5 of the most spectacular Highland retreats

We've found 5 incredible, quirky and remote places to sleep – in a bit of luxury.

The Bothy Project, Inshriach House, Aviemore

There's an abundance of quirky places to stay at Inshriach House, as well as more traditional accommodation in the house itself. It was The Bothy Project that first caught our eye. It's a place for artists to hideaway in the winter, but it's open to anyone during the summer. It has a wood-burner, outdoor shower and a mezzanine bed. From £80 a night for two. But if you want quirk – check out the Beermoth – a converted 1956 fire truck. Stunning.

01540 651 341, http://inshriachhouse.com/

Seahorses, Drumbeg, Sutherland
This is by far the most remote cottage here.

The story is worth recounting: The owner found himself a remote headland in the NW corner of Sutherland. Facing one way he saw the Atlantic Ocean – the other Quinag Mountain and he decided he wanted to build a house there. Only one problem – no road and ½ mile through the toughest rocks in the British Isles – Lewisian Gneiss. Not to be deterred he spent 12 months blasting his way through the rock until he reached this perfect headland – and built a house to a traditional croft house style. Now available for holiday letting all year round and luxurious with 3 bedrooms and 3 shower room; snug and warm in the depths of winter but fully connected by Broadband Wi-Fi."

For more details call 01381 610496, or visit: http://www.lhhscotland.com/properties/detail/?id=25220

Eagle Brae, Beauly near Strathfarrar

Relive your Alpine adventure in these beautiful log cabins made from Western Red Cedar responsibly sourced in British Columbia. There are seven cabins, each set alone in the woodland near Glen Affric and Strathfarrar. The smaller cabins each have a double bedroom, and the larger has two bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom. All have kitchen, living area, WiFi and office space.

Eagle Brae, Struy, Beauly, Inverness-shire, IV4 7LE (01463 761301/info@eaglebrae.co.uk)

Big Sky Lodges, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire

These six log cabins, ten miles from Inverness, are designed to accommodate up to six people. Each is set in a meadow with views of the surrounding area. Each has three bedrooms, fully fitted kitchen, DAB radio (that's 6Music sorted), and a BBQ.

Big Sky Lodges, Drynie Park, Muir of Ord, Scotland IV6 7RP (07796 546861)

The Duck's Nest, Nethybridge

The Duck's Nest is part of a larger complex that includes the Lazy Duck Hostel, a campsite and another lodge, but it is this cute lakeside residence that got our attention. It is set up for couples. It has a wood-burning stove, hot water outdoor shower and a stove on the deck that overlooks the water. Lovely! The hostel sleeps eight people. It is between Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey.

http://lazyduck.co.uk

By Daniel Neilson