A couple has created a new holiday experience "as close to carbon neutral as they can possibly get" next to their glamping Yurt Huts.
Kim and Nick Hoare have converted their 17th Century cow shed into environmentally-friendly holiday accommodation in Westhall near Halesworth.
The pioneering glamping site was named one of Archant’s Top 100 Green companies and won Suffolk’s Green Tourism award for its environmental measures.
Mr Hoare said: “We were really excited to introduce lots of green initiatives into our yurt holiday business which our holiday-makers really engaged with.
"When we were planning the cow-shed conversion we wanted to make it as sustainable as possible so that our guests could enjoy a holiday with a minimal carbon footprint."
During the conversion work, the couple used insulation made from recycled plastic bottles throughout the building and installed led lighting, underfloor heating and a full array of solar panels supported by batteries.
“We were fortunate to have the support of East Suffolk District Council for our vision.
"They awarded us a Plan for the Future grant, which went towards the cost of the panels and batteries, and also enabled us to provide electric bikes and an electric vehicle charging point for guests to use,” Mr Hoare said.
The converted shed is located on a three-acre meadow which is managed to sequester carbon and no oil or gas is used on site.
Mrs Hoare said: “We believe coming here is as close to providing a carbon-neutral holiday as we can possibly get.
"Suffolk is a really beautiful county with much to offer tourists, many of whom are beginning to worry about the impact of climate change and want to be able to take an environmentally-friendly holiday at home.
"Without worrying about carbon emissions from flights, or long delays at the airport.”
Ivy Grange Farm Barn is now looking forward to its first year of welcoming guests to the newly renovated cow shed.
“I wonder what the Jersey cows would have made of it all," said Mr Hoare.
“I think they would have approved.”
To book see the website: www.ivygrangefarm.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here