The best Airbnbs in Scotland
For an adventure in the wilderness, it’s hard to resist the lure of bonnie Scotland. A city break in Edinburgh or Glasgow is always a good idea, but venture even just a little bit further afield and you’ll be blessed with some of the most beautiful places in Scotland – charming villages, heather-covered meadows, vast locks and some of the best beaches in the UK. It’s in the Highlands and out in the wild that the place truly comes alive. While our pick of the best hotels in Scotland do cover much of the country, there are still pockets that lend themselves to renting locally, whether it be a castle, cabin or house boat. Here we round up some of the best Airbnbs in Scotland, from places we’ve tried and tested, to stays that we like the look of. For more options, see our edit of the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh, and the best Airbnbs in Glasgow.
An architect-designed miniature castle, Colinsburgh
Best for: a romantic escape
Here’s the chance to stay in a Polly Pocket-sized castle at the tippy-top of blustery Fife, designed by prolific Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer. Dramatic views from every turn greet you before you enter between two lion-topped pillars into a beautifully-designed lounge and bedroom. A warming log burner, smart en suite and hidden copper bath tub fit for a king await in the old turret. There’s plenty to do beyond the trappings of the castle – take a walk along the famous Elie chain coastal path or spend a day beachcombing at St Andrews or Kingsbarn; a local hidden gem with an excellent toastie shack. Head to the stables and you can explore the estate on horseback, book a private yoga session, or head into town for a round of golf at the East Neuk.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £320 per night, with a two-night minimum
Dorota Markowska PHOTO+FILMA stylish cottage within estate grounds near Edinburgh, Midlothian
Best for: design lovers
The sweeping countryside surrounding Midlothian town is in stiff competition with this one bedroom retreat’s interiors for that which is most pleasing to the eye. A careful mix of muted and deeper tones brings fun while retaining a sense of elegance, with rusty red candy stripe tiles in the bathroom, a squashy fir green sofa and frilly gingham cushions making some of the interior highlights. The space is functional as it is aesthetic, with a fully-stocked kitchen for cooking up lazy brunches, and a large terrace from where to enjoy the fruits of your labour in the warmer season. Larger groups take note: the hosts have two further two- and three-bedroom properties available on the estate, so you can gather together in the day before heading off to your own private space in the evening.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £115 per night, with a three-night minimum
David Grant Simpson PhotographyA Victorian cottage on the water’s edge, Lochgoilhead
Best for: embracing the wilderness
Scamper down wooded hills within the Trossachs National Park and head right to the water’s edge – that’s where you’ll find this fairytale-worthy wooden cabin. It’s bijou but has everything you need, including a full kitchen with a stove and coffee machine (take your latte out the French doors to soak up the loveliness on the porch), plus a cosy living room with a log burner to stave off the chill in winter and a TV to flop in front off after a long day hiking. Wake up to views over the Scottish highlands before wild swimming in the lake – the landscape here is spectacular, even by Scotland’s standards.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £303 per night, with a three-night minimum stay
A 17th century country home, Kingston upon Hull
Best for: leisurely walks around the grounds
For a Downton Abbey-worthy escape, head to Kirklinton Hall, just a few miles from the Scottish border. Spend a while admiring the 17th-century house, before retiring to The Pavillion. Nestled among the 14-acre formal grounds, woodlands and meadows, this beautifully restored retreat for two is elegant-as-you-like with panelled walls, a soft palette of neutrals and subtle, tasteful finishes. Host George will meet you, so be sure to ask about all the history of the Hall before admiring the renovations – previous guests have been blown away by how luxe the space is. Waft about like the lady of the manor then jump in the car for some sightseeing; the quaint market towns of Longtown and Brampton are just a short ride away.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £67 per night, with a two-night minimum
A super-smart Scottish castle, Argyll
Best for: a taste of castle life
If you’re heading to the Hebrides, consider bypassing the popular jumping off point of Oban and heading off the tourist track to Kilmartin Glen. The Glen is home to 8,000 years of history including ancient forts, standing stones, burial tombs and a 16th century castle you can take over as your own. Thanks to a careful and clever renovation, the castle retains its rustic charm while embracing modern comforts such as rainfall showers, underfloor heating and wood-burners in most of the five en-suite bedrooms. The kitchen is also well catered for large groups, plus you can enlist the help of a private chef to prepare supper. For more grand stays, see our edit of the best castles to rent in England. Lauren Burvill
Sleeps: 10
Price: from £900 a night (four-night minimum)
Nigel RigdenA cosy bolthole for stargazers, Drimnin
Best for: astronomy fans
