Shepherd’s huts, vintage caravans and rustic wooden cabins are the sweet daily bread of many of the glamping sites we love. But over at riverside Dod Mill in the north Scottish Borders, things are a little different. Yes – there’s something that looks a bit like a shepherd’s hut but, in place of a neat set of cast iron wheels, there are stilts which have lifted the cabin to canopy level. And yes – there’s a vintage caravan in a scenic spot but it appears to have crashed into a rustic wooden cabin. Things are not always what they seem though and, in fact, these two unusual structures are the quite-deliberate creations of artists and creatives who once lived in the grounds of 17th-century Dod Mill.
The Stilt House and The Fishing Hut, as these quirky cabins are now known, each offer a glamping experience that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Their humble beginnings and rustic appearance belie what you’ll find inside. Built as homes and studios for artists 20-odd years ago, a thorough renovation project by Dod Mill’s current owners, Ruth and Jamie, has brought each of the cabins as up-to-date as most glampers would wish them to be. They each have comfy beds, crisp white sheets and super-cool styling along with a log burning stove but retain much of their original character.
The Stilt House is the swankier of the two with double glazed windows, modern insulation, whitewashed walls and a king-sized bed. Its shower-room is hotel-style but not quite en suite (you have to go outside and downstairs to use it). On the other side of the river, the off-grid Fishing Hut, with its timber-clad walls, caravan sleeping quarters and composting toilet is more rustic but just as stylish and, perhaps, a little more cosy. It’s set a little further from the other buildings of Dod Mill (which include two self-catering holiday cottages) and the A-road that leads here and can sometimes be heard from site.
The overwhelming sounds, though, are those of nature; the tweeting of birds in the surrounding woodlands, the baa-ing of resident sheep and, most loudly of all, the rushing waters of the Boondreigh River. The river is the reason that Dod Mill was built here and, in the three centuries since, it has since inspired geologists, artists and those seeking retreat. It separates the two cabins and sets this glamping accommodation apart. There’s plenty to do within reach of the site, from eating out in nearby Lauder to exploring Edinburgh less than an hour’s drive away, but we’d recommend making time to simply enjoy the history of the site, the artistry of the cabins and the scenery that has inspired it all.
Totally unique, this is a half vintage caravan, half wilderness cabin is a hideaway by the river in the Scottish Borders. It's perfect for immersing yourself in off-grid living and campfire cooking. The interiors are cool yet eclectic. The woodburning stove will keep you cosy and it comes with unlimited logs. The open-plan living, sleeping, cooking and eating space is comfortably big enough for one or two guests. It's also possible to fit an extra child in the space, possibly two extra children - please get in touch to discuss. The cabin has gorgeous views, inside and out, up and down the river, and across the field. LIVINGThe heart of the Fishing Hut is the Esse Bakeheart woodburning stove-cooker-oven. This keeps the cabin really warm, even on cold evenings. Boil your kettle or use a frying pan on the hot plate on top (fry up?!); use the bottom oven for baking and roasting (pies, scones etc!), or flame-grill in fire section. Or, take the cooking outside to the campfire. There is a 2-seater sofa as well as a comfy bench sofa which doubles as a single bed if needed. There are rugs, cushions and blankets to keep you roasty toasty. You'll also find a study/reading nook with books and a desk next to the living area. KITCHEN & DININGThe caravan end of the cabin has a small kitchen area which is well equipped with sink and cold water tap, enamel crockery, glasses, pans, knives, cooking implements, and space for food storage. There is no fridge, but we do provide a cool box, and you can top up with frozen blocks as required. There is a dining table for up to three guests. SLEEPINGThe double bed has been rebuilt in the vintage caravan end of the cabin - note that these caravans were never designed to be perfectly comfortable for those over 6ft! The bed is very much a small double - perfect for snuggling up. You can use the additional single bed in the living area if required - please ask us, and we can provide bedding. WC AND SHOWERThe cabin has a high tech composting toilet - we'll provide all the instructions you need! It's not smelly, you'll be pleased to know! You can also use your own private shower room, flushing loo and washing machine facilities, just 2-3 minutes walk from the cabin. OUTSIDEThere are two decks from which you can lose yourself in the outdoors. The cabin is south-facing, and the decks sit on the east and the west. Take your morning cup of coffee out to the east deck which is raised above the river. And have a beer or glass of wine on the west deck, with the setting sun. This is also where you'll find the campfire -a beautiful place to cook your meal and while away the evening. The river flows by and, with it, flows river life. From the deck, spot ducks, heron and, if you're very lucky, you might see leaping salmon or trout, and even otters. You'll also see our rare breed sheep, who share the field with the Fishing Hut. POWER, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND CONNECTIVITYHeat and light are both renewable. Lighting and charge points are solar powered. Heating is by woodburning stove with logs sourced form the immediate area, and the building has natural insulation. Please note there is no wifi, but you can usually get a good 3G signal and, most of the time, also a 4G signal. Wifi can be provided near the car parking area if required. Guests have the Fishing Hut, its decks and campfire for their exclusive use. The field surrounding the cabin is home to our rare breed sheep - we visit once a day to check them. Please be aware that others may walk through the field at any time of day. We provide linen and towels. We'll also provide some tea, herbal tea, coffee, cooking oil, salt and pepper to save you packing these. Washing up cloths and eco soap are also provided. Note that you must only use cleaning products containing natural ingredients - again, we will provide. The Fishing Hut sits right on the bank of the Boondreigh River, accessed a few minutes walk from the parking area - down some steps, over a bridge and across a sheep field. The river usually flows gently and at a shallow depth. However, after heavy rains, it is high and very, very fast. Please be aware of this and take the greatest of care when near the river.Lauder is the nearest small town, four miles away, and has plenty of independent shops to pick up supplies from including The Purple Plum for fruit and veg, Shaws Fine Meats, the Firebrick Bakery and the Spotty Dog Deli, which also has a coffee shop. The Soutra Coffee House and restaurant at Carfraemill are also recommended. Main Street Trading in St Boswells (15 miles from site) is also one of your host’s favourites. For dinner out, try the local produce at Firebrick Brasserie (01578 718915), Provender (01896 820319) or the Black Bull (01578 722208). For a treat perhaps try the more upmarket, The Hoebridge (01896 823082). You can also join a brewery tour and tasting at Tempest Brewing Co (01896 759500), 16 miles away in Tweedbank, or visit Borders Distillery (01450 374330), 30 miles away.
