For a one of its kind experience, try a luxury Ec(h)o Yurt On The Shores Of Loch Kennear in SW Scotland. The Loch Ken Eco Bothies were commissioned by Galloway Activity Centre which is based on the shores of Loch Ken, in Dumfries & Galloway, South West Scotland. This area is part of the UK’s first Dark Sky Park so stargazers will be stunned with what they can see during a clear night’s sky. The surrounding area boasts a plethora of quality attractions and food and drink experiences being near to Castle Douglas, Scotland’s Food Town also near to the historic Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright. For wildlife lovers and walking or cycling enthusiasts, the Glenkens is a real treat with an established Red Kite Trail and plenty of waymarked paths to enjoy. The Centre itself, which can be found a short walk from the Ec(h)o Yurt, offers a variety of top quality water sports as well as on-shore activities.
Created by award winning designer, Sam Booth, whose work is commissioned internationally and last year featured on Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, the designer’s latest structure is inspired by the traditional Mongolian yurt and is located in very private and peaceful surroundings overlooking a tranquil pond just metres from the beautiful waters of Loch Ken. The idyllic location hosts an abundance of wildlife including Red Deer, Squirrels and Red Kites which are all regular sights and occasionally an otter in the early hours.
The Galloway Activity Centre which is open all year round offers light lunches in its café which affords stunning views over the loch through its huge, glass windows and an attractive outside seating area where guests can watch plenty of activity. Should privacy be the key attraction of the stay then guests benefit from the Ec(h)0 Yurt being fully self-contained and there are a range of local dining options as well as a private canoe especially for guests, located on its own at the shore with plenty of possibility for a peaceful paddle or wild swim. The whole area is set within stunning countryside overlooking pine forests and the Galloway hills beyond. Dumfries & Galloway was recently awarded BBC Countryfile’s ‘Destination of the Year’ and as a region is truly unbeatable for a countryside retreat, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and where time simply melts away.
The Ec(h)o Yurt – Exterior & Interior
The structure is a first in terms of design and engineering and introduces a brand new experience in luxury tourism accommodation available in Scotland. The remarkable Ec(h)o Yurt is circular and six metres in diameter built entirely from Larch wood. With the natural environment and sustainability at the heart of the construction the structure is built from the ground upwards with a low carbon footprint, is entirely off-grid and covered with a grass Sedam roof allowing the accommodation to truly blend into the surrounding landscape.
A luxurious interior comfortably sleeps two people and is ideally designed for romantic couples who will love the re-purposed antique and vintage furniture that offers a great, unique character. Fittings include a wood burning stove and a double bed fitted into the curvature of the building with luxury mattress and crisp, Egyptian cotton sheets. The hideaway also houses a fully equipped kitchen, shower and toilet facilities. Couples will discover a ‘lovers’ chair’ suspended from the ceiling and huge, glass windows offer views of the pond and countryside outside. With its own private decking guests are treated to a peaceful outlook and can relax in a two- person, wood-fired hot tub from which they can witness magnificent sunsets.
On arrival local sweet treats will be discovered within the Ec(h)o Yurt as well as a welcome pack for guests including hand crafted soaps.
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.
