Turn up and tune in to nature at Nova, an architect designed hut offering an off grid experience with simple comfort and style.
Sited on the edge of a private 16 acre birch wood overlooking the Hillfoot town of Dollar and the Ochil Hills the space is designed for relaxing and resetting.
Watch the shifting sky over the Devon valley, soak in hot spring water in the outdoor wood fired bath tubs, BBQ a feast on the open fire; wander and explore the woodland.
The space
The interior of Nova is an open plan space with dining table, sofa, chairs and galley kitchen. A mezzanine with double bed is accessed via a steep ladder. Separate WC and bathroom. The space is heated by a wood stove with oven.
The kitchen has a sink, 2 ring LPG gas hob, and a cool cupboard.
The sofa converts to a narrow bed, 125cm x 185cm.
There are books to read, vinyl records to spin, and games to play. No TV or Wi-Fi, though there's a good 4G signal from most providers.
To the north side of the hut is a decked balcony with wide open views to the Ochil Hills.
To the south, amongst the trees, is a patio area with BBQ fireplace and griddle. 2 side by side bathtubs with hot water from a wood fired tank.
The property is not connected to mains electricity or water services. PV panels and a small wind turbine generate electricity which is stored in 12v batteries. These hold ample power for the LED lighting and USB charging needs under most conditions. There are no standard plug sockets.
There is a tank storage of filtered spring water for washing and cooking. Not treated for drinking.
Drinking water from the water mains is carried in and pumped from 25l containers to the kitchen sink
A bespoke made 40 litre steel tank sits on top of the wood stove and heats water for washing up and showering. It is piped to a tap in the bathroom to use with a USB shower pump.
The WC is a composting system.
An initial supply of seasoned logs, wood briquettes and kindling for the outdoor water tank and indoor stove is provided. There are more available in the wood store for £7 each. There's abundant dead wood and branches all around which can be used in the outdoor fire pit and water tank. Alternatively, charcoal and firewood are available at many garages and supermarkets.
Hand tools for cutting and chopping wood are available for use at your own risk.
Please note: as water and power are dependent on renewables, in certain circumstances supplies will be limited.
Nova is along a single track private road with locked gate access. Parking for one car is adjacent to the hut.
Guest access
You have the entire 16 acres of woodland to explore. There's a plan in the Guest Info folder showing the boundary and various features.
It's a mixed broadleaf wood, and flora and fauna vary with the seasons. In summer bracken and ferns make much of the wood like a jungle, a hideaway haven for deer.
Other things to note
2 night stays may be available at certain times for a supplement of £35. Dogs are permitted for a £10 charge per stay. They must be under control at all times as there are often livestock in adjacent fields and the fences aren't dog proof. Also, the dogs must not go on the furniture, ie sofa and bed. The hairs can be a problem!
Please note Nova may not be suitable if you have any mobility difficulties. Access from the road and parking is via uneven rustic steps, and the sleeping area is reached by a steep ladder. The property is literally off grid, which means electric and water supplies are limited. Hot water for bathing/washing is produced by burning logs, and is not on-demand the way we are used to. In some cases pets are permitted.
There's no smoking inside the hut.
Please message before booking if you have any queries.
