Winter Blues
Whilst summer drifts into autumn embracing the wonderful colours of nature it’s time to ensure we are ready for winter. Just as small mammals hibernate until Spring beckons it’s good to know our homes are warm and dry. Service the boiler, sweep the chimneys and stock up the woodshed. In this era of sustainable energy look into renewable sources of heating your home – a long term investment that could be economically practical.
Ground source,air source heat pumps and solar panels are costly to install but are an excellent long- term investment reducing running costs and the increasingly important carbon footprint. Add in a biomass boiler system whilst tapping into (in rural areas at least) private water supplies via a bore hole and sewage treatment plant and you can be self- sufficient in energy terms.
Building a new house requires compliance with current building regulations ensuring insulation levels and sustainability are of the highest order but it doesn’t mean old houses cannot embrace modern technology. Considered investment can prove economical in the long run.
Widworthy Barton is a Grade 11* Elizabethan Manor house sitting in 43 acres of East Devon countryside. A magical historic stone property enjoying great seclusion with swimming pool, tennis court, courtyard of barns with potential, (subject to planning permissions) and secondary accommodation by way of a two bedroom bungalow. Served by a biomass boiler for heating and hot water, air source heat pump and solar panels for heating the swimming pool and private water and drainage this must be an example of 16th century meeting 21st century. Strutt and Parker are the selling agents (01392 215631).
Cider Barn, Dartington. As the name suggests a converted stone cider barn sitting in twelve acres forming one of four properties. The reverse level accommodation includes a large open plan reception room, kitchen /breakfast room and principal bedroom suite on the first floor with three further bedrooms on the ground floor. The courtyard includes a second barn with planning permission to convert to a two bedroom cottage. The private water supply is by a bore hole whilst a ground source heat pump and solar panels provide underfloor heating and electricity. Chartsedge are the agents: 01803 505115
Creativity and innovation will ensure our carbon footprint will minimise but education to address the situation must be maintained to emphasis the severity of the damage to the planet caused by generations oblivious to the looming disaster.
We are all charged with minimising damage to our planet for future generations so why not start at home and explore the opportunities whilst proving economically viable on our pockets long term -home - It’s all about coming home