Off grid eco cabin retreats, forest gardens, and creative permaculture homestead on the Black Isle.
Stay in Handcrafted Woodland Eco Cabins on Scotland’s Black Isle
Welcome to The Warren, our home and a low-impact eco retreat nestled in a thriving forest garden on the beautiful Black Isle in the Scottish Highlands. Our life here is rooted in Permaculture, creativity, and care for the land. We offer accommodation in two self built, off-grid eco cabins in our regenerative woodland.
Designed with simplicity and comfort in mind, the cabins offer a quiet, nature based place to stay while exploring the Black Isle and the Highlands, or simply taking time away from everyday life.
Regenerative WoodlandPermaculture Forest GardenThe Forest Garden from aboveDolphin Watching, Chanonry PointThe Fairy Glen, Black Isle
Our Eco Cabins: Simple, Sustainable & Comfortable
Our two handcrafted eco cabins, built with care and natural materials, are designed for simple, sustainable living. They blend rustic charm with thoughtful design and creative touches, all in harmony with the land around them. The Warren has earned a Green Tourism Gold Award for its eco-friendly ethos. Relax by the woodburner, wake to the gentle sounds of birdsong, enjoy the unique whisky barrel bucket shower, and sip your morning coffee on the private deck. Wander forest paths, explore nearby coastal villages, or discover tranquil Highland glens at your own pace.
Siskin Cabin – Off-Grid Eco Retreat
Siskin Cabin at a glance
Handcrafted off-grid tiny house for two
Cosy double bed with woodland views
Wood burner with firewood from our woodland
Compact Kitchen, hob and coolbox
Private deck overlooking forest and fields
En suite compost toilet and bucket shower
Ideal for a quiet, slow-paced nature escape
About Siskin Cabin
Siskin is our smaller, simpler cabin, ideal for guests seeking quiet, nature and a slower pace. Cosy and low impact, it’s designed for guests seeking quiet, nature, and a slower pace.
A low impact retreat for two
There’s a cosy double bed looking out across the fields. French doors open onto a private deck with table and chairs, overlooking peaceful woodland — perfect for relaxing, forest bathing, or watching Red Kites soar overhead after a day of exploring.
The cabin is fully off-grid, with a compact kitchenette, compost toilet, and a characterful bucket shower. Solar power provides lighting and USB charging, and while there’s no WiFi, 4G signal is available on most networks.
Designed for simple, sustainable living
Siskin Cabin embodies low-impact living. Built from locally sourced timber, reclaimed materials, and natural finishes, Siskin reflects our commitment to sustainable living. The cabin and surrounding forest garden are Green Tourism Gold rated.
Perfect for couples, solo travellers, or anyone seeking a restorative escape in nature.
Coll Cabin – Spacious Eco Hideaway
Coll Cabin at a glance
Handcrafted off-grid eco cabin for 2 guests
Comfortable double bed with forest views
Woodburner and cosy living space
Kitchen with oven, grill, hob and 12v fridge
Private deck with seating for forest immersion
En suite compost toilet and bucket shower
Optional workspace for digital detox
About Coll Cabin
Experience Coll Cabin, a larger off-grid eco cabin tucked into the same peaceful woodland. Designed for comfort and connection with nature, it is ideal for two guests seeking a slower pace, restorative break, or creative retreat
Comfort and creativity in nature
Inside, the cabin offers a comfortable double bed with forest views, a cosy living and dining space, and a wood burner for warmth and atmosphere. A built-in bench doubles as a small desk, making Coll well suited to reading, writing, or quiet creative work.
A stable door opens onto a private deck with seating, looking out across woodland and open fields. It’s an easy place to pause, watch Red Kites overhead, or enjoy the changing light through the trees.
Coll is fully off-grid, with a compact kitchen, compost toilet, and simple bucket shower. Solar power provides lighting, USB charging, and a small 12v fridge. There’s no WiFi, though 4G is available on most networks for those who need it.
Thoughtful off grid living
Like Siskin, Coll Cabin is built with low-impact materials, locally milled timber, and reclaimed furnishings, reflecting our regenerative approach to living lightly on the land
Perfect for couples, creatives, writers, or anyone wanting a spacious, peaceful escape with a light footprint.
