Imagine a Scottish fairy tale where wooden cabins are scattered on Highland hillsides and red deer graze at your doorstep. This magical place is Eagle Brae Log Cabins in the heart of Strathglass.
Since 2013, this 8,000-acre Highland estate has been delivering more than just accommodation ever since. With just ten Western Red Cedar cabins, the remarkable Eagle Brae eco-resort has been purposely designed for a luxury wilderness experience demonstrating that modern comfort can coexist with environmental stewardship. I had the pleasure of spending two nights at Eagle Brae, and I’m excited to share this unique experience with you.
Hillside views from Aquila log cabin at Eagle Brae
About Eagle Brae Log Cabins
How It All Began
Mike first met Pawana on one of his many journeys through Himachal Pradesh, the mountainous Indian state between Kashmir and Nepal. Her family ran a guesthouse in a remote village, and it was there that their story began. They fell in love, married, and eventually settled in Jersey, where they raised two children.
Though Mike grew up on “The Rock,” his roots trace back to Scotland. Originally from the Highlands, his family has owned land there since the 1930s — a wild, bracken-filled expanse that would one day be transformed into stunning Highland log cabins.
After eight years of planning and creation, Eagle Brae log cabins opened its doors in 2013, bringing to life the vision of Mike and Pawana Spencer-Nairn.
Eagle Brae Story
Where Is Eagle Brae
Located 13 miles west of Beauly, Eagle Brae lies between Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar, about 25 miles from Inverness. Most visitors will travel through the city before reaching this secluded Highland retreat. To fully explore the surrounding area, having a car is essential.
|| CHECK THE BEST CAR HIRE DEALS (EV+GAS) FROM INVERNESS
Eagle Brae Luxury Log Cabins
Sustainable Practices at Eagle Brae
Eagle Brae has achieved gold status from the Green Tourism Business Scheme for good reason. If, like me, travelling responsibly is important to you, you may be interested in discovering what makes Eagle Brae a sustainable getaway.
Clean Energy Matters
Eagle Brae puts sustainability at the forefront of its operations and has been constructed to run on clean energy. The resort uses an on-site micro-hydro turbine, which generates electricity and hot water for the cabins. The underfloor heating comes from biomass wood-pellet burners, reducing its carbon footprint. Natural underground springs supply fresh, treated water to the cabins, limiting reliance on municipal systems.
The log cabins are topped with grass-insulated roofs that help maintain comfortable temperatures year-round while blending into the Highland landscape. This natural insulation cuts heating needs in winter and keeps spaces cool during the summer months.
If you drive an electric vehicle and are concerned about the remote location, rest assured — there is a regular Type II charger and a Tesla charging point at reception. Even better, both are completely EV chargers free of charge.
Hydro Weir at Eagle Brae
Why Cedar Log Cabins is The Sustainable Choice
Have you ever explored the natural properties and environmental benefits of cedar? I found it fascinating to learn why it’s the ideal material for your sustainable stay in the Scottish Highlands.
Eagle Brae’s log cabins are crafted from Western Red Cedar by Pioneer Homes in British Columbia, a company known for constructing durable wooden structures without relying on concrete or steel. This traditional building method has long proven effective in extreme climates. The cedar used for the cabins comes from certified sustainable forests, harvested in accordance with British Columbia’s Forest Practices Code, ensuring responsible sourcing.
Cedar’s sustainability stems from its fast growth rate, making it a more renewable option than slower-growing hardwoods. It’s also an energy-efficient material with a lower carbon footprint than synthetic alternatives, as it absorbs CO₂ while growing and retains stored carbon even after harvesting.
Another key benefit is cedar’s natural durability. Its oils protect against decay, moisture, and pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments and extending its lifespan. Cedar is also biodegradable and recyclable, breaking down naturally at the end of its life or being repurposed into mulch, compost, or other wood-based products.
That’s all well and good, but what about fire safety? This was one of the first questions I asked, knowing that most types of wood are highly flammable. Red Cedar, however, has a natural advantage – its cellular structure gives it inherent fire-resistant properties. Red cedar has proven itself to be a superpower in sustainable, long-lasting construction!
