Esk Yurt
Peebles, Scottish Borders, Scotland
Visiting Scotland is likely already on (or has been confidently ticked off) your bucket list, but how about staying in a hand-crafted yurt? Here's your chance to do both. Ellie and Scott, two passionate designers with an eye for interiors, have created a wild, natural little haven, steeped in Arthurian legend. Rumour has it this off-grid retreat is next to the valley of Saint Mungo, and it was Saint Mungo who encouraged Merlin to convert to Christianity. Wizards and legends lead you to Esk and its very own magical qualities. In this place of tranquillity and healing lies a wild, luscious dwelling surrounded by ancient redwood trees bordering the renowned Dawyck Botanic Garden, where you'll want to sit on your very own decking with a coffee in hand and listen to the sweet songs of the Mistle Thrushes.Esk Yurt is the result of a true labour of love. It is an insulated, 16-foot Mongolian style yurt designed with all-weather conditions in mind. The yurt sleeps two with a comfy double bed. Inside is a gas hob for your cooking, although Ellie requests no meat to be cooked inside the yurt, given that it is a healing Ahimsa space used for holistic therapies in between stays — so make sure you perfect your veggie risotto before arriving! Guests are also provided with a wood burning stove to stay cosy in those winter months. Filtered water is provided from their underground well and accompanying your yurt there's a private bathroom with a hand pump shower and composting toilet. Don your guest robes and stroll over to the wildflower meadow before reading by candlelight in bed.Esk Yurt is the perfect base camp for all that this area of bonnie Scotland has to offer. Walk just five minutes and you'll come across the perfect wild swimming spot on the River Tweed. Dawyck Botanic Gardens, particularly known for its heritage trees, is a short walk away where there is a cafe to suit your morning croissant needs. The historic market town of Peebles is a 15-minute drive away with a selection of quaint bars and restaurants, or if you're feeling bold, head to Biggar Adventure for an afternoon of rock climbing and archery, before heading back to your yurt to soak in the magic.