We chose the names Siskin and Coll Cabin taking inspiration from the place and nature around them. A Siskin is a tiny bird which is common around the woods. Coll means Hazel in the ancient Ogham tree alphabet, symbolising wisdom, creativity, and knowledge in Celtic mythology
What our guests think
Brilliant beautiful wee house...with everything you need, beautifully handbuilt by the lovely artistic hosts!Very peaceful forest and delicious breakfast hamper. Beautiful surroundings and walks out the door. A great place to relax!
We stayed at the Siskin cabin for 4 nights and loved how well-thought-out everything was. It was a first experience of such kind for us, but it is impressive what Clive and Julie have designed and built - everything just works, is pleasant, comfortable, and helps you slow down and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We walk away not only having enjoyed the Highlands, but also our accommodation experience in its own right, which isn't always a given! Oh, and make sure to get the breakfast basket or any other available produce from the garden - you won't regret it. 🙂
read moreread less
Aleksandar
6 years on Airbnb
May 2026
An amazing place to stay - hidden in the trees but with great walks and gravel riding from the front door. Julie & Clive have designed and built an amazing place that proves eco can be welcoming, fun and relaxing - lots of lovely, thoughtful touches including the fantastic breakfast hamper that we would highly recommend!
read moreread less
Emer
New to Airbnb
Aug 2025
We had wonderful two nights at Clive's Tiny House. We had everything we needed and enjoyed the stay very much. Loved the breakfast and the chill atmosphere there.
Would recommend this stay to any one. Everything you need from a place and more. Really makes you think about how you consume stuff in a more ‘normal’ living situation. So relaxing and great opportunity to just be, read or look out the window watching the birds. Close to lots of fun things- including great farm shops, local brewery and a short walk from the sea! Clive had great communication with us and gave us a grand tour when we arrived. The permaculture food forest is beautiful to be staying in too.
I had a wonderful stay at the Siskin Cabin, the perfect getaway I was looking for. Communication with Clive was excellent from the start. The surroundings are beautifully peaceful, perfect for relaxing and switching off. The cabin itself had everything I needed, cosy, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a restful getaway in a special setting!
read moreread less
Sorina
13 years on Airbnb
Sep 2025
Die Hütte ist äußerst liebevoll, durchdacht und praktisch gestaltet. Es hat uns an nichts gefehlt. Clive hat uns sehr herzlich begrüßt, viele tolle Tipps gegeben und war bei Problemen direkt erreichbar. Die Hütte eignet sich für eine entspannte Zeit. Es war ein besonderes Erlebnis, wir kommen gerne wieder!
read moreread less
Nina
4 years on Airbnb
Aug 2025
I had the most restorative stay at Coll Cabin. While not too far from the house, the woodland surroundings were so peaceful. I love how the eco-cabin and information inside makes you mindful of your habits and consumption - perfect for slowing down. There is plenty to do in the local area if you love nature, history or exploring generally. Clive and Julie are great hosts and were very friendly and responsive while leaving me to do my own thing! I would happily stay here again.
read moreread less
Anna
8 years on Airbnb
Oct 2025
A perfect woodland haven!I spent a lovely, long weekend in Siskin eco-cabin with one sunny day where I got out walking and one wet day where I stayed cooried in, enjoying the thoughtful and well-designed space.The hosts, Clive and Julia, were friendly and helpful. They lit the fire for my arrival which gave me a nice warm welcome, and let me pick raspberries from the garden for my breakfast. I enjoyed reading up on the planning and design of the cabins, and the permaculture ethos, which I knew a little about already but was interested to learn more.The cabin was designed with thought and care, with everything I needed for a weekend of peace, quiet and reconnection with nature. I enjoyed the autumn woods, the spectacle of the wild geese, the beauty of the local area (the cabin has maps and recommended walks), and the rain drumming on the roof, the second day when I decided to stay indoors for some mindfulness practise and a much-needed digital detox. Just what I was looking for!
read moreread less
Catriona
9 years on Airbnb
Oct 2025
Clive and Julie were incredible hosts! Check in was a lovely experience and it was helpful being shown how to use all of the facilities as we were new to this!The cabin was clean and kitted out with everything we needed, (and the compost toilet was surprisingly easy to manage as well!) Staying in a storm was the snow was falling, Clive and Julie gave up extra blankets and wood due to the snow to keep us warm, which was hugely appreciated!!!! thank you so much for our lovely, peaceful stay!
