About
Tucked deep in the woods of Mabie Forest, Marthrown began as a dream. To create a place where people could slow down, gather together, and feel the magic of the wild once more.
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A very Warm Welcome from us
Meet The Team at Marthrown
Our passion for nature, and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences is what we offer to you. Marthrown of Mabie is an inclusive, secluded off-grid place of comfort and adventure with a focus on sustainability and uniqueness.
Discover the Story Behind Marthrown of Mabie
Learn about our journey at Marthrown of Mabie. Our passion for nature, and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences is what we offer to you.
Nestled in the heart of Mabie Forest, Dumfries and Galloway, Marthrown of Mabie offers a range of unique and unusual accommodations, perfect for groups with catering options available. Choose from four Glamping Yurts, a Bell Tent, two holiday cottages, and a campsite area with breathtaking views of the Lake District, all centred around our famous Celtic Iron Age Roundhouse.
Create Unique, Unforgettable Experiences in the Heart of Nature
Marthrown is the perfect destination for outdoor weddings, parties, glamping adventures, or a romantic getaway in Southern Scotland. Explore and discover an experience that is Simply Something Different.
Unique Outdoor Venues & Glamping in Scotland
Our Journey
Weather Challenges Living in Paradise
Running a business in a location susceptible to extreme weather, such as gales and frosts, can be quite challenging. Despite these challenges, it is a fabulous place to live and work.
On a good day, capture the crisp sunrise in the morning and the soft sunset in the evening that illuminate your panoramic views over the Lake District.
Experiencing the changing seasons first-hand is a true pleasure, as is witnessing the delight of visitors who also fall in love with the area.
Generator Upgrade
When we first took over, we inherited a massive generator that was far too big for our needs. To save on fuel costs, we converted it to run on vegetable oil, which was much cheaper at the time. However, just a month after completing the conversion, the government introduced new biodiesel regulations, causing the price of vegetable oil to triple!
After a fire damaged our Celtic Iron Age Roundhouse in 2008, we rebuilt it with improved safety features. We lime-rendered the bottom of the thatch and installed a cleverly designed wood burner. This wood burner can be lifted to serve as a cooking fire while also enhancing the Roundhouse’s appearance.
Roundhouse Renovation
Design Challenges
Unfortunately, the combination of the wood burner and lime render didn’t work as planned in the Round House. When the top of the burner was lifted, the Roundhouse filled with smoke. The lime render affected the air circulation, which was essential for an open fire and a large flue needed to be installed.
Rising From The Ashes Like A Pheonix
Marthrown of Mabie has continually risen from the ashes like a Phoenix after a series of environmental crises have threatened its existence.
Since we arrived in January 2006, we’ve seen significant changes, including the major event of tree harvesting in 2017 due to Larch disease. Losing the tall, mature trees we had built our reputation around was devastating.
However, this change revealed some of the finest views in Southwest Scotland, stretching across the Solway Firth to the Lake District—views we didn’t know we had. Every cloud has a silver lining!
Our Purpose
At Marthrown of Mabie, we exist to offer a wedding, party and mini festival venue with glamping accommodation. Our mission is to provide a wild, off-grid experience that allows guests to disconnect from society and immerse themselves in nature.
simply something different.
Eco-Friendly and Off-Grid
From the beginning, we have been fully eco-friendly and completely off-grid, featuring composting toilets and fresh spring water. Our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, offering a unique and environmentally conscious retreat and we now utilise solar power to enhance our renewable energy usage.
Feels A Million Miles from Anywhere
Marthrown of Mabie has a ‘feel’ of being in the wilderness but in reality only 15 minutes from Dumfries and 40 minutes from the English border. We’re a mile from our nearest neighbour so if you’re having a party there’s a simple rule on noise levels “Turn the bass off at 8am please. It can go back on again at 8pm”. You’ll absolutely love it!
Embracing Our Niche
Our core values have always aligned with being different. We cater to a niche market, with little competition within this unique space. This distinctiveness has earned us recognition, including being featured on prime television twice, and soon to be a third time on BBC’s ‘Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes’ in early 2025. We’ve also been part of schools programs and are proud of our various awards, including the Guardian Newspaper’s Top Ten Campsites in the UK and LUX’s ‘Most Intimate Wedding Venue.’
A Shift in Focus
Originally, our business began as an outdoor education centre. However, after the austerity cuts in 2010, we phased out that side of the business. By then, our leisure offerings had already started to gain prominence. Being entirely off-grid requires us to do things differently, which inspired our strapline: “Marthrown of Mabie – Simply Something Different.”
Proudly Different
At Marthrown of Mabie, we embrace our uniqueness and are proud of the experience we offer. We are Simply Something Different – And that’s what sets us apart.