9 Unusual and Unique Places to Stay in Scotland

Scotland is a firm favourite destination with holidaymakers, and you can make your next trip an unforgettable one by choosing one of our more unusual and quirky places to stay in Scotland.

Who doesn’t want to spend a few nights in a remarkable castle? Or perhaps you’d prefer the seclusion of a quirky wooden lodge, nestled into the Cairngorms National Park? If you wish for something more contemporary, there’s a stunning, high-spec home, converted and crafted from an old church building.

We offer a portfolio of truly unique properties in Scotland, some of which have to be seen to be believed!

Read on to discover 9 unusual places to stay in Scotland… 

1. The Orangery (Ref. 974069), Turriff – Filled with rustic charm

This property derives its name from the pretty orangery that can be found just in front of it, below a vaulted ceiling and surrounded by large windows and charming wooden decking.

A beautiful and unusual place to stay in Scotland, The Orangery is set within a courtyard and offers couples the chance for a romantic and unique Scottish getaway.

You even have access to a private hot tub, which allows you to sit back and soak up your surroundings. Located in the Moray area of Aberdeenshire, close to Scotland’s North East coast and within driving distance of the city of Aberdeen and the Cairngorms National Park, you won’t be short of things to do and places to visit during your stay.

2. Signal Box (Ref. 1304), Newtonmore – Phenomenal rural views

This quirky Scottish accommodation definitely offers something different from your average Scottish holiday cottage. This unusual, reverse-level accommodation was designed with you in mind, offering superb, panoramic views towards the Cairngorm Mountains and the River Spey from the spacious, open-plan living area.

Enjoy an element of luxury with the sauna that’s been built into the bathroom, while the sitting area has a cosy feel with its own woodburning stove you can curl up in front of during a chilly evening.

The cottage is right by the Wildcat Trail, which is a 7km route worth taking to explore your surroundings, while the Cairngorms National Park is within easy reach and is a great place to spot unusual Scottish animals and other fascinating wildlife.

Signal Box was also featured in The Times’ 50 best cottages, beach houses and rural retreats in 2013.

3. Moorhen Lodge (Ref. 970080), North Kessock – Charming log cabin

This charming Canadian log cabin is an unusual Scottish property that makes for an idyllic winter retreat in the Northern Highlands.

Moorhen Lodge sleeps four and is one of two lodges that can be booked together, should you wish to share your unique Scottish accommodation with close family or friends. Enjoy a tranquil and secluded location, with both lodges accessed via a long country lane and surrounded by three hectares of private woodland.

Internally, this property has been decorated and furnished to a very high standard, with a woodburning stove acting as the focal point for the sitting room, framed by two full length feature windows, offering picturesque woodland views.

Outside you will find a spacious veranda for enjoying a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine, plus your own hot tub, adding that touch of luxury to your stay.

Just a few miles from both the city of Inverness and Moray Firth, you can enjoy the best of the coast and the bustling mainland, returning to your quirky Scottish accommodation at the end of each day of exploration.

4. Apartment 1 St Mary’s Church (Ref. 1007072), Moffat – Stunning apartment in former church building

Another unusual Scottish property, built within a former church, Apartment 1 is just one of a family of apartments that have been converted from the former St Mary’s Church building in the town of Moffat, in the Ayrshire region of Southern Scotland.

These high-quality apartments have been able to retain many of the church’s original features, like the beautiful stained lead windows and supporting pillars, whilst renovation works have added a contemporary feel, with the open-plan living areas and modern furnishings.

The town of Moffatt offers plenty to see and do, including many unusual annual events, like its sheep race, while the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are accessible from the property. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of the Annandale Valley, great for walkers and cyclists alike.

If an unusual and unique holiday in Scotland sounds like the perfect thing for you, then take a look through our collection of unusual holiday cottages and be sure to find something you’ll love. For more things to do in Scotland, browse our Scotland Travel Guide.