Silver Birch at The Mains | A five star woodland retreat nestled between the pines of the Scottish Highlands

This retreat was designed specifically to give couples an experience they wouldn’t find anywhere else – and it shows. Silver Birch at The Mains is a beautiful two storey larchwood retreat, tucked in woodland near Inverness, with panoramic views across to the Moray Firth. If you are searching for an outstanding getaway, we think this five star Highland spot, complete with balcony, romantic wood burner and whirlpool bath overlooking the trees, is a great choice.

You’ll love the fabulous hot tub, totally natural and in keeping with the birch wood setting. No chemicals, just soft clear Scottish water heated by a wood fired stove. Imagine sitting out under the stars in a beautiful oval hot tub for two, perfect for those romantic evenings. Just add a glass of champagne and your favourite music; lie back, relax and let the happiness soak in.

Constructed with expanses of glass and balconies to make the most of the woodland setting, this eco lodge has been made by local craftsmen and includes a large kitchen, a spacious lounge area, a multi-room sound system, exquisite soft furnishings and bespoke furniture.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted on arrival by a luxury welcome hamper. There is a well-stocked hand-made solid oak kitchen with natural stone floors, and a dining area complete with bespoke dining table, made from homegrown elm.

Wander from here into the spacious lounge area with luxury underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove. There are stunning views from every window. You can enjoy modern luxuries, including a state-of-the-art 37” HD TV which is hooked up to a Blu-Ray DVD player with a collection of classic movies to browse. There is wifi, a multi room sound system and an iPod docking station as well as a selection of books, maps and board games to keep guests entertained.

Head up the oak and glass staircase and you will find a mezzanine level with a magnificent whirlpool bath. On the top floor is the beautiful master bedroom with king sized bed, high ceilings and built-in wardrobes. The bedroom is furnished with craftsmen-made furniture of local elm and high quality mattresses, pillows and linen. It has its own balcony and seating area with a panoramic view across to the Moray Firth. There is also a second room for relaxing, including a special modern recliner.

The adjoining en-suite shower-room has lovely eco-friendly toiletries that have been sourced locally to reduce your carbon footprint.

Outside, you will find a large deck and balcony, which allows guests to enjoy the lodge’s unrivalled rural setting. Views to the rear are of woodland, with farmland to the front where you can spot resident red squirrels, roe deer, woodpeckers, jays and other wildlife. Beyond this, you can find a lochan with bird hide.

The owners of Silver Birch, and its neighbouring lodge Scots Pine, aim to offer luxury eco living and have made every effort to ensure their designs impact on the environment as little as possible. They use a ground source heating pump, solar panels, and cellulose insulation, and they carefully source and use local natural materials and local craftsmen to help reduce the carbon footprint of the building without affecting the luxury feel of the lodge.

This is a great location for a romantic retreat. Silver Birch is within reach of Loch Ness, the Moray Coast, Cairngorms National Park and picturesque Speyside. It is only a few miles from Inverness Airport.

A short drive away, you can also find Cawdor Castle – home of Shakespeare’s Macbeth – and Culloden Battlefield – another site of historical interest. The nearby Chanonry Point is one of the UK’s best places to spot dolphins. There are Michelin-starred fine dining spots and harbour-side gastropubs as well as idyllic beaches. With all this luxury, and all the beautiful Scottish countryside, we think this is a retreat you will remember for a long time!

This property is no longer available but please click on the link below for similar romantic hot tub cottages in The Scottish Highlands.