Volcanic Houses

Reviewed by Emily McDonnell

Two remarkable cabins with simple, modern interiors on the volcanic slopes of the Eifel with panoramic views of the forest

Type:

Cabins

Costs:

From €115

Sleeps:

Two houses for 2-6

Where?

Schutz, 7h from central Berlin

What?

Atop a sunny slope sit two wooden houses with panoramic views over the “Kleine Kyll” valley. Both are striking cabin-style hideaways, one made of bare wood, one of charcoal planks, with expansive windows designed to frame the landscape. Exposed wood is everywhere on the inside, too, and open-plan spaces allow light to flood in. The natural world has cleverly been brought into the living space, encouraging you to leave reality behind.

The Eifel region, neighboured by Belgium and Luxembourg, is underestimated despite boasting spoiling nature ripe for exploration. Volcanic Houses’ owner Hermann had travelled to the Eifel to go hiking and cycling for many years, and had specifically fallen in love with the Vulkaneifel region. So when he found his dream space, a meadow with panoramic views, he knew he had to buy it and create somewhere people would be able to experience the region’s magic for themselves.

Why?

I fell in love because...

The design is stunning: two bold houses hidden away amongst trees with panoramic views
The Eifel is a special part of the country, and is often overlooked, meaning it’s quieter than the surrounding Moselle and Rhine regions

You must...

Curl up with a book and a local glass of wine in front of the wood-burning fire and gaze out across the treetops
Head into the the village itself, where the Burberg, with its wild rock formations and ancient Roman settlement, is a "must see"

You might dislike...

The two houses are on the same plot of land without trees in between, but there is so much outdoor space, you’ll always have a private corner
The houses - as you may imagine - are very popular and can get booked very quickly

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Who?

Introducing Hermann!

“I built the two houses in the midst of the unspoilt Eifel landscape to allow people to completely disconnect and relax.”

He loves…

“The way the houses have been designed means there are panoramic views of the surrounding meadows and forests, and all the windows look over the meadow, meaning the outside feels as if it's inside: it’s so peaceful.”‍

Hermann’s insider tips

Gerolstein is so worth the visit, due to it’s bizarre rock formation made from primeval coral reefs
Go and explore Nerother Kopf. It has a tall old beech forest and there’s a castle ruin at Freudenkoppe - its a mystical experience, especially in foggy weather
Cycling enthusiasts should to take the Kosmosradweg from Daun to Meerfeld
In summer you can swim in the Meerfelder Maar, but it’s also worth a visit in the other seasons

What people
are saying.

"The architecture and interior design have been very well thought out and lovingly executed."

Jochen

"We were so happy with this dreamlike wooden house in the middle of the Eifel!"

Heidrun

The essentials.

Sleeping arrangements: There are two houses: the larger sleeps up to 6 (two double beds and 2 single sofa beds), and the smaller sleeps 2 (double bed).
Bathroom set up: Bedrooms all have ensuite bathroom.
Food: Both houses have a fully-equipped kitchen, which includes a dishwasher, induction hob, oven, a toaster, a Senseo coffee maker and a teapot, as well as a blender, kettle and microwave.
For families: The large house is best suited for families, and a baby bed can be provided if needed.
On-site equipment: There’s a great speaker system, plus a wood-burning fir and garden furniture.
Help: Hermann and his team are always available via phone should you need them.
Remember to pack: Salt, pepper and oil for cooking.
Pets: Not allowed.
Sustainability: Both houses were built using ethically-sourced wood and are powered by 100% green electricity.

Where?

The Volcanic Houses are hidden in the Eifel.

From Berlin, it's a 7-hour drive, and there’s onsite parking.

Arriving by public transport is - sadly - a bit difficult.