Fish carving in Aquila log cabin
Regenerative Tourism Initiatives
Regenerative tourism plays a key role in restoring and conserving natural environments, and Eagle Brae’s carbon payback scheme is a perfect example. This initiative allows guests to offset their travel emissions by planting native trees, which are grown from seed in a dedicated nursery in Struy and safeguarded by fencing to protect them from red deer.
Hand-crafted Decor and Gifts
Intricately carved signage lines the driveway and welcomes you inside your cabin. Wooden panels on balconies and interiors feature local wildlife, Pictish beasts, Celtic knotwork, and pagan gods. Hand-carved by Pawana’s family in the Indian Himalayas, this work allows them to earn a living from home rather than spending months away on Hindu temple projects.
By partnering with artisans, Eagle Brae helps preserve traditional crafts. Examples include tweed curtains woven on Himalayan and Hebridean handlooms, custom-designed cotton rugs crafted in Rajasthan, and wooden furniture and bespoke kitchen fittings made from natural materials with local craftsmanship. Upcycling is a running theme too. Don’t forget to admire the antler chandeliers — handcrafted by Mike to enhance the rustic aesthetic.
The Eagle Brae shop, both at reception and online, offers a selection of responsibly sourced items, including Indian cotton rugs, Hebridean sheepskin rugs, Lochcarron tartan throws, eco-friendly soaps, and recycled coasters. A distinguished piece is the Nehru jacket, handcrafted –from shearing to tailoring – in Himachal Pradesh from Himalayan sheep’s wool. Even though I’m back home, I’m transported back to Eagle Brae every morning as I reach into the fridge for the sweet Highland raspberry jam.
Order Local Food
Each log cabin at Eagle Brae comes with a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering stays, and you can have all your groceries ready for your arrival. Before my visit, I received an email from the online concierge service to order quality meats, local ingredients, wines and beers, local gins and whiskies.
Best of all, there’s a menu of home-cooked traditional Scottish meals available for pre-order or to choose from on arrival. All dishes are made with ingredients from nearby farms and producers, I was torn between Hebridean Crofter’s Pie, Himalayan Venison Curry, and Great Glen Vegetarian Lasagne, but knowing that a fishmonger arrives weekly from Scrabster in Thurso Bay with fresh seafood, I opted for the North Coast Fish Pie — and it did not disappoint! Packed with flavour, it was absolutely delicious.
Eagle Brae Hamper
Eagle Brae Luxury Log Cabins
So let’s talk about the Eagle Brae log cabins! They offer guests a choice of sizes, sleeping two to six people in open-plan living spaces with vaulted ceilings – some even have a sauna. Each cabin has a natural feel from the cedar, bringing together modern comforts with Highland character with underfloor heating, custom carvings and local tweed furnishings to create a distinctive Scottish atmosphere. You can find smart TVs and WiFi alongside artisan-made furniture. The attention to detail extends from the practical kitchen facilities to the thoughtful placement of windows that frame mountain and glen views.
Aquila Cabin at Eagle Brae
Stepping into Aquila Cabin at Eagle Brae, I was lost for words. I had browsed the website, read the descriptions, and seen the photos, but nothing could truly capture the experience of being there in person, activating all the senses.
I could smell the fresh scent of cedar in the air. I could touch the colossal logs. I could feel the warmth underfoot and the silkiness of the Egyptian cotton bedsheets. I could see the carvings lovingly created by hand. I could hear the birdsong echoing through the trees and the rhythmic tapping of a woodpecker added to the soundtrack of the Highlands. I could taste the buttery Scottish shortbread in the welcome hamper. I was in love with every detail.
We had originally planned to dine out, but the thought of leaving this sanctuary was unimaginable. Instead, we enjoyed a perfect evening in, starting with a sauna and invigorating cold shower, followed by a home-cooked healthy meal. The log fire flickered as we played cards, and finally, I sank into the silky Egyptian cotton sheets for one of the deepest, most restful sleep I’d had in ages.
You might spot Shanti — Eagle Brae’s friendly Bernese Mountain Dog — peering through your window. And trust me, I get why there are signs in the cabin asking guests not to feed her – it took all my willpower to resist those big, brown eyes! But don’t worry, she’s super chilled and simply happy to soak up any love and attention you have to give, especially a good hip scratch!
