My 10 Favourite Features of the Hideaway Under the Stars

This month I took a trip to visit Kim Fraser’s truly enchanting mud and straw bale world in Moray, Scotland. I thought it was going to be the stuff of fairy tales, but it’s so much more than that. The amazing Hideaway Under the Stars is both whimsical and cosy. It’s completely natural and Earth-loving, but it’s also comfy and surprisingly spacious.

The Hideaway Under the Stars in Moray, Scotland.

Now, I’ve already written about how this house was built here. It’s one of the best examples of a natural build I’ve seen, and I use this house to illustrate many fundamental techniques from rubble trench foundations and stem walls, to living roofs and clay plaster work. They got every single thing dead right.

In this article I wanted to take you inside the finished masterpiece. And by the way, before I go any further, you can actually book the Hideaway on Airbnb!

Here are my 10 favourite features of the Hideaway Under the Stars:

​1. The Skylight
I always love a skylight, but this one does more than just let a little light in. It’s like an enormous blue eye in the centre of the roof offering you an incredible view of both the lively Scottish skies and the starry nights.

2. The Kitchen
I loved the design of the kitchen. With its stunning polished wooden worktops encircling the space, it provided ample workspace for three people. Both the sink and the worktops had views, and there were pots and pans on hooks, a massive selection of implements, and it was unbelievably well-equipped. I hate cooking, but I’d be happy to make a meal here.

3. The Cob Seat
Set in a corner by the wood burner is a beautiful cob seat. I loved its whimsical curves and points.

4. The Earthen Floor
The earthen floor stretches beneath your feet like a pool of polished leather. It was absolutely gorgeous to walk on, and so well-made. There were inlaid stones in places as well.

6. The Bespoke Curvy Window Frames
The window frames followed the organic lines of the Hideaway, and Kim had them custom-made by a local carpenter. They are so beautiful, and completely finish the space, adding to the charm.

7. The Bunk Bed Niche
There was a primary bedroom, but also two bunk beds set into an alcove. The top bunk had a wooden ladder up to it à la Heidi, and both bunks had hessian curtains for privacy. They were so cute and cosy, I just wanted to jump in. I loved how they fitted into a special recess in the wall.

8. Privacy and Hidden Seating Areas
I was so excited by the use of space, and how so much of the Hideaway lives up to its name in that it’s truly hidden away! Out the back of the Hideaway lies a hidden terrace and seating area, sheltered and secluded. The perfect place to have a quiet chat with your friend, play a board game, or read a book.

9. Magical Curiosities
The Hideaway was filled with all sorts of magical curiosities, trinkets, and furnishings. It was like being inside a jewellery box. This attention to detail made the Hideaway feel luxurious and loved.

10. Space
One thing I hadn’t counted on was the spaciousness of the Hideaway. It’s a tardis! When you walk through the door, there seem to be so many corners, nooks, and alcoves to sit in.

Kim’s Hideaway is only half the story. When you visit her place, it’s an entire world full of permie food gardens, a chicken and duck sanctuary, a dinky den in a hazel copse for kids, and best of all the faerie glen with pools to swim in, and a witches’ coorie to meditate in. Honestly, it is mind-blowing.

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Related Links

I’ve just returned from Kim’s, and the land herself made such an impression on me that I wrote about the magic of the space here.
You can watch the video of how they built the Hideaway here.
You can connect with Kim on Instagram, or book a room directly on Airbnb.