Welcome to Volcano!
Volcano is an 1850s coach house; open plan, yet cozy. (Our reviews appear at the end of this section.)
It's a welcoming home from home where you can relax and unwind. It's a working home, rather than a show home: somewhere could always do with a lick of paint, and the moles sometimes pop through the lawn! It means it's wonderfully practical for muddy wellies and families; with nothing too precious, where relaxing is the order of the day.
Plenty of windows and 8 foot ceilings lend themselves to a feeling of openness, whilst its location in a small group of houses on a private courtyard amongst woodland, with a multifuel stove (i.e. not the instant 'flick for heat' of central heating, but the satisfaction of a fire well built and tended), make for a perfect retreat in Summer or Winter.
The 'off grid-ness' relates to all the ways that matter; and all the ways that don't...
Off grid refers to the lack of WiFi in the cottage; the reduced/non existent mobile phone reception inside the house (there's a secret windowsill where you can pick it up, and which we'll gladly tell you: but, interestingly, no one's ever asked for!) There's no live TV, no traditional central heating (although keeping warm is easy with the multifuel stove, with detailed 'how to build a good fire' directions provided, plus other heating sources in the cottage); a range oven which uses calor gas (although you'd never know it) rather than mains gas; an unadopted track for access (with a few potholes); and generally just off-grid from the speed and pressures of everyday life.
Mainly it's a fun, restorative way in which to reconnect to the landscape and each other; and we get a lot of guests thanking us for not having WiFi in place; but board games instead.
It's remote enough that your nearest chain supermarket is half an hours drive away, but well serviced and connected with local pubs, restaurants, shops within a 2-5 minute drive, and a good road system.
We have three good sized double bedrooms, one of which occupies the whole of the top floor, and is accessed via a private staircase which provides privacy, although the bedroom itself doesn't have a door.
Total occupancy in the three bedrooms is 6. The cottage is able to accommodate 9, depending on the makeup of your group; whether it be children, or someone who's happy to be based on one of three mattresses which can be located in the bedrooms, and/or on the landing area.
We have one family bathroom with a long, deep, free-standing dream of a bath and a lovely rain shower; complete with dimmable lighting for relaxing soaks.
We also have freestanding oil heaters in each room, and we have a large immersion heater to take care of hot water in the kitchen and bathroom should you be too worn out after your Lake District explorations to make a fire on any given evening!
There is parking for up to two cars in the private, off road courtyard; with a short, characterful (in terms of the amount of potholes!) dirt track that approaches it.
Our ground floor has the original cobbles and troughs of the coach house. This means practicality in spades for muddy wellies; but a potential trip hazard too. You easily get used to it, and it's an amazing feature, but it's worth bearing in mind.
Our sofas are really great for slouching; and are made up of old flags which we have collected over the years. They have a unique, worn, character which we love; but aren't your typical sofa covering.
There is a TV that connects to a DVD player for playing DVDs and music: i.e. no live TV and no WiFi, for off grid bliss. We have an eclectic assortment of films and music at the cottage, or you're welcome to bring your own.
If you're a history buff, try entering Holmrook Hall into Wikipedia, for more detail about the history of the cottage's links to Lewis Carroll, and how it came by its name: (HMS) 'Volcano'. We also have lots of locally sourced research and books at the cottage which you are welcome to browse.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
We do accept one night bookings, and charge an additional supplement (depending on the time of year and the size of your group) for one night bookings: mid-week bookings are between £40 - £100; and on the rare occasions a one night booking on a weekend might be possible we charge £100 - £150 one night supplement for these.
We have a well equipped kitchen; with all the equipment necessary to rustle up anything from toast to a roast. Tea and coffee are provided: just bring fresh milk. There are also a few basic pantry items, as well as toiletries, towels and linen available for you at the cottage.
All the kindling, wood, coal (and all important lighter!) for the multi fuel stove await you at the cottage too!
We have one highchair and a stairgate which we can make available for you if you let us know in advance of your stay.
There is a well in the garden, which is a very cool feature, and the water from which does wonders for the plants; but which you may want to be aware of. It is on the edge of patio area, and is walled (up to about the bottom of an adult rib cage); but not covered or child proofed in any way.
PRIOR TO BOOKING
As part of our House Rules, when submitting a 'Booking Enquiry' or 'Request' please:
- Use the phrase "We love off-grid! so that we know you are happy with all the quirky elements of the cottage, and are happy to agree to the house rules.
- It would also help if you could confirm the configuration of your group/how many beds you'd like made up for you to use. We can tell you more about the different layouts when you enquire.
- Please also let us know the names (and ages for the little ones) of all Guests...
- Along with what brings you to the Lakes, when booking as we do a welcome note and it's nice to personalise it and include everyone on it.
This helps us know that you'll love the cottage, and makes the process of confirming your reservation much quicker :-)
REVIEWS
From the initial communication through to the welcome note and delighters when we arrived, we can't speak highly enough of Carl and Caroline. The cottage was fantastic and is exactly the kind of unique experience that we use homestays for and we can't recommend Volcano highly enough. Thank you!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the "Volcano" in Holmrook! Our family of 5 (with children aged 11, 9, 6) all thought the cottage was fantastic. We were amazed at the transformation of this one time stable into the perfect country cottage that Caroline & Carl had done. As part of our England/Scotland tour - it was very fitting to stay somewhere with such unique history. The cobble floors and interior decor added to the great experience! The kids loved the fact that horses once stood on the same floors. The cottage was very nicely appointed with all that you could need. All linens were very clean and the cottage was spotless. Being able to have a fire in the wood stove at night was terrific. Locally, there were some amazing pubs and things to do. An easy drive to Keswick, 10 minutes to the incredible views of Wast Water and the coast made it a perfect base for our Lake District adventures. Hosts Caroline & Carl were awesome! They made sure we felt welcomed and provided pointers on interesting things to do locally. Make sure you visit Muncaster Castle, the steam railway, the Strands Inn, Keswick, Wasdale/Wast Water - and many more things! Thank you Caroline & Carl for a great stay.
Carl and Caroline are wonderful hosts with a terrific, characterful home. The house is well-located for a range of walks and activities, as well as for shops and restaurants. Volcano has a very cosy feeling with a well-equipped kitchen and a great wood burner. During our stay, we enjoyed the miniature railway at Ravenglass, walks at Lake Coniston and Wastwater - all only a short drive from the house. We also enjoyed dining out at The Lutwidge Arms and at Wild Olive restaurant in nearby Gosforth. Carl and Caroline were terrific hosts - they have a detailed information folder in the house with details of things to see and do, places to eat, instructions for the fire, tv, etc. Furthermore, they were always there to answer any questions before and during our stay. They also provided a high chair and stair gate for use with our 1yr old son. Thank you both for being such great hosts - we can't recommend Volcano highly enough and hope to return there soon!
We had a great stay at the Volcano. After spending the day hiking in the Lake District it was a great place for us to come back to, have a cup of tea and put the fire on. It allowed us to kick back and relax. Can't recommend it enough. Beautiful location, beautiful house and the most comfortable beds I could have asked for!
5 star property and hosts!
Lovely stay at Volcano, it's such a cool and quirky cottage in a secluded spot. Perfectly clean, very well stocked. Caroline & Carl's info book is so useful both before and during the stay. Thank you!
Very pleasant long weekend celebrating a 60th birthday. The house is exactly as described, comfortable bedrooms, fantastic shower, lovely lounge with fire and a user friendly kitchen. A good location for access to numerous areas. Enjoyed a 20 mile cycle up the Wastwater Valley.
