Luxury Log Cabin Scotland | Lodge Accommodation Inverness

The stunning Eagle Brae, luxury log cabins in Scotland, and the start of our epic NC500 road trip

17/5/2025

Arriving at Eagle Brae truly took our breath away, it’s absolutely incredible, and I’m not sure any words (or even photos!) can fully capture the magic of this unique lodge accommodation in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. I’ll be sharing some (a lot) of my favourite photos throughout this post to give you a glimpse into just how special this place is but really you need to visit and see it in person, it's one of those must-go to locations!

Planning our Scottish road trip took hours of research - from figuring out the best NC500 route to choosing where to stay each night - so if you’re planning your own adventure, I hope my series of Scottish blog posts will help save you some time and inspire your itinerary. It is a very real account of our trip with all the best tips to make it a bit easier!

We left our home near Marlow in Bucks and stayed overnight in the Lake District before heading north to Scotland, with Eagle Brae as our first destination on this epic 11-day road trip. Whether you’re looking to start your NC500 itinerary from a peaceful base or simply want to slow down and explore the Highlands, Eagle Brae is perfectly located near to Inverness. For us, it was the ideal two-night stay to relax, recharge, and ease into the journey ahead.

Eagle Brae in the Scottish Highlands really does offer the most incredible views!

Luxury log cabins in the Scottish Highlands

Eagle Brae is a luxury log cabin village located in the Scottish Highlands near Beauly. It sits on an 8,000-acre estate and is about 20 miles west of Inverness. Inverness is the official starting point for the NC500 route whether you are travelling clockwise or (as we did) anti-clockwise.

The drive from the main roads to Eagle Brae is magical, I read in my NC500 guidebook that there is no destination when completing the NC500 - the route itself is the destination and we felt that throughout our 11-day break, starting with Eagle Brae. We didn't feel like we were desperate to arrive, because just taking in the beauty of the scenery around us was part of the whole experience.

However, as soon as we turned off the main road and followed the winding track up to the log cabins, we felt like we’d stepped into another world. It really is breathtaking. Nestled in the hills, Eagle Brae is surrounded by dramatic Highland scenery - vast skies, snow-capped peaks in the distance, and a peaceful glen stretching out below. It’s utterly spectacular, with a sense of stillness and seclusion that instantly makes you want to slow down and breathe more deeply.

Then as we pulled up outside the reception lodge at Eagle Brae, we were greeted by a group of red deer calmly waiting by the edge of the duck pond, the sun was shining and the sky was blue and there was a perfect reflection of the deer in the water, I really couldn't believe how close we were, it felt like a true 'welcome to Scotland' moment and a reminder that in Scotland nature really does take centre stage.

See the red deer up close at Eagle Brae in Scotland

The bonus of a first class concierge service at Eagle Brae

Eagle Brae is truly unique, not only because the surrounding scenery is so breathtaking but because it creates the perfect balance between the privacy and independence of self-catering accommodation alongside a first class concierge service offering guests the option of pre-arrival ordering of groceries, local delicacies and home made meals,

The day before we arrived at Eagle Brae, their concierge manager called me to check my order and ask if I'd like to choose one of my meals for our first evening and they would ensure it was fully defrosted and waiting in the fridge. They also have a fully stocked fridge and freezer in their reception area where you can choose items during your stay. It means guests can relax without the hassle of finding a shop! Especially as Eagle Brae, like so many locations in the Scottish Highlands, is very remote, a break here is 'a get away from it all' experience.

Both meals were delicious and easy to cook, we had a chicken curry on the first night and a cottage pie on the second and I was delighted with our complementary hamper and other groceries.

Eagle Brae was the perfect location to start our NC500 route!

Eagle Brae - the dream that became reality

There are currently 10 log cabins at Eagle Brae, we were staying in Ardea, which sleeps 2 to 4 people. The log cabins are all sustainable and hand made and sourced from British Colombia, they blend perfectly into the Scottish scenery with their rustic feel, grass insulted roofs and eco-friendly credentials. We were particularly impressed with the wood carvings and the attention to every single detail ....

Eagle Brae is the vision of Mike and Pawena, a husband-and-wife team whose story is as unique as the log cabins they’ve created. Mike, originally from the Highlands, met Pawena while working in India, and their shared love of nature, wildlife and adventure eventually led them back to Scotland.

