The best Airbnbs in the Scottish Highlands

Where is it? Between the villages of Lochinver and Clachtoll

If you want total seclusion, this semi-detached cottage will do the trick. It's settled in on the Sutherland coast, with nothing but miles and miles of mountain and seaside views outside your window. This also makes for some fantastic hikes during the day and a rather spectacular sunset over the cliffs. There’s also a full kitchen and open-plan lounge, so you’ll have everything you need. It sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms, making it ideal for families or couples.

Time Out tip: Bring your good camera along for a sunrise mission – trust us.
Price: From £123 per night.
Location: Lairg, Sutherland coast.
Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.
Vibe: Wildlife-lovers haven.

Where is it? Just outside Lochgoilhead

A former Victorian summerhouse, The Seal Cabin stole our hearts with its total commitment to romanticism. Located right on the water’s edge, this little wooden abode has been transformed into as snuggly a spot as they come. When you’ve got over aww-ing at its little-house-on-the-prairie exterior (and that might take a while), step inside and go ‘aww’ all over again at the elevated platform hiding the double bed and the lovely wood burner and sofa down below. Imagine being cuddled up in here with a storm raging outside! Romantic and then some.

Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for red squirrels.
Price: From £385 a night.
Location: Within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.
Vibe: Like stepping into your very own selkie fairytale.

Where is it? Cawdor, near Inverness

Nothing says romance quite like a fire pit and sauna. So chuck some logs on the fire and relax in this tranquil retreat set within the grounds of a long-ruined stone byre. Guests can take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains of the North West Highlands, forests, sea, and a nearby castle. The open-plan interior features a cosy lounge with a wood-burning stove, a bedroom area with a super king-size bed, and kitchen and dining spaces – each with wide bi-fold doors that open onto a spacious private deck. This stay also promises to be midge free over the summer – a rarity in the Highlands.

Time Out tip: Cawdor Castle is just a walk through the forest away.
Price: From £172 a night.
Location: Near Cawdor and a 10-minute drive from Inverness Airport.
Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.
Vibe: Candle-lit romance.

Where is it? Broadford, Isle of Skye

A truly unique spot, this is a Scotland Airbnb that will make you say ‘wow’. This is not camping like you’d think of camping, oh no. This is true glamping, in a solo pod in the middle of the mountains in Broadford, right by the loch. You may see cows and sheep strolling past in the morning, and some seriously mind-blowing views right outside the pod door. Blissful, but mind the cow pat. The Airbnb sleeps two in a cosy king-sized bed, making this a great romantic getaway for couples wanting to de-stress from city life. 

Time Out tip: There’s a great selection of restaurants just up the road in Broadford.
Price: From £122 a night.
Location: Broadford, Isle of Skye.
Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.
Vibe: Cosy, minimalist and view-gasmic.

Where is it? Fort Augustus

This is a chapel, not a castle, but it'd be fit for royalty. Luxurious beyond belief, this two-bedroom apartment is located within The Highland Club, an award-winning development of luxury apartments within a former fort, monastery and abbey, overlooking Loch Ness. Gorgeous original stained glass windows show the Scottish saints, while arches and vaulted ceilings create an undeniable sense of grandeur. You'll have full access to the property's sauna, swimming pool, tennis court and more – but it's the proximity to Loch Ness which is the real drawing card.

Time Out tip: It’s a walkable distance to Loch Ness.
Price: From £555 a night.
Location: Fort Augustus, at the south-west end of Loch Ness.
Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.
Vibe: Regal AF.

Where is it? Drimnin

What do you do with a stunning spot of land on a Scottish lakeside? Pop an airship on it, of course. Sitting in delightful juxtaposition against sweeping views of the stunning Sound of Mull, this aluminium pod designed by Roderick James Architects is a highly sought-after Highlands Airbnb. Diminutive in size yet comfortable for two people, this insulated space features a queen bed and modern kitchenette. At either end of the airship, glass-panelled noses offer heart-melting views of mountains and lochs, reaching as far as the Isle of Mull. A load of natural light pours through the big glass ends and (aero)nautical circle windows throughout the accommodation. Restaurants tend to hibernate during winter, so don't forget to stock up beforehand.

Time Out tip: Fancy a wee dram? Check out the Nc’Nean Distillery tour.
Price: From £198 a night.
Location: Drimnin, on the north-east shore of the Sound of Mull.
Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.
Vibe: Modern and futuristic.

Where is it? Near Alberfeldy

We love a building with an interesting back story, and The Tabernacle certainly has that. It started life as the Mary of Mercy church in Aberfeldy before finding itself scheduled for demolition in the early noughties. Luckily, it was ingeniously saved by being de-flatpacked and rebuilt in its current location in 2008. Inside you’ll experience its high wooden walls, luxe bathing facilities and all kinds of nooks and crannies. Its mint green exterior is adorable, as is the vintage rocking horse and claw-footed bath.

Time Out tip: Just outside a place named ‘Dull’, but the area is anything but; expect epic Tay valley views and just ten mins from Aberfeldy.
Price: From £294 a night.
Location: Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross.
Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.
Vibe: Gorgeous Victoriana with a highland finish.

Where is it? Near Evanton, which is near Dingwall

Located near the birthplace of the real Macbeth (no, Shakespeare didn’t invent him), this castle-grounds bakehouse has something of the magical about it. The bakehouse is in the North/East wall of the castle grounds and gives all who stay here unadulterated access to manicured gardens, ponds and an arboretum. The home itself is precisely the kind of snuggly-but-expansive country abode that those of us with Aga-and-nine-kids dreams totally lap up. The Emperor Bedroom has a dark wood four poster bed to fight over, while the downstairs open plan kitchen/dining/living area makes for the perfect area of a relaxed big group brunch of eggs, eggs, eggs to power you through a Munro hike.

