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King Garth

Hosted by Jane · Carlisle, England

6 guests max · 3 bedrooms · 5 beds · 1 toilet

100%

7 reviews

Jane is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

All to yourself

100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.

Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position. In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you. The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river. My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay. You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk! Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there. This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host. The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.King Garth is a building set in 2 1/2 acres of riverside land which is managed for wildlife. There is a paddock with Alpacas and guests have the option of looking after the Alpacas whilst in residence. They also have the option of fishing and rods are available in the house. The living space is all upstairs on the 1st floor. It comprises 3 rooms: - The sitting room with it’s magical views over the river and a log burner. The decor and furniture reflect the history of the building. - There is a double bedroom also with a window overlooking the river. - The third room ‘the barn room’ has a barn owl nesting box where owls/kestrels/pigeons come and go and sometimes nest. There is a double bedroom, then in the sitting room there are 2 futons - double and single. There is also a single bed in the barn room. Spoilt for choice: On a summer’s evening, a barbecue is the preferred way to cook. On a cooler night, when the log burner is lit, I often enjoy a jacket potato cooked in the fire or enjoy stew simmered on the top of the burner. There is also a 2 ring gas hob for impatient people who want instant food or a quick cup of tea. As there is no running water at King Garth, the toilet is a dry compost toilet. The prospect of emptying the toilet may seem daunting, but you will soon get used to it. A chore best designated to the person with the poorest sense of smell! Washing at King Garth is part of the fun! As there is no running water, there is no power shower, wet room or any of that nonsense! However, there is the beautiful river Eden. The experience of floating downstream, gazing up at blue skies with kingfishers flitting over head, cleanses both body and soul at the same time! Then, if you need a warm up you can fire up the hot tub. The preparation of the tub is also part of the fun. Filled by the icy water from the well, the log-burning stove might take several hours to heat, but when the hot tub gets warm enough, the reward is so much better than a tub heated at the touch of a button. Once warm, it retains its heat all night, so you can stargaze while staying cozy. There is even a ledge for your glass of wine! This unit will suit people who enjoy wildlife, outdoor living, Alpacas and fishing.

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Riverside historic building

100%

(9)

Cabin · Sleeps 6 · 3 bedrooms · 5 beds · 1 toilet

King Garth is a building set in 2 1/2 acres of riverside land which is managed for wildlife. There is a paddock with Alpacas and guests have the option of looking after the Alpacas whilst in residence. They also have the option of fishing and rods are available in the house. The living space is all upstairs on the 1st floor. It comprises 3 rooms: - The sitting room with it’s magical views over the river and a log burner. The decor and furniture reflect the history of the building. - There is a double bedroom also with a window overlooking the river. - The third room ‘the barn room’ has a barn owl nesting box where owls/kestrels/pigeons come and go and sometimes nest. There is a double bedroom, then in the sitting room there are 2 futons - double and single. There is also a single bed in the barn room. Spoilt for choice: On a summer’s evening, a barbecue is the preferred way to cook. On a cooler night, when the log burner is lit, I often enjoy a jacket potato cooked in the fire or enjoy stew simmered on the top of the burner. There is also a 2 ring gas hob for impatient people who want instant food or a quick cup of tea. As there is no running water at King Garth, the toilet is a dry compost toilet. The prospect of emptying the toilet may seem daunting, but you will soon get used to it. A chore best designated to the person with the poorest sense of smell! Washing at King Garth is part of the fun! As there is no running water, there is no power shower, wet room or any of that nonsense! However, there is the beautiful river Eden. The experience of floating downstream, gazing up at blue skies with kingfishers flitting over head, cleanses both body and soul at the same time! Then, if you need a warm up you can fire up the hot tub. The preparation of the tub is also part of the fun. Filled by the icy water from the well, the log-burning stove might take several hours to heat, but when the hot tub gets warm enough, the reward is so much better than a tub heated at the touch of a button. Once warm, it retains its heat all night, so you can stargaze while staying cozy. There is even a ledge for your glass of wine! This unit will suit people who enjoy wildlife, outdoor living, Alpacas and fishing.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Picnic table

from

£80

/ night

for NaN guests

Reviews

100% Recommend9 Ratings · 7 reviews

Recommends

· October 2025

Group trip ·

Riverside historic building

We absolutely loved our stay at King Garth! It is located in such a tranquil location beside the river and away from other houses, but with alpacas for company! The hot tub was perfect to relax in and we enjoyed a cosy, candlelit evening inside by the fire afterwards! It was fascinating to read about the history of the building too! Will definitely be back :)

Ellen L.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Riverside historic building

A truly unique stay in a beautiful location. The lane was a little challenging in my picanto but we managed it and was well worth the trip! So much provided in terms of wood, charcoal, crockery candles! Would definitely stay again :)

Lucy B.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Fantastic

With pets ·

Riverside historic building

We stayed as a birthday treat for my 12 year old. 2 adults, 4 children and our dog. It was a truly fantastic stay from start to finish. Such a unique house and experience. The kids absolutely loved swimming in the river, looking after the alpacas, the hot tub and going back to basics. It was lovely seeing them enjoying themselves with no distractions of the modern world. Games by candle light and food over the bbq, what more could you ask for. Jane was fantastic and made sure we knew everything that was needed before we arrived. Can’t wait to come back.

Sean C.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Riverside historic building

We loved staying at the beautiful King Garth, the hot tub was perfect after getting the fire going and sitting in candle light, in front of the fire is the most comforting feeling in the world. A very quiet and peaceful sight with gorgeous views and riverside walks with a pub about 30 mins walk away. We did get lost on the way to the cottage so make sure to follow the map to cargo village and not the middle of a field on the other side of the river 🤣 We even got to feed alpacas and theyre very funny little characters and very friendly. We will be staying again and very recommended

Kirsten G.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Riverside historic building

What an incredible piece of land. The house holds so much history and retains so much of the original charm. The privacy, quietness, and abundant nature was incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. Jane was great at communicating and we had no issues with anything.

Harrison H.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Riverside historic building

Absolutely beautiful place to stay. Had everything we needed and sitting by candlelight was lovely

Lucy O.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

A magical window into history...

With pets ·

Riverside historic building

This is a very special place. A chance to step back in time and live simply - supper by candlelight, games played beside a roaring fire, dips in the river. We visited when the elder was full in blossom and the willows whispered full-leafed in the wind. Walking along the river edge was like exploring the mangroves in tropical rainforest - a magical experience for kids, dogs and adults alike! We feel like we've just slipped back into history, sat in the window watching the river, we half expected to see boats carrying cargo past to Carlisle... Go prepared to step back in time and live simply. Everything you need is provided - candles, wood, crockery - there is a woodfired tub that you can heat yourselves, a beautifully simple kitchen set up with a water system that is carefully thought out, and a compost loo.

Pridie T.

4 years on Hipcamp

Location

Carlisle, Cumbria, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Jane H.

Joined in April 2025

King Garth

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Riverside historic building

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Hosted by Jane H.

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