I built the stable block myself and although it may look like a traditional stone building, it's a timber frame structure, which allowed me to double insulate the walls and roof. This helps me reduce our energy use over the winter months and for the rooms to stay cooler in the summer.

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I do all the laundry at home. Whenever possible I use the steam cycle on the washing machine which uses less water and electricity. When the weather allows I do the drying outside, cutting down on use of the tumble dryer. This might mean your towels are not *quite* as soft, but they are more environmentally friendly. 

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When it comes to the food on your plate, I try to use all English grown and where possible local. The eggs are from a small farm in the village. The meat comes from Yorkshire, which is closer than you think. The bread is from a bakery in Bakewell. 

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During the month of May I allow the lawns to grow, as encouraged by the National Trust and the BBC, to attract the local bee population. 

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