This luxurious woodland pod also gives guests access to "possibly the best view in the world"

In 2004 Nicola and her sister Laura took over the Castle Stalker View Caf at Portnacroish, close to Appin, which looks across to the tiny islet on which Castle Stalker (otherwise known as Castle Aaargh in Monty Python and the Holy Grail) sits.

Very soon the sisters' business was collecting awards, yet Nicola and Jim wanted to consolidate their move back to the area with an additional venture, and became interested in a piece of land adjacent to the caf.

"It was wooded and inaccessible, but with the help of ladders we could see the views from the site were amazing," says Jim.

The couple envisaged a tourism venture with minimal environmental impact, but while the landowners were enthusiastic, the planning department was not. The site is located within an officially designated national scenic area and it took three years before the couple secured permission to create their vision.

For Nicola and Jim, the ultimate holiday accommodation would have to be a bold design, built to last, and they wanted to know it could be moved, without leaving a footprint. This concept gained focus after a visit to a trade show where they stumbled upon Zendome, a Berlin-based company which makes large structures for concerts and events.

"They were using a small dome at the show for advertising and it caught our eye," says Jim.

Zendome were in fact on the verge of exploring liveable structures and the couple's approach could not have come at a better time.

"We struck up a partnership," explains Jim. "We gained access to Zendome's expertise, while they used our site to experiment with ideas."

The result was the development of a new brand (facilitated by young brand-design company Designers Anonymous, which designed the pod membrane itself). The Ecopod at Appin was created to specification and is due to be joined by a second pod in February. Permission was granted for five pods, but in line with their ecological thinking, the couple have immediate plans for just three.

Located in a small clearing amid birch trees and rhododendron bushes, the pods sit on a deck constructed using timber from a local forest. Minimal amounts of concrete were used in the build process and the structures are composed of durable, powder-coated steel.

"Constructing a dome uses a small fraction of the carbon required to put up a conventional building," says Jim.

The pod's outer skin is recyclable PVC with a 20-year life span, finished in varying shades of green so the structure merges into the canopy of trees.

Adhering to their initial plan of being able to transport the pod if need be, the couple avoided underfloor heating in favour of a wood-pellet heating system.

"We source pellets locally," says Jim, while in summertime heating is rarely required, given solar gain through the building's fabric, and the ability of the pod's geodesic shape to retain heat. Insulation was fitted under floors carpeted in 100 per cent wool, while the couple dressed some windows, where heat was found to be escaping, with Harris tweed.

The kitchen is a portable modular design by Stadtnomaden, hand-built in Germany. It took Jim a few hours to fix it in place, and every appliance was selected for energy efficiency. A Gorenje fridge exemplifies the pod's integration of style and substance; boasting eco-credentials, this attractive, retro design is of high quality.

"It's likely to last," says Jim.

To accommodate a standalone bathroom that would nevertheless share the pod's transportable qualities, the couple had a timber "drum" custom-made and positioned within the open volume. Jim, who was hands-on with the construction of the pod, made the timber sink stand.

"Everything in the pod has a story," he says, also referring to furniture in the living area and bedroom. The emphasis is on timeless furniture, built to last.

There are reclaimed pieces such as the double bed, handmade in England and dressed in organic cotton. Again the bedroom sits within the open volume, shielded by a timber mosaic screen.

Cosy sheepskins from Skyeskyns soften geometric shapes inherent to the pod's structure, and add to the sense of being cocooned.

Jim and Nicola's idea of customer service didn't end with the provision of a beautiful place to stay. Their bespoke approach means that, by way of a short questionnaire completed on booking, the pod's information pack is filled with recommendations - from where to hire a kayak, to the best local restaurants - that fit each guests' tastes.

Complimentary hampers (which Nicola loves to assemble) are also brimming with tailor-made treats, which might include scallops hand-dived from the loch outside, and locally made chocolates and beer.

Plans include the potential introduction of a wind turbine to provide the pods with electricity.

"It's our ultimate aim to be carbon neutral," says Jim.

It seems he and Nicola are adept at finding ways to respect the environment of which their Ecopods are a part, without sacrificing a sense of indulgence.

Tel: 07725 409003, www.domesweetdome.co.uk

This article was first published in The Scotsman on December 4, 2010