Brucefield Estate Schenbothies

• Sleeps: 2 per bothy
• Bedrooms: 1 per bothy
• Bathrooms: 1 per bothy
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

Dating back over 700 years, Brucefield Estate is a vast, cherished ‘hidden gem’ that boasts a unique blend of enthralling history and Scottish nature at its purest.

Not only have these exquisite grounds been trodden by ancient barons, lords and ladies, but they are also home to a diverse array of scenic habitats that mean wildlife of all descriptions can thrive.

In fact, the estate owners – themselves descendants of Robert the Bruce – are so committed to giving back to the land and its animals, that they have a ten-year plan in place to support, sustain, and monitor Brucefield wildlife.

Facing a tranquil meadow, you’ll discover Brucefield Estate Schenbothies (so named due to their location in the medieval barony of Schenbothy, from which today’s Estate of Brucefield originated), privately nestled amongst whispering, bird-filled oak, birch and Scots pine trees that are over 300 years old. Even today, the coat of arms of Robert Stewart of Schenbothy from 1574 can be seen at Brucefield.

Named Tod, Brock, and Mertrick (Scots for fox, badger, and pine marten) each ‘tiny home-style’ bothy both showcases and celebrates the wildlife that surrounds it… indeed, it’s hard to imagine a more ideal setting for getting back to nature.

Lovingly and sustainably crafted from timber, there’s plenty of wood-fibre insulation to help keep you toasty. The build tested by thermal camera, you can also relax in the knowledge that your carbon footprint will stay perfectly light.

Light is the order of the day inside, too, since your chosen bothy boasts triple-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows that invite plenty of sunshine in.

At a glance

• Three sustainably-crafted bothies-for-two, privately secluded amongst semi-ancient trees on a vast, historic Clackmannanshire estate.
• Each self-contained, cosy bothy is individually named and sumptuously styled, with full kitchen and shower facilities. A locally-sourced welcome breakfast basket is provided.
• Light the Morso stove and watch the wildlife going about its day through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Ideal for snoozing, the gallery superking or twin sleeping area is accessed by a ladder.
• Learn about the estate’s ancient roots by taking a history tour, join a wildlife workshop, or hire a bike and take one of many scenic cycling paths.  Sample itineraries are provided, with suggestions for days out in the local area.
• The owner personally recommends Polly’s Pantry for dining in (see Things to Note) and The Forager in Dollar for a fine dining menu crafted by a Michelin-starred chef.

Features

• Dog Friendly

Accommodation Options

More information

Meanwhile, the stylish, birch-crafted interiors celebrate that age-old connection between Scotland and Scandinavia, including Amy Britton-designed tweed, and a sleek Danish Morso stove, which comes complete with a full basket of estate hardwood logs.

Oh, and there’s also a squishy loveseat to snuggle up in with a glass of wine, as you gaze out across the meadow, the tawny and barn owls calling above  (Wi-Fi is provided too, should you feel the need to check in on life back home).

The kitchen features a hob and an oven, and you’ll be supplied with a mouth-watering breakfast hamper for your first morning, crammed with locally-sourced goodies to get your day off to a delicious start.  And if cooking’s not for you, no problem!  Sumptuous two or three-course meals, afternoon teas, and a whole host of delicacies are available to order in advance – some created exclusively for guests.

Of course, you’ll have your own wet-room shower to freshen up in, while accessed by a ladder, the gorgeous gallery twin or double sleeping area is perfect for snoozing tucked up in a nest.

What you do now is completely up to you. You’ll find sample itineraries have been thoughtfully provided, covering a myriad of fascinating places to visit and things to see and do in nearby Dollar and Culross – so you’ll never be bored!

Rather stay local?  Take a historical tour of the estate, hire a bike and set out on a scenic cycle path, or enrol on a wildlife workshop and learn more about your fascinating neighbours… the choice is yours.

Things to note

The ‘from’ price of £145 is based on a 4-night stay.  Dogs permitted in all bothies. The bothies are not suitable for children under 12.  Brucefield Estate has partnered with Polly’s Pantry to create a selection of cakes, platters, meals and snacks especially for guests, to be ordered in advance of your stay.  Please visit their website for information and ideas.  If you’re celebrating something special, all manner of surprises can be pre-ordered and arranged, including a decorated mystery woodland trail with a picnic, firepit and Scottish sparkling wine – just ask!