Inspired by the Finnish art of sauna, we built a Scottish version. Our steam sauna yurt is now part of the Pentland landscape - rugged hills in the background, surrounded by nature and heated by wood grown on the farm.
The yurt structure
The structure itself is a work of art - inspired by the traditions and techniques of the nomadic people of Kyrgyzstan. The beautifully steam-bent wood is all sourced and handcrafted locally in Scotland. It is predominantly made from larch, giving an evocative 'sauna aroma', while the crown is made from ash. The canvas is made in England and stitched in Perthshire, and the wool insulation comes from the wild Scottish hillsides. The yurt nestles into the landscape of the woodland garden beneath the summit of West Kip.
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Eastside Steam Sauna
An enchanting steam-sauna experience
The yurt steam-sauna heats to temperature of around 50 - 75°c. This is a little cooler than some other types of sauna but it allows you to stay in for much longer. Pouring spring water over the hot stones increases the impression of heat - generating the high humidity and health benefits of a steam room. The plunge pool’s chilly spring water is sourced directly from deep underground in the hill-ground above Eastside.
The dim lighting, the wood-smoke, the steam, the spring-water pool all combine to create a magical atmosphere that is best enjoyed slowly.
Wood-fired
The heat is generated by burning pine wood grown on the farm as part of our sustainable woodland management plan.
Private use & booking
- The wood-fired sauna is located at Eastside for guests of the Byre, Steading, Cartshed & Wash House.
- Instructions on how to book a sauna session are provided upon arrival at Eastside.
- The sauna is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at preset times (though we reserve the right to change this as appropriate - for example over Christmas / New Year).
- On these days, private 2hr sessions are available to book.
- 1 complimentary session per accommodation booking is available for guests who book accommodation directly through our website (we give a code to use when booking the sauna).
- Otherwise, sauna sessions cost £40.
- The sauna holds a maximum of 6 people.
- We prepare and heat the sauna so that it is ready for the booked time.
- Please be punctual for your booking (if left unattended, the fire will start to cool).
Keeping the fire stoked during your session and throwing spiring water on the hot stones is up to you - we don't like to disturb you during your sauna!
N.B. Guests of The Woodshed will not be able to book the steam-sauna (instead, they have their own wood fired hot-tub!)
Good löyly to all
What to bring
We recommend you bring a swimming costume and some slip-on shoes for comfort along the path to the yurt.
We provide Finnish sauna robes, towels, drinking water, glasses, and plentiful firewood.
Read about how we built the sauna yurt...