DEVON RETREAT
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
1. We upgraded the entire heating and hot water system to the latest Worcester Bosch condensing boiler, twin-coil cylinder and two huge solar panels on the south-facing roof. We installed a wood-burning stove in the main fireplace.
2. We installed water saving and volumising taps, toilets and shower heads (Hansgrohe Raindance) and we encourage our guests to be conscious of water usage. We purchase Ecover and Method cleaning and washing liquids in bulk, in the largest containers possible, and minimise plastics disposal by providing our guests with large containers of eco-friendly hand wash and shower gel which we can top up from five-litre containers, rather than supplying wasteful hotel-size amenities. These products also reduce the impact of domestic pollutants on the aquatic environment, and our guests like them and are hopefully encouraged to use them once they return home.
3. All of our blinds and curtains are thermally interlined and blackout lined, to retain heat, and we undertook a comprehensive programme of loft insulation and draught-proofing with the help of the government’s Warmfront scheme.
4. I researched Greenpeace and Oeko-tex certified manufacturers for our mattresses and bedding, providing hotel-grade, Vi-Spring mattresses and Elizabethan UK duvets and pillows.
5. We decorated all the walls and woodwork with Natural Building Technologies ‘eco’ paint, pulled up all the nylon carpet tiles (which were donated to a housing trust) and restored the original Douglas Fir floorboards, protecting them with Treatex natural wax oil rather than high-VOC varnish. Natural sisal rugs and Crucial Trading wool runners were placed on the floorboards to provide warmth.
6. We scoured auctions and antique shops to furnish Upcott with good-quality, period wardrobes, chests of drawers, dressers, coffee tables, etc. The beds are solid wood from FSC-certified sources.
7. The oak kitchen is supplied by a British firm and we installed A*rated appliances to minimise electricity consumption. We have also installed low-energy lights throughout (even on the chandeliers – bought from a salvage yard!) and NASA technology nightlights in the hall and landing to encourage people not to leave lights on at night).
8. The gardens have been restocked with local plants able to survive the salty sea air, and we have planted lavender everywhere to encourage bumble bees. We also planted native hedgerows all along the border of the property to encourage bird-life.
9. We provide details of public transport to the property, bus timetables and local walks to encourage our guests to use the car as little as possible. We also supply details of supermarket delivery firms to minimise lots of car trips, and local fish merchants, butchers, delis, etc where they can top up fresh supplies on foot.
10. We provide full recycling facilities for our guests, displaying information on what can be recycled and providing extra bins. I ask our cleaners to sort through obvious rubbish and recycle rather than landfill, for example, water bottles left in bedroom bins.