Stay in Siskin Cabin, a cosy off grid tiny house on the Black Isle in the Scottish Highlands, close to Inverness and Loch Ness. Designed for simple, low impact living, it’s a peaceful place to slow down and reconnect with nature in a tranquil forest garden.
Inside, enjoy a wood burning stove, a comfortable bed with woodland views, and a unique whisky barrel shower. Step outside to forest paths and birdsong, explore coastal villages and Highland landscapes, then return to the peace of the woods.
The space
The cabin sleeps two and is warm and inviting, with a wood burning stove (firewood from our woodland), a cosy bed with storage, a small dining area, a compact kitchenette, and an en suite bathroom with a compost toilet and simple bucket shower.
While off grid for both electricity and water, the cabin offers simple, eco friendly comforts for a low impact stay. Water is supplied by foot pump and can be heated on the gas hob or wood burner for cooking, washing, and the bucket shower. Organic cotton bedding, towels and extra blankets are provided for your comfort.
Step onto the deck with a coffee or fresh mint tea. Wake to birdsong and enjoy views over woodland and fields. You are welcome to explore the forest garden paths, including a boardwalk through the bog garden.
Practical details
Kitchenette includes:
• Double gas hob
• Sink and storage
• Pots, pans, and crockery
A cool box with ice packs keeps food fresh. We provide a starter supply of oil, salt, tea, coffee, and sugar.
Water and heating
Water is pumped by foot and can be heated on the hob or wood burner for cooking, washing, and showering. The woodburner quickly warms the space.
Bathroom
The en suite bathroom includes:
• Waterless composting toilet
• Wash basin
• Simple bucket shower made from a repurposed whisky barrel
• Homemade herbal soap is provided for our guests
To shower, you heat water on the stove, fill the bucket, and use the 12v pump for a quick rinse.
Power and connection
The cabin runs on solar powered 12v batteries for lighting and USB charging. There is a Bluetooth speaker, books, games, and a radio for quiet evenings.
There is no WiFi. 4G is usually available depending on network.
About the cabin
Siskin Cabin was hand built by us using natural and renewable materials, shaped by our permaculture approach to living lightly on the land. Sheeps wool insulation, locally milled larch, and a green roof are among the features.
It's named after a tiny woodland bird that you might see overhead. Designed as a simple, restorative retreat, it’s ideal for couples seeking a quiet Highland stay within our Green Tourism Gold rated forest garden.
Location and access
For car free travel, the cabin is around a 15–20 minute walk from a bus stop with regular connections to Inverness and Dingwall. There is also parking onsite and easy access to the A9.
Many guests find the real joy is in doing less — walking to the shore, watching the wildlife, and returning to the cabin for a quiet evening.
Explore & surroundings
• Walk to Beauly Firth and Redcastle, or Monadh Mor
• Visit Cromarty, Avoch, and Rosemarkie
• Watch dolphins at Chanonry Point
The Black Isle is known for its gentle landscapes, coastal paths, and wildlife.
Wider Highland trips are within easy reach, including Loch Ness, Glen Affric, and the Cairngorms National Park.
We’re also a short drive from the North Coast 500, though many guests prefer the quieter pace of the Black Isle.
Guest access
Guests have exclusive use of Siskin Cabin and its private deck, set within our woodland and permaculture smallholding. Our other cabin (Coll) and our home are also onsite, but the woodland remains quiet and private. We live onsite and are usually available if needed, while fully respecting your privacy. Some areas around our home are private.
We provide free off road parking and a trolley to help with luggage. Cyclists can use the secure bike shed, and there are good local cycle routes for exploring the Black Isle.
Guests are welcome to explore the forest garden, which supports a wide range of plants, trees, and wildlife. Optional guided garden tours are available on a pay what you feel basis for those interested in permaculture.
Other things to note
Siskin Cabin is surrounded by trees, farmland, and a small number of neighbouring homes. It’s a peaceful rural setting, ideal for guests who enjoy nature, walking, wildlife, and slower travel. As a working rural area, there may occasionally be some noise from farm or estate activity.
There are no shops or cafés within walking distance, but a range of places to eat and explore can be reached by bus, bike, or car. Our guidebook includes local recommendations, tips, and maps to help you plan your stay.
Included in your stay
• Gas for cooking and hot water
• Solar 12v lighting and USB charging
• Bedding and towels
• Basic essentials to get you started
• Firewood and kindling
• Off road parking and bike storage
Not included
• WiFi (4G usually available, network dependent)
• Laundry facilities (laundrette in Beauly)
• Extra firewood (£5 per load)
Optional extras
• Breakfast hamper for two (£22) with homemade and local produce (vegan option available). Please let us know in advance so we can prepare it for your arrival.
• Guided garden tours on a pay what you feel basis
About your stay
Your stay is at The Warren Forest Garden and Eco Cabins, a 2.5 acre permaculture garden on the Black Isle.
As a Green Tourism Gold rated site, we hope guests leave feeling rested and connected to the landscape.
Registration Details
SHORT TERM LET LICENCE NO: HI-20000-F
