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
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 🙂
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
A delight. We were looking for a few days peace and quiet and the cabin was perfect. Well designed, had everything we needed, and very comfortable. Clive and Julie were helpful and friendly but happy to leave us alone to enjoy the cabin and the sights and sounds of nature in the surrounding woodland. A very restful few days.
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Damon
13 years on Airbnb
Jun 2026
We had a wonderful time! We can’t wait to come back. It’s so peaceful in the middle of the woods. The host was super helpful and responsive. The hut is so cute & cozy. Huge recommendation for everyone who wants to have a couple of days to slow down and unwind.
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Nathalie
2 years on Airbnb
May 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
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
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. 🙂
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Aleksandar
6 years on Airbnb
May 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
What Clive and Julie created is not only a eco-friendly cabin but also wonderful experience and lifestyle. We are so impressed by the minimalist beauty, simplicity and the thoughtfulness of every little detail inside the cabin as well as the garden. Clive is super friendly and talented host, and we love all the arts and vibrancy in this natural space. Thanks to all of these, we’ve enjoyed the most calming and meditative summer rainy days in highland. Thanks again for all these efforts of creating a lovely, inspiring life!
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Jianing
2 years on Airbnb
Aug 2026
Wir waren für 2 Nächte in der Cabin und hatten eine tolle Zeit. Es ist alles mit sehr viel Liebe und Handarbeit hergestellt, was den Aufenthalt sehr besonders macht. Clive war super hilfsbereit und hat auf uns gewartet, obwohl wir sehr spät angekommen sind. Es ist ein sehr besonderer und entspannender Ort. Wir würden jederzeit wieder kommen! 🙂
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Marlene
9 years on Airbnb
Sep 2026
we had an amazing time at Siskin Cabin. Despite not having a car, we managed to get around the local area with Clive’s helpful tips and by checking bus times. The breakfast was also really special, especially the homemade jam! The cabin was beautiful, and we loved how rural it was. We really hope to come back again soon!
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Lucie
9 years on Airbnb
May 2026
Lovely hut. Amazing concept. We were actually sad we only booked two nights. Thank you so much for hosting us!
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David
10 years on Airbnb
Sep 2026
Our stay at Siskin Cabin was phenomenal. The cabin was beautifully decorated and was surrounded by stunning woodlands, fresh berries, and the great accessibility of the location was so appreciated (as someone who is visually impaired). The host was very kind, proactive, and everything was offered that you’d need. Somehow managed to be all of this and still tranquil, and quiet! The whole place, the cabins and the grounds, alongside the furnishings and illustrated guidebook, absolutely reflect the love and care that has gone into the business and the cabins themselves. Also, looks better in person than in the photos amazingly! Could have stayed for weeks, and couldn’t recommend enough 🙂
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Robin
New to Airbnb
Jul 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
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
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.
