Nova. An Escapist Off Grid Hut with Views.

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 Hillfoots 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 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 double 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 front/north side of the hut is a decked balcony with views to the Ochil Hills. To the rear, amongst the trees, is a patio area with BBQ fireplace and griddle. New for 2022 are 2 side by side bathtubs. The hot water comes from an adjacent wood fired water tank. Please note: Nova is an off grid property in a natural woodland, where the ground is uneven and there are natural hazards. This is part of the fun and benefit of being in nature, but you are responsible for yourself and any children. 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 is a total of 3000 litres storage of filtered spring water for washing and cooking. Drinking water from the mains is carried in and pumped for use from 25l containers. 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. A supply of seasoned logs and kindling for the indoor wood stove is provided, and there is abundant dead wood and branches all around outside for use in the outdoor fire. 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. 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. You'll have the space and woodland to yourselves during your stay, but I'll be very happy to help if you need anything. I'm a phone call and short drive away. Dollar is one of the Hillfoot villages that sit on the south edge of the Ochil Hills. A cherry tree lined river runs across the towns main street. There's a Co-op store, deli, bakery, pub, and several restaurants, takeaways, cafes and bespoke shops. Dollar is a few minutes drive or around 20 minute walk along a footpath from Nova. There are some superb gentle walks along the River Devon, and up Dollar Glen through gorges and by waterfalls to the 500 year old Castle Campbell. If you're a keen hiker there are many higher level walks in the Ochil Hills. The highest peak is Ben Cleuch at 2365ft. The other Hillfoot towns of Tillicoultry, Alva and Menstrie also have spectacular ravine walks leading into the Ochils. There are maps and further details of walks in the guest folder. Dollar is around 1 hour drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow. The nearest large town, Stirling, is 25 minutes drive. 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. Also, off grid means power and water are limited and, in the case of hot water for bathing/washing 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.