Every detail reflects their passion for the land, and their aim was simple yet ambitious: to offer guests luxury and comfort while staying completely in tune with the natural surroundings.

One of the more special aspects of Eagle Brae is the way it blends Scottish tradition with Himalayan artistry. Many of the intricate wood carvings and decorative details found throughout the cabins are handcrafted by artisans from Pawena’s. home in the Himalayas. These stunning pieces are individually made and shipped to Scotland, adding an authentic, personal touch that reflects the couple’s shared heritage.

Comfortable, luxurious and unique log cabins in the Scottish Highlands

Attention to every luxurious detail

Eagle Brae truly was something special. We were fascinated to learn how each log cabin was carefully selected, crafted, and constructed and loved that Mike and Pawena have created a dedicated photo book in each cabin where they have documented the build from start to finish.

There are so many thoughtful touches, we enjoyed discovering all the intricate details - from the hand-carved woodwork to the beautifully cosy interiors, with Scottish wool blankets, cosy curtains and luxurious rugs creating a warm and welcoming space. Our cabin had a mezzanine floor with two single log beds hidden away, what an exciting adventure for the little ones! The main double bedroom and bathroom is downstairs and there are two sets of french doors opening onto the decking area.

The bathroom - so important don't you agree - was well thought out: a deep, inviting bath, strong hot shower, luxury toiletries and plenty of shelf space for our own bits and pieces AND even a private sauna for an extra touch of indulgence.

One of my favourite moments each day was sitting out on our enclosed decking, cup of tea (or glass of wine) in hand, watching nature. It was fully secure, so our two West Highland White Terriers could relax and enjoy the views too. Our cabin overlooked a peaceful pond, and the red deer wandered right up close completely unbothered by our presence or the dogs. With bird feeders to watch, woodland walks to explore, and so many thoughtful features to enjoy, two nights simply wasn’t enough. We could easily have stayed a week.

The start of our NC500 adventure

Many guests visit Eagle Brae to just chill out, relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or to enjoy one of the many activities available like canoeing, dog sledding, pony trekking, fishing, mountain biking and walking. And as part of their concierge service, the team at Eagle Brae can help you organise your favourite activity. Mike was very happy to chat to us and make local recommendations including the best time to spot dolphins at Chanonry Point!

But our plan while staying at Eagle Brae was to spend a day exploring the first section of the NC500 ...

We started with The Black Isle, a peninsula, not an island, known for its rolling countryside and dramatic coastal views. One of our highlights was a visit to Chanonry Point, a narrow spit of land famed as one of the best spots in the UK to see dolphins from the shore (Mike advised the best time to go - 2 hours before high tide, sadly we were being so lazy with a lay in and enjoying our log cabin we didn't make it early enough so no dolphin sightings for us).

Next stop was Avoch, a tiny fishing harbour, where we picked up a coffee and cheese scone, before arriving at Rosemarkie for a walk along the beach, Rosemarkie is a peaceful seaside village with a charming local feel, we had lunch at Crofters, the beachfront café, before walking to the enchanting Fairy Glen Falls, tucked away in a quiet woodland on the edge of the village.

Buy the official NC500 Guidebook here!

A walk at Fairy Glen Falls, Rosemarkie on the first day of our NC500 adventure!

East coast from Inverness to Wick

On the second day of our NC500 route, we reluctantly said goodbye to Eagle Brae and began our journey north, following the signs for the NC500 as we travelled up the east coast through the Easter Ross region. This stretch offered a wonderful mix of dramatic coastal scenery and charming Highland towns.

Our first stop was the wide, sandy expanse of Dornoch Beach, perfect for a breezy walk and coffee with a view. We then visited the fairytale-like Dunrobin Castle, with its turrets and manicured gardens (though worth noting, it’s not dog-friendly, we ended up with a G&T outside). Later, we found a real gem at Brora Beach - my favourite stop of the day - with golden sand, crashing waves, and barely another soul in sight.

Chanorary Point, The Black Isle, on our NC500 adventure!

After a comfortable day on the NC500 and some amazing stops, we arrived in Halkirk about 20 minutes inland from Wick for three nights at our next destination and with plenty of time to explore Caithness, John O'Groats, Dunnet Head, North West Sutherland and the Castle of Mey during our stay.

Love from
Michelle xx

Disclaimer: our two-night stay at Eagle Brae was gifted to us.