1. Discover the Treehouses at Leckie
2. Unique Design and Sustainable Features
3. Modern Amenities for a Comfortable Stay
4. A True Escape in the Scottish Wilderness
Digital detox in the Scottish wilderness? Sign us up.
When husband-and-wife duo Simon and Louisa Dickson set out to build Scotland’s newest countryside hideaway, The Treehouses at Leckie, they knew they wanted to stay away from cookie-cutter aesthetics and instead do something unexpected.
“There is something cathartic about the process of finding that next place to stay and anticipating its look and feel,” Louisa told GoTravelDaily, of the brand-new tree house property, which opens on March 31 in Gargunnock, Scotland, about an hour northeast of Glasgow and an hour northwest of Edinburgh.
Unique Design and Sustainable Features
The couple designed all four tree houses that sit among the verdant scenery — all with unique interiors, ranging from Scandinavian-inspired minimalist to rustic-chic. (“We hope that return guests will try out different tree houses and let us know which they like best,” Louisa added.)
With two one-bedroom and two two-bedroom tree houses that accommodate couples and families, The Treehouses at Leckie offer an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The structures, partly built with local timber to minimize the property’s carbon footprint, are elevated from the ground and built into the canopies of oak and sycamore trees. Moreover, while their decor might differ, all four tree houses have oversized windows with commanding views of the estate and are built with privacy and sustainability in mind.
“Part of what we are doing at Leckie is ‘low-impact’ tourism, [which means] a minimal visual impact and low footfall. This leaves the landscape to dominate the experience and exist without being smothered with visitors or buildings,” Louisa explained.
Modern Amenities for a Comfortable Stay
Inside though, guests are treated to modern amenities: heated floors, wood-burning stoves, extra-large king-size beds, and handmade bunk beds in the two-bedroom houses, alongside kitchens and dining/living room areas with French doors opening up to spacious decks or terraces featuring lounge furniture and electric grills. Outdoors is also where guests will discover beautiful copper bathtubs for the ultimate alfresco soak.
A True Escape in the Scottish Wilderness
With no Wi-Fi and no TVs — a conscious decision by the Dicksons — The Treehouses at Leckie immerse their guests in the Scottish wilderness that, in return, rewards them with breathtaking waterfall and woodland views.
“What [guests] really want is an escape, something that calms the soul and where they can experience the landscape and wildlife without a crowd,” Louisa expressed, adding that for those not ready to completely disconnect, “4G is never far away.”
While the property doesn’t have a restaurant — proof of the Dicksons’ commitment to maintaining the minimal footprint, there are various dining spots and pubs in the area. The Gargunnock Inn, for example, is a short 10-minute walk. For those who prefer to cook, fresh local food can be delivered to their tree house.
Overall, nightly rates at The Treehouses at Leckie start from $349 with a minimum two-night stay.
