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
Thank you for the lovely stay! We enjoyed it so much:) very cosy and private accommodation with very friendly and welcoming hosts. We would definitely come bacjmore often if it wasn't so far away!
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Alexandra
4 years on Airbnb
Aug 2026
Wij verbleven 3 nachten in de Coll Cabin bij Clive en Julie en we waren aangenaam verrast door de cabin! Het was een stuk groter dan we verwacht hadden.Je merkt dat de hosts de cabins met hart en ziel onderhouden en verhuren. Ook aan de tuin en het omringende bos zie je dat deze met veel liefde verzorgd worden.Het was een heel positieve ervaring om eens volledig off-grid te leven! We vonden het beide fijn dat er geen wifi aanwezig is, jezelf verwarmt met een houtstoof en je zelf je water moet opwarmen op het vuur. Ook het composttoilet was een nieuwe, maar positieve ervaring ;)Verder was alles aanwezig wat we nodig hadden. We apprecieerden het prachtige kleine wildboeket op tafel, de zelfgemaakte zeep in de badkamer en ook de ontbijtmand (met zelfgemaakte producten!) was heerlijk.Het was onze perfecte uitvalsbasis rond Inverness en zouden heel graag nog eens willen terugkomen!
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Ellen
7 months on Airbnb
Sep 2026
We had a great stay in the cabin. It was a lovely, peaceful place to relax. Everything was clean and comfortable, and we really enjoyed the quiet surroundings.
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Chantal
11 years on Airbnb
Jun 2026
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Not only is The Warren a fantastic example of regenerative living and design, it’s a peaceful getaway where you get to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Clive was super helpful, responsive and took the time to show us around the amazing gardens. It’s a truly unique experience and the cabin is cozy, beautifully designed and comfortable. We also enjoyed the breakfast basket full of homegrown and homemade goodies. Highly recommend!
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Jason
Bozeman, Montana
May 2026
Had an incredible stay at Clive's forest cabin. It was such a warm, cozy and beautiful space - we really appreciated the design and thoughtfulness of the architecture and layout. Seeing all of the energy and care that has gone into creating such a beautiful, symbiotic environment around the Cabins and Clive's home really adds to the experience. You're fully emersed into nature while being so close to so many other activities and places to visit. We only wish we had stayed longer so we could lean into how relaxing the space and setting was.
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Tristin
Hamilton, Canada
Aug 2026
a piece of paradise - clive and his partner have created a lovely space in the woods to get away from the hustle and bustle. perfect, if you want to explore inverness and its surroundings - clive was also really helpful in giving recommendations.you barely notice that you're staying in a cabin with a compost toilet, as everything was kept tidy and clean. 11/10 🙂
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Matúš
Cham, Switzerland
Jul 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed my peaceful stay at the cabin surrounded by nature and a chance to try out a different way of life. I was initially a little apprehensive about living off grid but the calm, cosy cabin soon wrapped its charms around me and helped ensure an enjoyable few days away. Clive and Julie were very helpful and welcoming and were on hand if I needed to ask anything. I loved the breakfast basket which I requested beforehand which stocked more than enough for my stay. The small log burner was perfect for a cooler evening and there was a small fire pit and seats. If you are looking for a cosy getaway in a beautiful location don’t hesitate.
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Sarah
12 years on Airbnb
Sep 2026
Vielen Dank für die wunderbare Zeit bei Euch. Die Coll Cabin ist mit viel Liebe zum Detail in traumhafter Umgebung ökologisch durchdacht und super gemütlich eingerichtet. Der Wald und der Garten voller verschiedener Pflanzen in absoluter Ruhe sind die pure Entspannung. Wir kommen auf jeden Fall wieder!
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Anja
8 months on Airbnb
Aug 2026
We absolutely loved our stay at Siskin Cabin. It’s such a unique, peaceful place surrounded by trees, birds & nature.Staying here was something completely different for us, and we loved the concept. It was lovely to experience a simpler way of living. The cabin was cosy, comfortable and had everything we needed.Clive was incredibly welcoming, friendly and helpful throughout our stay, and the communication was excellent. He recommended us places to visit and eat nearby.A beautiful and memorable experience, and definitely a stay we’ll remember. We left feeling inspired by what they have created. Highly recommend Siskin Cabin to anyone looking for something peaceful, unique and a little different !!!
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Akshaya
5 years on Airbnb
Aug 2026
The best Airbnb we have ever stayed in, had anything we could possibly need and was situated in the most wonderful place. The cabin is definitely a result of lots of thought and hard work, absolutely amazing!
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Evelynn
3 years on Airbnb
Sep 2026
We had an amazing stay at Clive and Julie’s - Siskin Cabin is beautiful, serene and thoughtfully designed. We loved learning about permaculture and sampling the fresh produce from the garden. Perfectly located for the Black Isle and walking in the Highlands. We will be recommending it to all our friends!
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Lauren
10 years on Airbnb
Jul 2026
Our second time here, highly recommended for a weekend getaway. So quiet and peaceful, it is the perfect escape from everything. We loved how calm it felt, truly a wonderful place to unwind. Clive was very friendly and kind, it recommended us a few things to do. Thanks again for having us, and definitely we will be back.
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Aurel
6 years on Airbnb
Aug 2026
Clive and Julie have created a little garden of Eden off grid but cozy, comfortable and welcoming. The cabin is the perfect place to wind down. Everything has been carefully designed and chosen to create an ecologically sound and aesthetically pleasing environment. Although located in a beautiful piece and peaceful of woodland you can easily access sights and trails all over the Black Isle via the local bus services.This is an exceptional place I would recommend to anyone looking to slow down and connect with nature.
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Jane
12 years on Airbnb
Aug 2026
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.
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Florian
7 years on Airbnb
Jun 2026
We loved staying in this place! Clive was very kind and welcoming. The area was peaceful and cabin was pristine. Clive even recommended a trip to Rosemarkie where we were able to see dolphins. This was one of the highlights of our trip. 100% recommend.
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Ashley
West Palm Beach, Florida
Jun 2026
Soggiornare nella eco cabin costruita da Clive e Julie è stata per me e il mio ragazzo un' esperienza indimenticabile. Immersi nel bosco in una casetta con tutto il necessario, riscaldati da una stufetta a legna accesa da noi, dopo aver cucinato uno stufato con prodotti dell' orto, risvegliarsi con la vista sul bosco direttamente dal letto, un sogno. La casetta è esattamente come in descrizione ma l' esperienza dentro è tutta da scoprire. La posizione molto comoda, letto molto comodo, con la stufa si stava caldi a sufficienza e Clive super gentile ci ha dato davvero tanti spunti per attività nei paraggi anche a piedi. Il bagno secco e la pompa per la doccia alla fine sono stati semplici da usare e, da Architetto, ascoltare la loro storia, il loro progetto e soggiornare lì per qualche notte ponendo attenzione a sprechi e consumi è stato davvero di ispirazione. Spero di tornarci, la consiglio a tutti per cambiare punto di vista e riavvicinarsi alla natura e alle cose importanti.
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Sara
9 years on Airbnb
Aug 2026
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.
