There is a dish washer, large American style fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, cake mixer, blender, slow cooker, le creuset pots and pans, and all the rest, even all the washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, etc. If something is not there that you need, just ask.
What sets us apart form most self catering properties is that we have a substantial food offering. If you want someone else to do the cooking look at 'Chef & Shepherd Suppers' which is a 5 course a la carte dining experience which is the same menu used at our former 5 star guest house Woodcroft House, voted best guest house in Scotland by the Good Hotel Guide 2022. You can also choose something from our 'Heat & Eat' menu, where a delicious meal will be ready and waiting for you. You just need to throw it in the oven. Click on the button below to find out more.
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Step outside onto the patio and enjoy your breakfast al fresco, and say good morning to the wildlife. Afterwards take a stroll down to the loch, through the woods, or wander through the Christmas trees (wellington boots required), go and say hello to the deer that Alick farms. You might even see him with his 6 working sheep dogs Patch, Moss and Ben, Kim, Tess, and Meg. Due to the elevated position of the estate, at the end of every wee walk you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Ben Ledi, Ben Lomond, Ben Venue, Ben Vorlich the Campsie Fells or the Gargunnock hills. The views are truly epic and you forget that you are not far from civilisation but yet feel completely secluded, immersed in nature and tranquillity.
If you fancy going further afield, Callander, the Trossachs and Loch Lomond are all just minutes away on the doorstep, or do some sight seeing in nearby Stirling, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth. When you get back, soak away any aches and pains in the hot tub, If you want to have a more rustic meal, venture across the garden and get the wood burning on the bespoke built Pizza Oven and BBQ where there is plenty room for a banquet to be cooked over the flames.