Boshuisje in Drenthe

Practical guides

Everything about the hot tub, the wood stove, the fire pit, popcorn over the fire, chopping wood and checking out.

Hot tub

A wood-fired hot tub is a lovely way to relax outdoors. You fill and heat it yourself, so please read this through.

The water stays good for three to four days. After that it needs changing, as the hot tub has no filter system.
> Only clean tap water goes into the hot tub. No chlorine or other chemicals, no bath oil, no bubble bath and no bath bombs. The tub is made of wood and has no filter; these products attack the wood and stay behind in the water.

Filling

  1. Fill the hot tub completely with tap water before you start heating. The garden hose is on the outside tap in the shed.
  2. Filling takes about 30 minutes.
  3. Make sure the water is well above the stove openings, or the stove will be damaged.
  4. Keep the cover on while heating.

Heating

  1. Use only the dry wood provided. Extra wood is in the wood store beside the gypsy wagon.
  2. Light the fire through the stove hatch and let it build gradually.
  3. Never leave the fire unattended.
  4. Allow two to three hours to reach 38 to 40 degrees.
  5. Stir the water now and then so the temperature is even.

After use

  1. There is a drain on the side. Open it to empty the tub.
  2. Sweep the ash out of the stove into the tin provided.

> Never fire the stove without water. That damages it beyond repair.

Use is at your own risk. Margreet BV is not liable for damage to persons or property, for injury through improper use, slipping or overheating, or for damage to the hot tub through incorrect use. Unsure how it works? Get in touch before using it.

Watch the instruction video

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Wood stove indoors

A crackling fire makes the cabin extra cosy and warm.

Lighting the stove

  1. Check that the stove is clean. A thin layer of ash may stay, it helps to get the fire going.
  2. Make sure the air intake is fully open.
  3. Lay a few small, dry sticks crosswise and put kindling on top.
  4. Light the fire with a firelighter. Never use spirits, petrol or other flammable liquids.
  5. Let the fire build up calmly and only then add a larger log.
  6. Once it burns well you can reduce the air intake a little. Don't close it fully, so the wood keeps burning cleanly.

Adding wood

  • Only use the dry firewood meant for the stove.
  • Add one or two logs regularly rather than a lot at once.
  • Keep the door closed as much as possible and open it slowly, so no smoke enters the room.
  • Don't let the stove burn hotter than needed.

Before you go to bed

Don't leave the stove burning with a lot of wood when you go to sleep. Let the fire die down calmly. Never leave the stove unattended while it is burning fully.

Important

> The stove and the glass get very hot. Don't touch them and keep children away.

  • Never use the stove as a waste burner. No paper, plastic, packaging or painted wood.
  • Don't hang clothes or towels over or right next to the stove.
  • Keep the room well ventilated.
  • Smoke in the room? Open the air intake, open a window and check the door is properly closed.
  • Don't use the stove if you see a fault or damage.

After use

Let the stove cool down completely before clearing the ash. Ash stays hot for a long time. Use only the metal bucket provided.

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Fire pit outdoors

Perfect for a cosy evening outside. Light a fire, grab something nice and enjoy.

Using the fire pit

  1. Make sure the fire pit is clear of leaves, branches and other flammable material.
  2. Put a few dry sticks at the bottom and build a small fire on top with kindling.
  3. Use only the firewood provided and add small amounts at a time.
  4. Give the fire enough air. A small, well burning fire is nicer and safer than a big one.
  5. Keep children away and never leave the fire unattended.
  6. Don't throw waste or plastic into the fire.
  7. Let the fire burn out completely or douse it with water. Check that no embers remain.

> In strong wind, drought or other conditions where fire is not safe, do not use the fire pit.

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Popcorn over the fire

With the cast iron popcorn maker you can easily make popcorn over the fire.

What you need

  • The cast iron popcorn maker
  • Popcorn kernels
  • A little oil
  • Salt or other seasoning to taste
  • A steady, well burning fire

Making popcorn

  1. Wait until the fire burns well and there are glowing embers. Don't put the maker into a big flame.
  2. Open it and add a small splash of oil.
  3. Add a layer of kernels. Not too many, they need room to pop.
  4. Close it properly.
  5. Hold it over the fire and move it back and forth regularly, so the popcorn doesn't burn.
  6. After a while the kernels start popping. Keep moving it calmly.
  7. When the time between pops grows, take it off the fire.
  8. Open carefully, hot steam may escape.
  9. Tip the popcorn into a bowl, add some salt and enjoy.

> The popcorn maker and its handle get very hot. Never grab the hot part with bare hands and let it cool down completely before cleaning.

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Chopping wood

Chopping your own wood for the stove or fire pit? A satisfying outdoor job. Work calmly and safely.

How to go about it

  1. Choose firm, level ground and use the chopping block provided.
  2. Stand the log upright and stable on the block.
  3. Make sure there is enough space around you and keep others at a distance.
  4. Check the axe: the handle must be firmly attached and the blade undamaged.
  5. Hold the handle firmly with both hands and aim at the centre of the log.
  6. Start calmly. The aim is to split the wood, not to hit as hard as possible.
  7. Never turn or move a log while the axe is stuck in it.
  8. Is a log too big or too hard? Don't force it, pick a smaller piece.
  9. Stack split wood neatly so it stays dry.

Safety first

  • Wear sturdy shoes and preferably safety glasses.
  • Keep hands and feet out of reach of the axe.
  • Never chop with someone standing right next to you.
  • Only use the axe when you are fit and focused.
  • Store the axe safely and dry after use.

Working calmly and with control is far more effective than hitting hard.

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Checking out

Lovely to have had you here. Before you leave, we ask you to leave the cabin tidy.

Just before you go

  • Strip the beds and leave the used bedding on the bed.
  • Put used towels in the laundry basket.
  • Set the thermostat to 12 degrees.
  • Turn off all the lights.
  • Let the fire go out completely and check that no embers remain anywhere.
  • Check that all windows and doors are properly closed.
  • Lock the cabin and put the key back in the key safe.

Check-out is between 08:00 and 11:00.

Thank you for leaving the cabin tidy. We hope you enjoyed the quiet, the nature and of course the hot tub. Safe journey home and hopefully see you again.

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