Ecotone Cabins

These sustainable, modern cabins sit in a forest clearing overlooking the waters of Loch Broom, just 3 miles from Ullapool. They are immersed in scenery that’s typical of the West Coast of Scotland – epic coastline and dramatic mountains, with sandy beaches around 45 mins away. It’s a place too many of us whizz past on a whistle-stop tour of this part of the UK. But here in Leckmelm Woods you can get off the road and appreciate a different pace of life. A stay in an Ecotone Cabin will give you more than just a fleeting look at the view as well as the chance to see the red squirrels and pine martens they are named for. It’ll invite you to watch the changing light on the water, hear birdsong in the woods and appreciate the stars by night – and by doing so, you'll be ensuring the future of this special spot, as your stay will help fund its regeneration.

The cabins and other woodland businesses here are the work of the Planterose family, who have been working to increase the biodiversity of this former mixed conifer plantation in a people-and-planet-friendly way. The cabins are part of that plan. They’ve been built with a sensitive touch and are as sustainable as it gets: the timber used in their construction was felled and hewn right here; wood fibre insulation, underfloor heating and energy efficiency of the place keep things so cosy, so there’s no need for a log burner. But don’t worry there’s a fire pit outside.

Choose from Red Squirrel, which is just for two, and Pine Marten, which sleeps up to four. Both have dark exterior cladding which keeps them inconspicuous in their setting on the edge of the trees, but step inside and they are flooded with light. Huge windows in the open-plan living space take care of that. The whole place is slick and modern inside and proves that being eco-friendly doesn’t mean going without. Each has a modern kitchen, dining and living room.  All the while the covered deck, the glass front and plentiful windows connect you to the outdoors and remind you why you’re here. And it won’t be long until you’re drawn out into it. You can walk into the trees, take a short walk down to the shores of Loch Broom or a longer one to Ullapool – but do make sure you bring the right shoes – welllies or walking boots are a must.