Experience the beauty of Scotland from a treehouse

A contemporary retreat in the branches, Brockloch Treehouse is a quirky off-grid escape for two. In the grand tradition of treehouses, it’s small but perfectly formed, with every inch of space used cleverly and special touches waiting on arrival. Light streams through dozens of little windows by day and as you cuddle up in the double bed by night, there’s a stargazing spectacle through the large skylight above. Another skylight over the bath means you’ll never miss a shooting star. Brockloch looks after the environment as expertly as it does its guests, with wool insulation, solar panels and a switch that diverts hot air from the wood burner into the bathroom. Pleasingly smart stuff. Adventure seekers are spoilt for choice - try sailing on Loch Ken, explore Sandyhills and Carrick Shore beaches or brave the UK’s longest zip wire at Laggan outdoor centre.

Storybook nostalgia meets rustic luxury at Nuthatch in Stirling. With a huge sycamore growing through the deck, it’s hard to know where the treehouse ends and the forest begins. You’ll feel at one with the twittering birds and darting red squirrels as you take a decadent soak in the huge outdoor copper tub. Nature blends seamlessly into the interior of Nuthatch where earthy tones create a sophisticated, tranquil vibe but with the indulgent comforts of a super king-size bed and fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. Staying on the supremely photogenic site of Lanrick, you can set off on stunning riverside and woodland walks, BBQ at the river huts and try fly fishing in the winter months. The majestic highland scenery of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park are a 5 minute drive away.

The clue’s in the name of this cool treehouse cabin built on (can you guess?) stilts and set between a mill pond and a river. The large pond is your own private swimming lake, so join the resident ducks for an invigorating dip if you’re feeling hardy, or hire a paddle board if you prefer to stay afloat. As you sink into the sofa and thaw chilly toes in front of the wood burner afterwards, gaze out of the huge window and admire the grounds of Dod Mill. The old flour mill dates from the 1700s and is one of the area’s very few surviving mills with a water wheel still in place. For the full smallholding experience, ask owners Ruth and Jamie if you can help them to shepherd the Shetland-Suffolk crosses and timid Hebridean sheep that wander the fields. After a day of glorious outdoor exploration, book a Swedish Massage in your treehouse and wonder why you ever have to go home.

There are no stairs up to Pipit Treehouse, instead you enter via a ramp. To make this forest retreat universally enjoyable, the bathroom can be adapted to add a seat in the shower and there are extra handles for disability access. At Canopy & Stars, we’re setting out to improve the accessibility of our whole collection and you can read more about that here. Pipit is at the gateway to the magical Scottish Highlands but with its high ceilings, clean lines and light wood interior, you could just as easily be in a Californian lodge. Cuddle up by the cosy log burner inside or take your coffee out onto the deck to sip under the canopy of the pine tree overhead. Pipit is part of the luxury eco-community at Lanrick, with brilliant excursions on the doorstep. Explore historic Doune castle, visit Blair Drummond Safari Park or pick up local treats at Smiddy Farm Shop.

If you’re looking for scenic Scottish seclusion, you’ve found your dream hideaway at Sandystones. We’re pretty sure we know where it is because we’ve been there (lucky us) but this stilted treehouse on the borders has privacy in bucketloads. Hidden from all roads and other houses, it can only be accessed from a half mile of farm track. The River Ale runs through the site, which is a wildlife-lover’s paradise where you might spot kingfishers, woodpeckers, otters, grey partridge, hares, deer and badgers. You won’t be short of places to relax with a spacious, open plan living area, secluded hot tub, hammock and outdoor fire pit. For a less peaceful but equally fun break, the kids can come too and sleep in the two hidden cabin bunks accessed through little hatches in the bedroom area. They’ll enjoy having a tour of the working farm and meeting the animals.