Tucked away in Scotland’s countryside sits Guardswell Farm—an 180-acre farm dotted with huts and houses for a rural farmstay. Run by the Lamotte family, guests are treated to panoramic views all while enjoying a sense of seclusion and escape. The huts and houses available for booking are each decorated for an airy yet cozy atmosphere—think neutral tones, soft linens, and lots of sheepskins. Each hut also features a Wood Burning Hot Tub, for soothing soaks under the Scottish sky.
We spoke with Guardswell’s founder, Anna Lamotte, about what makes this place to pause so special.
What’s the story behind Guardswell Farm?
Guardswell is definitely the cumulation (or, maybe more to come!) of generations of farming knowledge and the wonderful fortune to grow up in rural areas, combined with an appreciation for nature. We wanted to create a place for people to escape their busy, manic, hyper connected lives—to step back into something a little slower paced, with the permission to leave your phone in the car, and a reminder to notice the little things happening around you.
Guardswell was originally meant to just be a little kitchen in the Steading (barn) and a wee hut, so people could stay whilst we taught cookery workshops. Then, it ended up being renovating three houses on the farm and building three huts. Our main purpose is to make sure our guests leave feeling like some of their troubles have been lifted, and they have a deeper connection with the natural world. It’s so wonderful to be able to share this special little slice of hillside with other people whilst it is under our guardianship.
Can you tell us about an experience of pause that you love at Guardswell?
Relaxation is definitely found in nature at Guardswell. Especially in the minutiae—whether that’s noticing the beauty of the shape of a plant growing in the pasture, dew sitting in the bowl of an alchemilla mollis leaf, or the early morning birdsong leading up to the summer solstice.
It's in the little moments you create for yourself, like the time it takes to light the wood stove and then sitting back warming your feet. Or purposefully walking to the top of the hill to take in the view, which has an incredible ability to humble you. The view is so vast, you can't help but feel calm.
There’s a Wood Burning Hot Tub at each of the three huts at Guardswell Farm—what is the experience like?
Spectacular! Each tub is in a totally different location with their own views, surroundings, and noises. The Infield tub's view is vast and feels like you’re at bird level—the kestrel literally flies at eye level in front of you. The Kailyard is much cosier in feel—it’s tucked in against the wood, and perfect for lanterns and listening to the owls. The tub at The Pendicle has a little bit of both—the gorgeous old apple trees above, with the incredible view over the Carse of Gowrie. It’s kind of elevated on a wee deck, so you feel like you’re floating out from the hillside.
We wanted each tub to be easily accessible from the hut, but not right up against them. The sort of distance that you could putter to in your bare feet, but it feels like its own little space. We also wanted each one to have a view, so you can lie in the tub and look out across it—whether that's the vast dark sky filled with stars, or a daytime view across the Carse.
What does a Wood Burning Hot Tub add to Guardswell?
It’s another opportunity to slow down. And to keep you at the farm. We often get asked what to do around the area—and whilst we obviously have an ace range of suggestions—we are really trying to work towards making the farm somewhere you come to stay and don’t leave.
You can fill your day with soaks in the tub, reading a book, playing a board game and taking a walk up the hill or through the woods. The tubs really help us with that wee mission.
What's a ritual that you practice to help you slow down?
I am not particularly good at practicing what I preach, but good at facilitating it for others on the farm. However, I would say that gardening or spending time with my hands in the soil is how I slow down. Occasionally lying back on the grass and watching the clouds, too.
We had a little meditation written for the farm, and we encourage our guests to take a listen when staying with us.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Photography from Claire Fleck Photography.
