The Shepherd's Hut at Set Aside

Off-grid cabins in the Scottish Borders

Our huts are a perfect setting to set aside time for an off-grid holiday in Scotland. No distracting WiFi, allowing you to unplug, restore, reflect and revive.

Our 700 acre farm has a diverse landscape from wilderness to grassland with organic farming and conservation at the forefront. We welcome you to enjoy the glorious walks along the river in the Dean or past the Pictish fort along the ridge top or through one of the many woodlands and grasslands where the resident sheep and cattle also roam.

Set Aside at Greenlawdean - Memorial with firepit
Set Aside - Retreat Hut view
Retreat Hut View

Each hut is based in secluded spots on the farm, with fields, woodlands and the river only a short walk away.

The village of Greenlaw is a 2 minute drive away or a 10 minute walk away. It has a cafe, a pub, a pharmacy and a small local shop where you can buy the essentials.

The town of Duns is a 10 minute drive and has more shops, takeaway restaurants and a Co-op shop. Kelso is 8 miles away.

I loved the beautiful views across the hills, and especially enjoyed looking at the moon when I was in bed at night.

An off-grid holiday, with a few home comforts

In addition to your cabin, you will have access to the HQ caravan with shower, toilet and tea and coffee making facilities. This is also where you can park your car.

The farm itself has no roads, and so on the farm you will have to walk everywhere.

There is no car access to any huts, but we will happily drop you and any bags off at your hut when you arrive. We can arrange to help you return to your car for departure too.

Additional items can be arranged before your arrival, such as local, organic meat packs or additional solar packs to run an induction hob. We will let you know the cost of these when arranging.

We also have large BBQs available, which we can deliver to your hut with wood to get you started.

Set Aside at Greenlawdean - Reservoir

Whilst staying here you can enjoy the sounds of woodpeckers during the day and owls during the night. 

If you were to walk along one of the many walks on the farm you are likely to see hares, deer, see signs of badgers and also see signs of otters along the river.

You can enjoy evenings in front of the wood burning stove or go for an evening stroll, book the fishing hut to watch the birdlife on the reservoir or take yourself in for a wild swim.

Our farm is welcome to lovers of the countryside and nature. We don’t have wifi to encourage you to enjoy the local scenery.

Getting to Set Aside

To get here by public transport, Greenlaw is on the number 60 bus route from Galashiels and Berwick-upon-Tweed. 

Berwick-upon-Tweed is on the main East Coast train line.

If travelling by car, there is designated parking on the farm, and we will assist you in getting to your hut from there.

If driving to the village of Greenlaw, there is usually ample roadside parking to access shops and other facilities.

You can get here by bike, but no motorbikes or quads are allowed on the farm.

Frequently asked questions:

Why are the huts for members only?

Set Aside is a special space within Greenlawdean Farm, a 700-acre organic farm in the Scottish Borders. We’ve opened the farm so that people can escape their busy lives, reconnect with nature, and find peace in beautiful surroundings. We have also created a membership model so that people can teach, learn and heal on the land. Above all, we are creating a community, and for that reason, the facilities and huts are for members who want to be part of Set Aside as a whole, not just an off grid holiday in Scotland. 

Yes, and many people book additional camping alongside the huts to accommodate family groups

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in most areas of Set Aside. We simply ask that they’re kept on leads near livestock and that you clean up after them. Please let us know when booking if you plan to bring a pet.

We have composting toilets, a revolutionary, waterless system designed to turn human waste into a safe, soil-like material through natural decomposition. The key to its success and odor-free operation is the separation of liquids (urine) and solids (feces). 

There are simple guidelines on how to use them in each hut

Shower facilities are at the Caravan HQ, which are about a 25 minute walk from the furthest hut.

Our huts have basic cooking facilities, and we can provide locally-sourced food boxes if requested in advance. We can also recommend excellent local eateries for those who prefer to dine out.    

Yes, there is quite a reliable 4G service across the whole farm

Our huts are intentionally off-grid to offer an authentic rural experience. We provide plenty of fresh water for your stay, and there’s solar power for basic lighting. Part of the charm is disconnecting from modern conveniences while still being comfortable. The HQ caravan has a connected shower and plumbed in toilet that you are free to use during your stay.