Forget bland hotel rooms. The area around Loch Tay is home to some of Scotland's most imaginative places to sleep — from an underground cave house voted one of the UK's best to a riverside cottage in Killin with a roll-top bath and hot tub. Here are nine worth booking.
There’s something about arriving at your accommodation and genuinely gasping. Not polite surprise — the real thing. That involuntary intake of breath when you realise you’re sleeping in a house carved into a hillside, or a glass-fronted cabin perched over a Highland river.
Loch Tay and the surrounding Breadalbane area have quietly become one of Scotland’s most extraordinary destinations for unusual places to stay. While most visitors default to the big Highland hotel chains, a collection of wildly creative properties has sprung up — many bookable on Airbnb, most with hot tubs, and all with the kind of views that make you abandon your phone for the evening.
We’ve combed through hundreds of listings to find these nine. Each one is genuinely special, currently bookable, and within easy reach of Loch Tay.
01
Craggantoul Estate · North shore of Loch Tay
The Warren — An Underground Hobbit House
Voted one of the UK's top five Airbnb holiday homes by The Times. A genuine underground house built into a secluded hillside — curved hobbit doors, porthole windows, limestone floors, underfloor heating, and a kitchen carved into the rock wall. Two king ensuite bedrooms, a private hot tub overlooking a river pool, and 40 acres of ancient woodland to explore.
Check availability
02
Killin village · On the River Lochay
Ghillie's Cottage — Riverside Luxury
Right on the banks of the River Lochay in the heart of Killin. Two bedrooms with cast-iron roll-top baths and power showers, Egyptian cotton throughout, underfloor heating, and a private hot tub on the deck overlooking the river. Walking distance to the Falls of Dochart and the village pubs.
View on Airbnb
03
Loch Tay · Private lochside shore
Rock Cottage — A Private Shore on the Loch
For people who want the loch to themselves. A Highland retreat on a private stretch of shoreline with its own campfire area, direct water access for paddling and swimming, and fishing rights. Log-burning stove, three bedrooms, big windows onto the water. Nearly 260 five-star reviews.
View on Airbnb
04
Aberfeldy · 15 minutes from Loch Tay
Beautiful Bolthole by the Birks of Aberfeldy
One of Perthshire's highest-rated Airbnbs — over 400 reviews and a 4.99 rating. A luxurious pet-friendly guest suite with an enormous bath, garden fire pit, and direct access to the famous Birks of Aberfeldy woodland walk. Aberfeldy is home to Dewar's Distillery and the Watermill bookshop.
View on Airbnb
05
Loch Tay · Private loch access
Stunning House Overlooking Loch Tay
Architect-designed with floor-to-ceiling windows framing one of the best views on the loch. Private water access with fishing rights — cast a line from the garden. Two bedrooms, contemporary kitchen, and a living space built entirely around the view. Zero light pollution makes for extraordinary stargazing.
View on Airbnb
06
Kenmore · Eastern end of Loch Tay
The Old Police House — Grand Group Stay
A beautifully converted former police house with five bedrooms, a glass-fronted extension with loch views, and a private hot tub in the garden. Kenmore is the perfect village base — home to the Kenmore Hotel (Scotland's oldest inn) and the Scottish Crannog Centre.
View on Airbnb
07
Highland Perthshire · Mountain and loch views
Highland Cottage with Stunning Views
An 18th-century cottage with breathtaking mountain scenery from every window. Traditional Scottish character — thick stone walls, log-burning stove — combined with contemporary comfort. Consistently appears in "best of Perthshire" lists. The kind of place where rain hammering the windows is a feature, not a bug.
View on Airbnb
08
Killin · South shore of Loch Tay
Loch Tay Highland Lodges — Glamping Domes & Pods
Award-winning holiday park with Scandinavian-built glamping domes, premium pods with wood-fired hot tubs, and woodland cabins. On-site archery, axe throwing, paddleboarding, and canoe hire. A different vibe from isolated luxury — more social, more active, brilliant for families.
Book at Highland Lodges
09
Fortingall · Scotland's prettiest village
Yew Tree Cottage — A Village Gem
A converted steading in one of Scotland's most picturesque conservation villages, home to the ancient Fortingall Yew (2,000–5,000 years old). Super-king bed, luxurious bathroom, private garden, and daily continental breakfast delivered to your door. The Fortingall Hotel across the road serves outstanding food.
Book at Yew Tree CottageBrowse more on Airbnb
New properties appear around Loch Tay regularly. Search by area:
Before you book
- Book early. The best properties fill months in advance for summer and autumn.
- Most require 2–3 night minimums, particularly at weekends.
- Hot tubs are common but check individual listings — some are seasonal or cost extra.
- You’ll need a car. Properties are scattered across both shores of the loch.
- Dog policies vary. Always check before booking.
Know of another extraordinary place to stay around Loch Tay? Get in touch — we’re always adding to this list.
Mentioned in this guide
HeritageScottish Crannog Centre
Kenmore
Award-winning open-air museum with a reconstructed Iron Age crannog on Loch Tay — one of Scotland's best heritage experiences.
HotelKenmore Hotel
Kenmore
Scotland's oldest inn, established in 1572, with beautiful lochside setting and excellent dining.
HotelFortingall Hotel
Fortingall
Elegant country hotel with an outstanding restaurant, near the ancient Fortingall Yew and Glen Lyon.
LodgeLoch Tay Highland Lodges
Killin
Lochside log cabins and lodges with stunning views, hot tubs, and direct loch access.
HeritageFortingall Yew
Fortingall
One of the oldest living things in Europe — an ancient yew tree estimated at 3,000–5,000 years old, in the peaceful Fortingall churchyard.
HeritageBirks of Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy
Beautiful woodland walk with waterfalls that inspired Robert Burns — an easy circular route through a dramatic gorge near Aberfeldy.
DistilleryDewar's Aberfeldy Distillery
Aberfeldy
One of Scotland's finest Highland malt distilleries — tours, tastings, and an exceptional visitor shop.