Double Bedroom in Aquila log cabin
Living Room in Aquila
Shanti: Bernese mountain dog
Wooden sauna
Things To Do At Eagle Brae
Enjoy the Natural Surroundings and Wildlife
The 8,000-acre Highland estate offers a front-row seat to Scotland’s untamed beauty. Red deer roam freely year-round, often grazing near the cabins at dawn and dusk. I had read that pine martens and red squirrels frequently dart between the trees, though I wasn’t lucky enough to spot them this time.
The soundtrack of Eagle Brae is a constant chorus of birdsong, with yellowhammers and pied wagtails flitting around the feeders. Overhead, the skies are patrolled by majestic birds of prey, from ospreys to golden eagles, effortlessly circling as they scan the land below.
Eagle Brae is home to some rare breeds worth checking out, including Four-Horned Hebridean sheep, Black Highland cows, and pedigree Berkshire pigs.
If you want to go exploring for wildlife, there is an option for a black grouse safari to see their lekking show and camera deer stalking to get the money shot.
Red deer
Pied Wagtail
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Rare Black-Horned Sheep
Get involved in outdoor Activities
The Highlands is a hiker’s paradise with mountain trails for all abilities. If you are looking to summit a Munro, the region has plenty of peaks over 3,000 feet in Glen Strathfarrar, Glen Affric, and Glen Cannich.
I chose a gentle valley stroll in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, often hailed as “Scotland’s most beautiful glen.” Its striking landscapes feature ancient Caledonian pine forests framing mirror-like lochs — a perfect setting for photography and hiking. The well-marked Dog Falls and Coire Loch trail is an easy loop to take in the cinematic scenery.
If you don’t want to venture too far, the hydro weir loop on the Eagle Brae estate was a serious contender for pinch-me views of heather moorlands and snowcapped mountains.
Anglers can cast lines into the River Glass for salmon fishing. The river runs through the estate, so you are never far away from prime spots dotted along the water’s edge. If you’re up for more outdoor adventures, you can also enjoy canoeing, pony trekking, mountain biking or clay pigeon shooting.
Hydro Weir Walk
Beauly Priory
Càrn Eige range above Glen Affric
|| YOU MAY LIKE TO READ MY BLOGS ON VISITING GLASGOW AND FIFE IN AUTUMN
Explore the Highlands Culture
Beauly Priory is a short drive from Eagle Brae. The church was founded in the 13th century by Valliscaulian monks from Val-des-Choux near Dijon in France and now stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin surrounded by ancient sycamore trees.
The historic Culloden Battlefield lies just 50 minutes from Eagle Brae and is a chance to walk the grounds where the famous 1746 battle took place. Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle involve a day out with boat trips available on the famous waters to catch sight of ‘Nessie’.
Eagle Brae Reviews
Visitor Reviews and Awards
If the flawless 5/5 online reviews for Eagle Brae seem too good to be true, just flip through the Visitor’s Book in your log cabin. Many guests return year after year, describing the retreat as “heaven on earth.” Their handwritten entries praise the exceptional comfort, the skilled craftsmanship evident in every wooden panel and piece of furniture, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters right from their windows. The quality of guided activities and the warm, personal service from staff are also recurring themes in guest feedback.
It’s no surprise that Eagle Brae log cabins have earned numerous accolades, including the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, the Highlands and Islands Tourism Award, the Scottish Thistle Award, and the SCDI Award for Research and Innovation.
My thoughts on Eagle Brae Log Cabins
I was beyond excited to experience an authentic log cabin stay, and Eagle Brae exceeded every expectation. Mike and Pawana have created something truly special — a Scottish Highland retreat where sustainability and rustic luxury work together. This observation sounds cliché but it’s true. From the hand-crafted wooden interiors to the eco-friendly construction, every detail demonstrates a respect for nature without compromising on comfort.
My stay at Eagle Brae is etched in my memory with the tranquil setting and connection to the surrounding wildlife. Spotting red deer grazing nearby, watching birds from my cabin window, and embracing slow mornings and post-dinner saunas gave me the reset I didn’t even realise I needed. Eagle Brae is an experience that lingers long after you leave and one that will be hard to top.
Eagle Brae Aquila Luxury Log Cabin Interior
NOTE: My stay at Eagle Brae log cabins was gifted. All opinions expressed in this blog are my own.
PIN for your stay at Eagle Brae
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. It comes at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor