Escape this Christmas
You know how it goes… the pumpkins haven’t even gone mouldy and Christmas is in full swing. My opinion of this festive celebration is somewhere in the middle; I like the tree and the excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast but the general madness that surrounds the festive period can overwhelm.
For some, running off to a far flung land to enjoy a quiet Pot Noodle would be their perfect Xmas. If this idea appeals to you then we have put together a selection of escape locations for you to disappear to this Christmas…
HARLOSH BLACK - ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND
Photo: harlosh.co
On the Isle of Skye’s rugged and beautiful west coast, Black H is positioned and designed to both withstand the weather and embrace the landscape, so you can immerse yourself in both. Surrounded by open croft, this architectural hideaway for two is a soft minimalistic space that’s private, contemporary and luxurious.
Minimalist, modern and made to connect to nature.
Sleeps 2/ 3-night weekends from £1050/ 4-night mid-weeks from £1200/ 7-nights from £1750
Visit the website for more details.
SKUTA MOUNTAIN HUT - SLOVENIA
Photo: OFIS Architects
via Uncrate.com and NestCampers.com
Set atop the peak of the same name, the Skuta Mountain Shelter was designed to stand up to the rigors of high-altitude life while providing shelter for up to eight mountaineers at a time. The structure's original design was developed by students from Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Freeapproved and PD Ljubljana Matica, then adapted by OFIS and AKT II to fit the terrain. It’s built using fiberglass-reinforced concrete with thin-walled concrete panels on the exterior and a spartan wood interior, with large windows on either end to provide a view of the mountains and valley below.
A map and a list of all the mountain huts as well as hut opening times can be found on the official Alpine Association of Slovenia web page, with frequently updated information.
GUARDSWELL FARM - PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND
Photo: www.guardswell.co.uk
An off-grid haven for those who love stargazing, peaceful surroundings and a chance to watch the world go by. The Infield is situated a little further from the Farm Yard base, up the hill and through a couple of fields, but it is so worth the walk. South facing glass gable end looking over the beautiful Carse of Gowrie, River Tay and Fife, with a stargazing window positioned perfectly above the mezzanine superking size bed.
This Hut also has the option of a fold-y-out bed below the mezzanine if you are bringing the kids, or a couple of friends, along for the adventure (make sure you know them well, as its all one room!). A deck to sip a gin and tonic, a firepit to toast your Guardswell sausages, and a wood stove to warm your tootsies when the night draws in.
Sleeps 2 / 2 Night Min Stay / From £130 per night
For more info visit the website.
RIVERSIDE LOG CABIN- CUMBRIA, ENGLAND
A blissfully peaceful log cabin set on a riverbank in Lake District woodland, with its very own woodfired hot tub overlooking the river. Sleeping up to four people, this is the perfect setting to enjoy peace and tranquility of a secluded cabin in the middle of the woods.
The cabin interior is rustically designed in keeping with the surroundings of the cabin, the interiors are tailored for people who like to get back to basics. There are solar panels to produce energy for the lights. The open plan living space includes a leather sofa, a wood burning stove, and large table with benches. There is a wood fired oven located inside the cabin which heats the cabin and you are also able to use it as an oven and hob. The kitchen area is well equipped with cutlery, pots and pans. There’s a mezzanine floor with two double beds.
2 night min stay / From £150 per night
For more info visit the website