Stones Cottages Green Policy
Green Holiday Cottages
From the outset with Stones Cottages, we knew that anything we were going to create had to be in harmony with the environment and that our actions in its creation had to have minimal local and global environmental impact.
As well as the creation of the holiday cottages, we have also built our family home here, increasing the number of fully occupied domestic properties whilst also bringing trade into the local area.
Where possible, our adventure has been self funded and sustainable through the use of our own labour and resources, when we have needed help we have used the Ecologist Building Society. When we have bought in expertise and labour we have done so from the local area.
This is a family project, and we are building something for the future. Something that will last. Something that is not disposable. The fabric of what we are creating we hope will outlive us and many generations to follow. We hope you will come and stay in our green holiday cottages, bringing benefit to the local communities nearby whilst treading lightly upon the Earth.
Efficient Buildings
By creating efficient buildings, we hope to minimise environmental harm through a reduction in energy. We have used recycled and natural materials where possible. Stone has been reused on site. Existing stone work has been re-pointed with lime mortar. Interior plasters are also lime based. In addition, all paints and wood finishes are natural clay or vegetable based. Roof insulation made from recycled newspaper keeps the heat in, and breathable walls keep the cottages feeling healthy. FSC certified timber, locally sourced where possible, has been used in the construction of the cottages.
Natural Water
A borehole provides all the cottages with crystal clear water. It is regularly tested and free from added chemicals. In addition, hot water is provided by solar thermal panels and is stored in highly efficient water tanks. When the sun is not shining, hot water is heated using green electricity from our provider. Electrical appliances are at least A rated, and we try to buy items that are repairable.
Sustainable Heating
Two air source heat pumps are the main heat source for the cottages, running the underfloor heating and upstairs radiators and towel rails. We use green electricity to further reduce our carbon footprint. In addition, each cottage has a log burning stove, a basket of locally sourced logs from sustainable sources are included in the price.
Solar Energy
We have two solar arrays providing electricity, coupled with a 10kw battery. This allows for the cottages to be run on self generated electricity for a large part of the year. Any electricity that we import is from our green electricity supplier.
Natural Products & Composting
Environmental cleaning products, washing powders, soaps and shampoos are provided in all the green holiday cottages. No bleach is ever used. Recycling and composting are important to us, and bins for that purpose are provided.
Landscaping
We love plants and trees and have landscaped around the cottages and planted hundreds of trees in the surrounding land. Compost we have used has either been made by ourselves or is peat free. Since moving here, no chemicals or fertilisers have been put on the fields that we own around the cottages. Subsequently, we have been rewarded with many wild flowers and birds on the hay meadows, wooded shelter belts and wildlife areas, all of which you are free to wander, picnic in and enjoy the sea views from. We have currently spotted and recorded over 690 species of flora and fauna at Stones Cottages. A coppice has been planted which one day will provide us with the fire wood for the cottages. Our vegetable gardens are managed using organic principles. The design philosophies of permaculture are slowly being entwined into our site.
Electric Vehicle Charging
We have a Zappi 7kW type 2 EV charger which you are welcome to use. There is a charge for this. We ask that you keep track of the kW/h that you use so we can calculate the cost at the end of your stay.
Sustainability
We have tried very hard to be mindful of our actions, something demonstrated by our choices of materials and energy use. Mistakes have been made as we have progressed our project here at Stones Cottages, but we have also had many successes. We would be happy to talk to anyone undertaking a similar project and share our experiences.