I have taught violin for most of my life as a peripatetic teacher . In 2012, we travelled to Borneo where I taught for a year. Since returning, I have been running our accommodation business. We have a small house in Andalucia and have just acquired an old ruin near to it which we are excited about. We keep saying "No more projects" but seem to have another project... Chris and I are both musicians; we met through playing for the Whitehaven Maritime Festival, so my classical training had quickly to be replaced with learning to play Irish jigs and sea shanties! We enjoy travelling and spent last winter in SE Asia. Our most recent destinations have been Norway and Italy. Chris looks in charity shops for Lonely Planet Guides - The one that ends up in my Christmas stocking is the one that is added to our 'To do' list! We have 3 Siamese cats - Hazel, Ophelia & Blue, so although the children have moved on, we've acquired 3 more!…. We keep them away from guest areas as we appreciate some guests may have allergies or may not like cats, but if you are a cat lover, you're very welcome to come and give them a fuss. We regularly go to the theatre, mainly in Keswick and London.

We run the Rebels Hide as 'home from home', a relaxed environment without too many rules and regulations! The house was built in 2004 and was our family home until all our children flew the nest. The house has 2 'wings' and a self-contained studio apartment room. Our garden pond is home to our 2 call ducks and a few wild mallards who return each year. Last year we had 18 ducklings in total. The Studio room has its own separate entrance and is a very flexible space. It is equally suitable for couples, families or groups of friends. It includes an ensuite shower room and a kitchenette so is ideal for guests wanting their own freedom. The Double room has a superking bed and ensuite bathroom and is very cosy. The Family room is a double room interconnecting to a room with trundle bed so there is a choice whether to use it as one large or 2 separate rooms. For anyone with a sense of adventure, the small Cabin is good fun! It looks onto the garden and is very private. The outside shower room/toilet is just behind the cabin but not attached, so please be aware of this before booking. It does have electric heating & lighting It is ideal for 'glamping'.

Why is it called Rebels Hide? Clifton is the site of the last battle on English soil in 1745 and the tree behind our garden - the Rebel Tree - is where 12 Jacobites are buried. 'Rebels Hide' is in their memory. Sadly, there are plans afoot to build houses on the site, despite much opposition. We are only 6 miles from Ullswater, the most beautiful lake. Windermere is a lovely 45 minute drive away over the Kirkstone Pass, with the pretty villages of Grasmere and Ambleside enroute. Kendal and Keswick are both about 30 minutes away. The Theatre by the Lake in Keswick is a superb venue for theatre and music lovers. 25 miles north is the small city of Carlisle with the cathedral and castle to visit. Hadrian's Wall and the Roman settlement of Vindolanda are easily accessible from Carlisle, as is the Solway coast, particularly popular with birdwatchers. Near to us are easy walking and cycling routes (we are on the C2C route). Lowther Park and Castle are only a mile away, as are Abbotts Lodge Ice Cream farm, Bird of Prey centre and the renowned Larch Cottage Nurseries. During summer, steam trains run on the Settle-Carlisle line, which you might be lucky to see from the garden.