We have solar panels on the roof to help provide hot water, and all walls and roof spaces are insulated where possible and windows and doors are double-glazed. We use energy efficient light bulbs or dimmer switches and ask guests to switch off lights, TV’s and other electrical goods and not to leave them on stand-by. Toilets are dual flush.
We have four water butts strategically placed to catch most of the rainwater and these are used to water the garden where necessary All kitchen waste is composted either in the normal compost heap or meat fish and bones in our green cone. All other waste is separated into metal, paper, glass, material or plastics and disposed of accordingly.
We support local charities such as the Gift for Nature, which improves habitat for the wildlife on the island, and Freshwater Inshore Lifeboat. Also we raise money for Headway a charity which provides support for people with brain injury through accident or illness, and MacMillan Nurses. We source furniture from local craftsmen, and try and use independent local shops to supply our needs where possible. We employ local plumber/builder for maintenance of the property. Our local supermarket now supplies local produce so where possible we use local produce and encourage our guests to do the same.
We support the local community by acting as tree wardens for the Totland area and Chris is Treasurer of the local chamber of commerce and tourism. We tell our guests about both the local and national charities we support and send donations annually. We have details of all local attractions on the Island but in particular we offer our guests a local walking map and ask them to contribute towards the charities we support in return for the map. We also advise guests that the local open deck tour bus goes past the end of our drive and that they can hope on and off this and visit all the local attractions without having to take the car. We encourage people to try our local pub as they source much of their menu locally. We also source our produce locally and make jams and marmalades as well as flapjacks and cakes ourselves, and Chris's makes his own homemade ice cream.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
