Nights Drawing In

Early Winter nights often seem welcome when you close the curtains and shut the world out for some respite - Christmas is on the horizon to look forward to. It’s the post Christmas period when we long for the clocks to jump ahead and we yearn for warm Spring sunshine.  It all comes round so quickly its easy to miss the changing seasons and enjoy each for their own character. 

Preparing a home for winter is important – ensuring the fuel supplies are adequate -(mindful of the worrying escalating costs means being ever more prudent). The continual discussion about sustainable energy within the home continues and is ever confusing.  Capital outlay may save costs in the long run but not everyone can look far enough ahead in their changing lives to equate – or afford- such capital outlay.  Opinions change as to what is really both sustainable and economic. 

Many of us carry on with the same systems we have had for years whether they are economically practical or not.  AND – the older generation often like continuity rather than mastering some tech- based heating system they don’t understand!  Old houses with poor insulation aren’t always compatible with modern methods – ground or air source heat pumps - so very often the status quo remains the only option. 


The options are to go all out and buy a contemporary, fully sustainably heated home or carry on enjoying the traditional English house keeping the home fires burning!   Each to their own maybe but we must be aware of the future of our precious planet.

Traditional or contemporary? 

Drakes Meadow, Upexe – in the favoured and beautiful Exe valley just a few miles north of Exeter. Three new eco-friendly homes to be ready in Autumn 2023.  Internally and externally low maintenance and future proof features have been a priority, awarding Drakes Meadow an A rating for energy efficiency being just 1% of homes in the UK this that achieve this rating.  To achieve the rating there are Air Source heat pumps, triple glazing, solar PV panels and electric vehicle charging points. Everything to ensure ongoing sustainable, environmentally friendly an economic homes.  Jackson Stops are the selling agents. 01392 214222.

Langstone Farm. Throwleigh – in total contrast – a charming Grade 11 listed granite and thatched farmhouse within the Dartmoor National Park.  Whilst not compatible with todays demanding eco standards for new buildings these houses were built to be in tune with the climate – warm in winter and cool in summer.  Exuding the character and charm of the period sustainable elements can be introduced to these buildings without destroying the integrity of the building.  This cross passage 4 bedroom house enjoys all modern amenities with central heating, a four over Aga in the farmhouse kitchen and sits in 8.7 acres with stables.  Fowlers Chagford are the agents 01647 433595. 


 So, as winter draws in enjoy the season for what it is, stay warm and enjoy home in whatever form it takes - “It’s all about coming home.” 

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