Stormhouse

Contemporary Glass Cabins on Scotland’s West Coast

This pair of contemporary getaways occupies a thickly wooded area on Scotland’s west coast, overlooking Loch Linnhe, the island of Lismore, and Castle Stalker. The cabins of floor-to-ceiling glass were designed by MACARC Architecture to be observatories onto this wild swath of coastline. Designed exclusively for couples, both glass homes are insulated by dense woodlands and set some 100 meters apart, allowing for spectacular views and stargazing from panoramic, mosaic-tiled hot tubs.

The North House features a super-king-sized bedroom with a vast viewing window overlooking the castle and an opulently tiled wet room equipped with a rain shower and surround-sound speaker system. The outdoor hot tub is sunken into a glass-enclosed deck with breathtaking views while a classic, L-shaped Fendi Casa sofa is set behind the living area’s glass walls. The compact, minimalist kitchen design is by Next-125 from Germany, and meals with a view can be had from its sleek central island overlooking the lochs.

The South House frames one of the region’s finest vistas, with floor-to-ceiling glass complemented by cedar cladding and polished cement flooring. Furnishings include classic 1970s Swiss DeSede leather chairs as observation points, a Next-125 German kitchen with an island, an open-plan sleeping area with a super-king-sized, stunningly panoramic bed and a remote-operated privacy curtain, and the rainshower/stereo-equipped wet room. The hot tub is mosaic-tiled and outfitted with pressurized hydromassage jets for relaxation with a view.

Around

Set in the wild, remote beauty of Scotland’s unspoiled west coast, these stunning glass houses for rent combine the romantic, moody scenery of Argyll’s islands and Scotland’s west coastline and the dramatic peaks of the Scottish Highlands. The closest village to these scenic retreats is Appin, a small village on Scotland’s “Adventure Coast” located between the two larger towns of Oban and Fort William. An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Argyll is home to many of Scotland’s most beloved wildlife—white tailed eagles, red deer, otters, seals, and puffins. The mountains, lochs and offshore islands around the glass cabins are not only breathtakingly scenic, they offer miles of exploration. Kayak around Castle Stalker on Loch Laich, the sea inlet visible from the Stormhouse properties. Grab a bike and hop the ferry from Port Appin to the lush, fertile island of Lismore, known as the region’s “Great Garden,” then enjoy a post-cycling slice of cake at the island’s wee café.

Hikers seeking strenuous steeps should tackle the Munros of Beinn Sgulaird and Beinn Fionnlaidh, lesser traveled, though equally dramatic peaks to the better-known Ben Nevis. Both summits offer tremendous views for miles, and once back down the mountain, you can enjoy a reinvigorating, refreshing swim in the loch nearby, punctuated by a muscle recovering soak in the hot tub. Grocers, butchers and seafood purveyors are located in Oban, and the Old Inn, famed for its mouthwatering Highlander steaks and cozy atmosphere, is walking distance, as is the Castle Stalker Café, for lighter bites and great coffee.

The town of Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” is 17 miles from Stormhouse. Frequent ferries depart Oban for Mull and the Inner Hebrides, and one not to miss is the boat to historic Iona Island, called the “Cradle of Christianity,” where a beautiful ancient Abbey is located. Less celestial visits include boarding the ferry to Staffa, home of “Fingal’s Cave,” and dramatic basalt columns. Or take a day trip to the Morvern peninsula, a little known section of coastline with abundant wildlife where Harry Potter’s train passes through at Glenfinnan. Seafood cravers will want to hit the simple Green Shack on the pier in Oban, a popular hut where lobster, crab, shrimp and squid are cooked to perfection.

Location

Nearest airport: Oban for domestic flights (8 miles), Glasgow for international arrivals (80 miles), Inverness (85 miles)

Best time to visit

March through September