read moreread less
Lucy
6 months on Airbnb
Apr 2026
Clive è stato un host fantastico e la sua casa nel bosco è stata davvero una sopresa inaspettata, un angolo di paradiso. Abbiamo passato due notti lontani dalla frenesia cittadina, ci è sembrato di dormire in un posto fatato! Clive è stato molto efficiente nel darci comunicazioni chiare e consigli utilissimi per esplorare la Black Isle. Inoltre abbiamo assaggiato la sua box colazione con prodotti locali e pane fatto in casa...buonissima! Consigliamo questo posto a chi ama la natura e vuole fare una scelta consapevole e impattante il meno possibile dal punto di vista ecologico.
read moreread less
Arianna
11 years on Airbnb
Aug 2025
Peaceful retreat for anyone who likes to be out in nature - it was a great environment to disconnect from technology and become more mindful about the resources you use through the off-grid amenities. As a solo traveller, I felt safe and comfortable there the whole time, and as a non-driver I still found the location and the surrounding sights quite accesible on-foot. Would stay again!
read moreread less
R
7 years on Airbnb
Jun 2026
We really enjoyed our stay! The bus stop is close by and there is a nice village called Beauly 10 minutes drive away. The hosts are friendly and there homebaked bread is really good 🙂 For us it was a great way to experience ecological living in a cabin for the first time, we learned a lot!
read moreread less
Iris
7 years on Airbnb
Aug 2025
What to Expect: Forest, Wildlife & Slow Living Experiences
Connect with Nature
Wake to birdsong and enjoy the peace of our forest garden.
Relax on the private deck or wander the woodland boardwalk.
Spot red kites, wildflowers, and other local wildlife.
Explore & Adventure
Take a gentle walk to the Beauly Firth and the ruins of Redcastle.
Discover coastal villages like Cromarty, Avoch, and Rosemarkie.
Enjoy unique wildlife experiences, including dolphin watching at Chanonry Point.
Learn & Slow Down
Optional guided tours of the gardens offer insights into permaculture.
Experience a low-impact, off-grid lifestyle, from bucket showers to solar-powered comfort.
Sip morning coffee, cosy by the wood burner, or simply take time to unwind.
Whether you’re here to explore, learn, or simply slow down, we invite you to stay awhile and reconnect with nature.
We’re Clive and Julie, and The Warren is where we’ve made our home on the Black Isle. What began as a neglected garden has grown into a thriving permaculture homestead. Here, we welcome guests to our eco cabins and live at a gentler pace, guided by the seasons. Most days you’ll find us in the gardens tending plants, or in the studio, bringing creative ideas to life. More About what we do →
Explore Our Forest Garden & Wildlife Habitats
When we arrived in 2015, the land was mostly lawn and neglected woodland. Since then, we have worked to transform it into a rich mosaic of edible landscapes, wildlife habitats, and regenerative systems.
Designed with Nature
Using permaculture design principles, we’ve shaped the land with forest gardens, ponds, meadows, and no-dig beds. These systems nourish the soil, support pollinators, and grow beauty and abundance through the seasons.
We continue to learn, adapt, and design as the land evolves with us.
Alongside nurturing the gardens and hosting guests, we make time for creative hobbies. Clive is a visual artist working across painting, collage, photography, books, and site-specific responses to place. You can see some of his work online at Axisweb, SSA and VAS, or when his work is featured in gallery exhibitions.
Julie brings a background in environmental science, along with a wide range of creative and practical skills. These include organic gardening, breadmaking, and food preserving. In particular, she enjoys sewing, knitting, upcycling textiles and making clothes.
To stay connected with life at The Warren—sign up for our Substack newsletter for updates on our eco cabins, forest garden, creative projects, and seasonal reflections from the Black Isle.
Or follow us on Instagram @thewarrenforestgarden or @bipa_studio_blackisle
Our eco cabins are booked through Airbnb, where you can see current availability, pricing, and guest reviews.
If you have any questions about the cabins, the forest garden, or your stay, please email us at hello@blackislepermacultureandarts.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
