In 2022, while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands with their family, Doug and Laura Schroeder stumbled upon a gem that would ignite a new chapter in their lives. In the charming town of Fort Augustus, right on the shores of the legendary Loch Ness, they discovered the Loch Ness Highlands Resort—a charming little community of tiny cottages designed for short-term stays and travelers’ retreats. After a closer look, they knew they had found something truly extraordinary. Already involved in the tiny home industry as the founder of Timbercraft Tiny Homes, Mr. Schroeder was immediately inspired. He envisioned bringing this unique blend of charm and comfort back to the United States, and that’s exactly what he did.
Fast forward to today, and that dream has materialized into Highland Cottages at Lake Guntersville, a luxury retreat nestled in the mountains of North Alabama. This retreat is not just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary designed to offer guests a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Schroeders hope that as guests enter the resort, they feel the same sense of wonder and relaxation that the couple experienced during their time in the Scottish Highlands.
Vision and Values
From the very beginning, Schroeders’ mission has been clear: to build a hospitality brand that transcends borders, offering a consistent and unforgettable experience wherever guests find a Highland Cottage. The first resort in Alabama is just the start. They are diligently working to expand their brand nationwide and, eventually, globally. They envision a future where Highland Cottages are known as a haven for relaxation, connection, and rejuvenation, no matter the location.
A Unique Offering in a Crowded Market
In a world filled with countless options for travel accommodations, Doug and Laura wanted to create something that stood out. Highland Cottages are not about mass appeal or catering to everyone. Instead, they focus on providing a unique experience tailored specifically for couples.
Understanding that finding time to unwind is more important than ever in today’s fast-paced world, they designed Highland Cottages to be more than just a place to stay. Each Highland Cottage offers a unique blend of luxury and comfort with a touch of adventure. Features such as large decks, outdoor showers, hot tubs and hammocks make it a perfect place to relax and reconnect with your spouse or partner.
One of the standout features of Highland Cottages is the folding glass front that seamlessly blends indoor comfort with the beauty of the outdoors. This feature, along with carefully curated furnishings, ensures that each stay is both luxurious and memorable. They are proud to offer something truly different—an experience that invites guests to slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Our Journey So Far and What Lies Ahead
Doug Schroeder’s journey into the tiny home industry began over a decade ago with the founding Timbercraft Tiny Homes in 2014. Over the years, Timbercraft has delivered tiny homes to more than 30 states, including Hawaii, and has even shipped tiny homes to New Zealand and Europe. This experience has given him a deep understanding of what it takes to create spaces that are not only functional but also deeply personal and meaningful.
As avid travelers, having visited over 25 countries and stayed in countless unique accommodations, the Schroeders wanted to infuse their love for travel and discovery into the Highland Cottage brand. Each cottage reflects their experiences—a blend of the places they’ve been and the comfort they’ve come to appreciate in their travels.
Looking ahead, Doug and Laura dream of seeing Highland Cottages become a unique hospitality brand with a broad reach. They envision a day when guests can visit HighlandCottages.com, select a state or country, and find a Highland Cottage retreat to book a getaway. This is a long-term vision, but they are committed to realizing it step by step. They are currently seeking partners in this ambition and would love to hear from investors and landowners who want to team up in this venture. You can connect with them at the contact info provided below.
Welcome to Highland Cottages
As you settle into your cottage at Lake Guntersville, you can rest assured that this place was built with care, passion, and a deep love for unique, meaningful experiences. The Schroeder family is honored to host you and looks forward to expanding the Highland Cottage experience to new locations in the future.
Cheers to new adventures and restful retreats! Book your stay at highlandcottages.com