What better way to make the most of the lack of light pollution than with a stay geared towards seeing the stars? With its aluminium shell, this unique little guesthouse is evocative of an alien spaceship, which befits its otherworldly surroundings in this totally secluded area (stock up on supplies before arrival – the nearest town is eight miles away). A full glass front showcases expansive views over the Sound of Mull and the windows by the bed and in the ceiling allow choice views of the constellations as you hunker down for the evening. Previous guests have been wowed by this cosy pod – blissed out with crackling fires and far reaching vistas as the sun goes down.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £170 per night, with a three-night minimum
A secluded cabin, Belsay
Best for: an off-grid stay
This is a working farm, but head half a mile into the hay fields and you’ll reach this one-time cowshed, now transformed into a secluded getaway for those seeking to slip off the grid. The original sandstone and timber structure has been decked out with all mod cons, including a big comfy bed, a wood-fired stove and gas grill. A verandah makes the spot for morning coffees before heading out for a jaunt around nearby Balsam lake. Come nightfall, hop in the big clawfoot outdoor bathtub – it makes the stargazing feel all the better.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £149 per night, with a two-night minimum
A modern bothy, Isle of Skye
Best for: a peaceful escape
Bothies were originally developed to provide basic shelter for weary travellers seeking refuge from the elements. However, this newly built cabin is anything but – with a light-filled, spacious kitchen, pillowy soft king-size bed, a study and dining area, topped with statement vaulted ceilings. Breakfast is on the house thanks to a starter pack of goodies you’ll find in the pantry – bread, butter, milk – and fluffy sheepskin rugs and textures ensure you’ll feel right at home. Outside, you’ve views all along the Trotternish Ridge, from Quiraing through to Staffin Bay. Some guests have even been lucky enough to see the northern lights from the deck. Ratings are seriously impressive for this Airbnb. It’s maintained a five-star rating with 407 bookings, putting it in the top 1 per cent of homes on the platform – an unusual feat.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £150 per night, with a three-night minimum
A 15th century castle, Old Craighall
Best for: a castle stay near Edinburgh
With Edinburgh only a 20 minute drive away, this 15th century castle has huge group getaway appeal – there's room for 16 as well as a games room, cinema, library and gym. The house was originally built by the monks of Newbattle Abbey to protect themselves from English invaders – look carefully and you can still spy gun loops and arrow slits from this era. Extra points if you can find the hall’s secret room.
Sleeps: 16 guests
Price: from £1,200 a night
Ashley CoombesA cosy cabin, Port Menteith
Best for: getting off grid
No matter what the weather, there’s always a warm glow radiating from The Bothy, a log cabin located on a sweeping 84 acre farm in the Menteith Hills. Inside, things are warm and cosy; especially the mezzanine bedroom and the woodburner at the centre of the room. There’s also a wood-fired hot tub outside, and with no neighbours in sight – apart from a few highland cows – you’ll have complete privacy. Home cooks will love the option of an oven, BBQ or grill over the outdoor Hikki fire pit, or you can take the night off and order from the ‘dine in’ menu.
Sleeps: two
Price: from £272, minimum four night stay
Monika GrabowskaA medieval retreat, Edinburgh
Best for: a historic stay
This stone-cut cottage is the place to book for those who believe staycations are made all the better with a bit of medieval pomp. Formerly home to nesting doves, this renovated tower is hidden in a large private garden where paths trail beneath rose-covered trellises and ancient garden tools are hung on the walls. Inside, rough walls house a wood-burning stove, pull-out sofa bed and cedarwood kitchen. Upstairs, wooden stairs lead to a tiny bedroom in the tower, with a bed surrounded by cubby holes and a window overlooking the garden.
Sleeps: four
Price: from £155 a night
A Loch Ness escape, The Highlands
Best for: a charming family stay
This two bedroom cabin couldn’t be more perfectly located with Loch Ness and all its ample cafes, restaurants and outdoor adventures only a few minutes stroll away. There’s space for four to stay, perfect for a family with a king-size bed on the mezzanine and twin beds on the ground floor. The fire pit in the private courtyard is the place to be at night for toasting marshmallows under the stars.
Sleeps: four guests
Price: from £150 a night
A former working mill, North Ayrshire
Best for: a tranquil stay break Glasgow
This stone house was originally a working mill dating back to the 16th century. Today it’s a standout Airbnb near Glasgow thanks to its own private waterfall and pond, which you can even admire without getting out of bed. Take your morning coffee from the balcony and keep your eyes peeled for woodpeckers or deer in the gardens. Venture further to find a flowing river and seating overlooking the Roebank Burn.
Sleeps: 4 guests
Price: from £149 a night
A bunker built by the RAF, The Highlands
Best for: a unique stay
Built by the RAF in 1940, this jet-black hut on the eastern stretches of the NC500 – one of Scotland’s best-loved routes through the Highlands – is a bit like a hobbit house, if hobbits had really good taste in interiors. Inside, a domed ceiling makes you feel as if you've burrowed underground, but the white-washed walls and cool black accents keep the whole place feeling airy.
Sleeps: four
Price: from £95 a night
While we have not stayed in every Airbnb featured below, we have done the hard work for you. We have carefully selected these as recommendations based on their location, design, previous guest reviews and the fact that they have achieved Airbnb's Superhost status at the time of our research. All listings on Condé Nast Traveller are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.