ArchitectureAfter retrofit or modernization, the traditional 18th century cottage is flooded with light thanks to the four-meter-high vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The renovation and modernization work was carried out according to traditional and sustainable aspects. The exterior and interior construction was carried out using natural materials (sandstone walls, lime render, clay pantiles, timber windows). According to the motto “Fabric-first”, particular emphasis was placed on the use of modern, energy-saving materials that are favourable for the room climate, such as breathable insulation, effective underfloor heating and a tiled stove that radiates gentle warmth for over 18 hours. The stone walls of Slackbrae, which are typical of the landscape, were built using local naturally-occurring stones in a traditional construction method. The house and entrance are all on one level including access to the garden terrace. A ramp leads from the parking area to the front door and one of the bathrooms has a walk-in shower, pull-down shower seat and chrome bars (note the shower does not have a wheelchair turning circle).

FoodGuests are welcomed with sourdough bread, honey and a special tea blend from local producers. At Christmas and Easter the offer is supplemented seasonally with panettone and stollen and a selection of special fruit tarts. Accommodation at Brucefield Estate is self-catering but there is also the option to dine in. The hosts work with various local producers and chefs to make it possible to order dinners, a fine dining menu, picnic hampers, or afternoon teas. Of course, local products are preferred here too. All dietary requirements and needs such as dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian are also taken into account. The property is also a member of the “Go Rural” movement, in which various agritourism businesses work closely together and offer their products.

SocialDue to the type of work, Brucefield Estate is dependent on local employees. The hosts also provide further training on mental health and promote the continuous expansion of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, with the aim of integrating them into the overall concept of the guest accommodation. They also work with a local charity to offer breaks for carers in the low season.

EnvironmentAll houses have low energy requirements: they are insulated with breathable and natural insulation materials (wood fibre) and the modern, large windows are triple glazed. The large cottage “Slackbrae” has a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, underfloor heating and a Finnish stone tiled woodburning stove that stores the heat produced and slowly emits it over 18 hrs. The armchairs were upcycled with Harris tweed. Paper, cardboard and glass are collected separately and recycled. Organic waste is hot composted on the farm itself. In addition, only biodegradable cleaning products and detergents, reusable utensils and recycled household paper products such as kitchen and toilet paper are used. There is also a landscaped herb garden available to guests around the cottage, which not only enhances home-cooked dishes, but also inspires with historical references and its splendour of colour. Guests who arrive by public transport are invited to plant native Scots pines with one of the estate team. Over the last four years, the hosts have been conducting a biodiversity survey on Brucefield in collaboration with independent ecologists. With the help of a 10-year wildlife plan, they are working to protect and ecologically develop the many species and habitats of conservation interest. The focus is on protecting native insects, birds and mammals. A small herd of Shetland cows tend the heathland in a natural and traditional way.

Well-BeingThe beautiful, natural landscape surrounding the accommodation offers guests a variety of opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Walks or longer hikes are possible right outside the front door in the extensive, 170 hectare forest area and on the wider 427 ha estate. Some of the Scots pine, birch and oak are 300 years old and the woodland is classified as semi-ancient. There are also dedicated traffic-free cycle paths which can be combined with longer distance gravel, road or mountain biking routes. Hiking trails in the nearby Ochil hills is popular. You can also book personal training sessions directly in nature with the nearby “Hinidas” team. They offer tailor-made fitness and well-being offers on site or various wellness programs in their woodland studio, which is just 20 minutes away.