Bring the family

Rediscover the simple life with these gloriously back to nature staycations that kids and adults will adore

- ANDRÉA CHILDS

GLEN DYE CABINS & COTTAGES 

At Glen Dye you will feel deep within the Scottish wilderness without having to sacrifice the comforts of home. This is the vision of Charlie and Caroline Gladstone, who renovated what was once a bunch of dilapidated houses and farm buildings. Glen Dye is now a fun, sustainably-minded retreat for all ages to enjoy outdoor living. There's room to roam, vegetable gardens, a tiny cinema, and big starry nights to admire. Festoon lights twinkle in the pine trees and wood-fired hot tubs and outdoor rainfall showers allow you to connect with nature as you unwind. If camping isn't your thing but you want to introduce the kids to the great outdoors, this is the place.

Rooms The accommodation is eclectic: an American Airstream trailer, a tin-clad bothy, converted farm buildings, a spruced-up caravan, and a coach house that sleeps 12 are among the mix. The décor is bright and homely, with mismatched vintage furniture, kilim ru and log burner. For small families, The Hay Loft and Cottage No.2 are the perfect size, sleeping four, with two bedrooms and a living space filled with books and games. For larger parties, Cuttieshillock (with its lovely garden) and North Lodge (with its river access) both sleep six. Travel cots and highchairs are provided free of charge, and all accommodations have wood-fired hot tubs.

Food Each dwelling has its own Big Green Egg charcoal grill and a well-stocked kitchen, and some have Gozney pizza ovens, too. An on site shop sells store-cupboard staples, meat, fish, local cheeses and homemade ready meals, as well as seasonal vegetables from their own garden and fresh eggs from the Glen Dye hens.