Time Out tip: Visit Cawdor Castle and do your best Macbeth witches impression.
Price: From £400 a night.
Location: Evanton, Easter Ross.
Beds: Four bedrooms. Sleeps eight guests.
Vibe: A grand but cosy family home.

Where is it? Isleornsay

Want to stay on your own island, complete with a lighthouse? Yeah, we know you do. This unique home boasts four acres of land including the working lighthouse. After arriving by boat, you'll discover a traditional home with a few modern specifications. Really though, it's all about the views. Sit out with your morning coffee and watch the waves lap against the shoreline and enjoy a well-earned break from society in a home that's been frequented by lighthouse keepers for centuries. It doesn't get quirkier than that.

Time Out tip: Just across the shore there’s a traditional highland pub.
Price: From £847 a night.
Location: Isleornsay on the Isle of Skye.
Beds: Four bedrooms. Sleeps seven guests.
Vibe: Cosy and traditional.

Where is it? Bernisdale, Isle of Skye

Not only is this one in the super-cute town of Portree, Skye, but it’s in a supremely characterfully converted post office. Within walking distance of both Loch Snizort (great name, eh?) and loads of hiking trails, it’s got a double bed, two single beds and a cosy open stove. In other words, it’s as ideal for families as you can really get. It's the most idyllic place to rest your feet after a day of exploring the nearby area. Pop your feet up, grab a cuppa, and light the fire; it will feel like you've already retired. We wish. 

Time Out tip: Check out the quaint nearby village of Portree.
Price: From £147 a night.
Location: Bernisdale, Isle of Skye, near the head of Loch Snizort Beag.
Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.
Vibe: Charming country cottage feel.

Where is it? Ballintuim.

Perched on its own bridge, this quirky home spans the River Ardle. Built in 1881, The Bridge House boasts charming features such as stone spiral stairs, traditional timber-clad walls, stone flooring and a privy directly over the river. You've got scenic views all around you, making for a relaxing stay. The sauna will help with that too.

Time Out tip: It’s a one hour drive to the stunning Cairngorms National Park.
Price: From £252 a night.
Location: Ballintuim, Perthshire, is in the central Highlands.
Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.
Vibe: Fairytale-esque.

Where is it? Ledgowan in Wester Ross

Ledgowan Lodge is something special. Surrounded on all sides by scenery that demands continual photographing, this stately home sleeps up to 22 guests and is perfect for a big party getaway where you want to be able to spend decent time together in the house as well as exploring the wider area. There’s an oddly basic kitchen, but the rest of the home is a warming blend of polished wood, plump armchairs and soaring windows to admire the view from. At the time of writing, it’s being advertised as the ideal Christmas spot (which indeed it would be) but, in all honesty, it would be worth a visit at any time of the year.

Rooms? 13 bedrooms. Sleeps up to 22 guests.
The mood? Antlers, lots of antlers.
Location perks? Game of Thrones fans can roam the landscape where it was filmed.
Budget range? Expensive but it is HUGE.

Where is it? Isle of Lewis

This cute little home started life as a coal shed for the nearby lighthouse (Tiumpan Head), but don’t be fooled into thinking that makes for a ‘rustic’ stay. Beautifully converted with lots of concessions to making it blend into the existing landscape, the really showstopping part of this home centres on the first floor living and dining space and its huge windows which look out across the waters. When bedtime calls, tuck yourself into a super king size bed under a lovely patchwork quilt.

Time Out tip: Tuimpan Head Lighthouse is one of the best whale watching posts in all of Europe.
Price: From £235 a night.
Location: Flesherin, Isle of Lewis.
Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.
Vibe: Just you, the sky and the water.

Where is it? The western bit of Skye

Is that a gorgeous landscape painting on your living room wall? No, it’s a window out onto the most painterly and lush of island scenery. Nestled into a westerly corner of Skye, this stunning cottage blends Scottish comforts with Scandi chicness. We love the dark-hued kitchen design, the witty Pantone colour posters in the bedroom and, of course, the outdoor fire pit for late-night whiskey. Embrace the remote location for pure recharging – and then drive less than ten mins for dinner at the award-winning Three Chimneys restaurant.

Time Out tip: Head to the The Three Chimneys restaurant for fine dining.
Price: From £350 a night.
Location: Glendale, on the north-western coastline of the Duirinish peninsula on the Isle of Skye.
Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.
Vibe: Ancient landscapes and Millennial Scandi-inspired interiors.

Where is it? Fort William

Thinking of tackling (we mean walking up) Ben Nevis Scotland's highest mountain? Or simply dreaming of full Highlands immersion? This luxury eco-cabin offers three private acres with incredible views of the Nevis Range so that you can look at it and either say 'yes, I'll do that' or 'it's lovely here and that's massive so I'll just say I've been there'. This log cabin is powered by a solar and micro-hydro system, making it super energy efficient. It's mega-comfortable, too, thanks to underfloor heating, a wood fire, and a huge bath to soak your cares away. The three-bedroom space can fit up to five guests, making it ideal for a group excursion (or exertion).

Time Out tip: Visit Glencoe, made famous through its many film appearances including Harry Potter.
Price: From £538 a night.
Location: Fort William is in the western Scottish Highlands, on the shores of Loch Linnhe.
Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps five guests.
Vibe: Rustic-chic.