Meet Caroline and Ed Dunbar, owners of The Cabin by the Castle – a sumptuous, “coorie”-infused eco-cabin powered by nature, secluded on a historic Moray estate and boasting magnificent views of Duffus Castle.
What first inspired you to create The Cabin by the Castle as a retreat?
Our Cabin by the Castle is situated within the old walled garden of our first holiday cottage, Old Duffus Farmhouse, which we opened in 2009. For many years this old patch of ground was overgrown and forgotten but it had the same stunning, south facing views directly across to the ruins of Duffus Castle as the farmhouse. Guests were always blown away by the castle view at the farmhouse and we knew we were sitting on something special and had to do something creative on the site.
Have you always been in hospitality? If not, what else did / do you do?
Ed and I met 22 years ago whilst both working for Majestic Wine on their graduate training scheme. We are now both partners in Duffus Estate, Ed’s historic family Estate where he grew up. He is also a rural surveyor and divides his time between his ‘proper’ job and running the Estate. I oversee our 6 holiday cottages and Kula Coffee Hut at Duffus Castle. I have also run my own business as a dog walker prior to moving to Moray.
What’s the best thing about being the owner of The Cabin by the Castle?
Being my own boss. Running our Cabin by the Castle, as part of our 6 holiday cottages is only one part of running Duffus Estate as a whole. Every day is different and I relish setting my own schedule. We could be clearing ditches, serving coffee at our coffee hut & talking to the local high school pupils about the importance of customer service all in one day.
What’s your favourite feature of the retreat?
The floor to ceiling windows all along the south side of the cabin. These huge windows gives our guests amazing views of Duffus Castle. Whatever the weather the sky and light is always different. They might be lucky enough to witness a huge flock of thousands of geese who land in the fields around Duffus Castle and the cabin on their autumn migration. The sight and sound of them is something to behold!
What do you love about the local area?
Moray is like Scotland in miniature. We are only 2 miles from the most amazing stretch of coastline with quiet, sandy beaches – swimming, SUP, kayaking, sailing, surfing, sea fishing – it’s all on our doorstep. The biking is top notch – gravel, mountain and road bikers all have plenty of routes to choose from. Plus, we are less than an hour from the mighty Cairngorms with skiing, hiking and more at our fingertips. For those who love the outdoors Moray is amazing.
Throw in the fact that Moray Speyside has the largest amount of distilleries in Scotland, plus world famous food producers such as Walker Shortbread, Baxters and then Johnson’s of Elgin’s cashmere woollen mill, Moray really does have something for everyone.
What’s next for The Cabin by the Castle?
We are planning a campsite to open in 2026. This will be on the main hub of the Estate and be a mix of tent pitches in the old walled garden of Duffus House and then some electric hook up pitches for tourers and caravans. We’re very excited to be expanding our brand and what we can offer our guests.
If you couldn’t stay at your place, where would your ideal holiday be?
West coast of Scotland (if you could guarantee sunshine & no midges!)
Sum up The Cabin by the Castle in three words.
No ordinary cabin
If you were visiting, how would you spend a day at The Cabin by the Castle?
If it was summer I would cook up my breakfast pack that I had pre-ordered and was ready and waiting for my arrival. I would sit outside on the decking and eat whilst watching the sun come up over the historic ruins of Duffus Castle. I would then pack a picnic and head to near by Clashach cove for a paddle board and a swim. The yellow sandstone cliffs positively glow in the sunshine and you feel like you are somewhere tropical.
After lunch we would head back to shower and then pop on our bikes to head over to Bootleggers Bistro at the west beach in Hopeman. This is situated right on beside the beach and offers amazing local seafood and meat options. You can sit outside right by the sea and watch out for our local pod of dolphins to swim past whilst the sun sets and we polish off our food. We would then bike back to the cabin and light the fire pit for a final sundowner whilst watching for shooting stars over the castle at night. The perfect end to the perfect summer day in Moray.
Find out more about The Cabin by the Castle via their Host Unusual listing below!
