Prince William and Kate Middleton are marking their 14th wedding anniversary by retreating to a self-catering cottage on the Isle of Mull. Scotland’s western isles have grown increasingly popular among discerning travelers, with bothies — simple structures originally built for shepherds and farmers — becoming the latest trend in travel bragging. Travelers are seeking out more rustic accommodations, emphasizing authenticity.

During their stay on Mull, the royal couple explored the ancient oaks and Atlantic rainforest at Ardura Community Forest and dined at Croft 3, a stylish eatery and working croft set on 50 acres, featuring a blend of Scandinavian and Scottish influences. The menu offers unique dishes like haggis with pickled fennel and bloody mary crab bisque.

While the island, the fourth-largest in Scotland, hosts numerous luxurious estates, it’s possible the couple is staying at one of them, such as the distinguished Knock House on the 32,000-acre Benmore Estate, a historic 18th-century residence with a wooden-clad ceilidh hall. Alternatively, they might be at community-owned Ulva House, an early post-war mansion located on Ulva, just off Mull’s western shore.

Ben Pentreath, renowned architect and designer, is widely believed to have assisted the Prince and Princess of Wales in refurbishing their residences at Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and their apartments in Kensington Palace. Pentreath has deep ties to the Scottish west coast, having spent time there in his youth while his father served in the Royal Navy in Helensburgh during the 1980s, an area celebrated for Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House.

In 2018, Pentreath and his husband Charlie McCormick acquired a pair of small buildings on a seaside estuary in western Scotland. The architect remarked, “It really does feel a long way away. Bothies really can’t be more than one or two rooms. And I think we all find romance in living in small places — for a while!”

Although their bothy lacks modern plumbing — relying on an ancient spring for water and featuring a composting toilet — it is not completely off-grid. The interior is equipped with electricity, heating, and hot water, showcasing trendy designs with a tin bathtub, rustic fabrics, and a rush chair from Orkney.

The resurgence of basic bothies and shepherd’s huts can be attributed to both financial constraints and a desire for digital detoxes, with Scotland gaining popularity among travelers. Canopy & Stars, a company specializing in remote getaways, reported a significant 25% increase in spending on bothy experiences in 2024, with interest in Scottish minibreaks rising sharply this year.

Tom Dixon, the company’s founder, expressed, “These small spaces tick a lot of boxes for consumers, as they’re filled with experiences and reflect the owners’ unique style while being budget-friendly. The design of these traditionally basic spaces has improved remarkably, bringing creativity to small space decor.”

Eilidh Izat, an architect and co-founder of Izat Arundell, resides in a croft-style self-build on the Isle of Harris and comments on a growing architectural movement on Mull. She highlights local talent Banjo Beale, a winner of BBC’s Interior Design Masters, as instrumental in promoting the bothy culture and the west coast’s appeal.

Interiors in this region often embrace simplicity, in stark contrast to the opulent Victorian designs found in higher-end locales like Ardross Castle in the Highlands. Instead, you’ll find innovative designs like those of Peter Harford-Cross’s basalt bothy on Mull, which previously served as a shelter for fishermen and sheep. Its thick stone walls have been restored, featuring a wood-burning range, plywood cabinetry, and upcycled brass lighting.

The west coast’s charm has long attracted aristocrats. For instance, Serene Bute, a notable model and designer, celebrated her daughter Lola’s birthday at the stunning Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute, while Tiree, the most westerly island in the Inner Hebrides, is part of the Duke of Argyll’s estate, featuring cozy cottages and serene camping opportunities.

On the remote Isle of Jura, six private estates, including one held by the Astor family for over a century, showcase luxury and rustic charm. Here, Viscountess Annabel Astor enjoys summers in a modest bothy known as the Glen, historically used as a shelter for deerstalkers. It features unique decor like shell-encrusted chimney breasts and local blankets.

Interior designer Saffron Aldridge transformed her Hebridean farmhouse into a stunning getaway alongside her business partner. Their design merges rustic elements with elegance, incorporating lime-washed stone and handcrafted features made from local timber.

In Argyll and Bute, designer Patricia Rodi resides in a seaside villa, boasting a significant social media following that includes numerous celebrities. Rodi describes the local aesthetic as one of rugged nature and practical beauty, highlighting the unique identity of Scotland’s west coast. She notes that bothies symbolize not only habitation but also adventure and a romantic connection to nature, employing local materials to create inviting interiors.

Modern adaptations of bothies exist alongside traditional options. Opened in 2023, WildLuing consists of eight eco-suites on the Isle of Luing, an area renowned for its wildlife and picturesque views of the surrounding seas, offering glimpses of marine life and breathtaking scenery.