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Summary

Jane and James Bott have an interest in all alternative energy sources, and, says James, like the idea of ‘something for nothing’. They have installed a wind turbine, solar panels and photovoltaic panels on their house, and find them all very effective. The Critchill Estate is on the Western edge of Frome, and the Botts have a very large, south-west facing garden where they grow their own vegetables, keep bees and manage areas of their garden for wildlife. They also have a number of fruit trees and Jane does a lot of bottling and preserving.

Green features in the house

• A wind turbine mounted on the side of the house
• Photovoltaic panels
• Solar hot water system
• Cavity walls insulated in the mid-70s
• Loft insulation
• Double glazing
• Areas for storing bottled fruit and preserves

Green features outside

• Nine water butts for collection of rainwater
• Wildlife areas
• Bee hives
• Compost heaps
• Fruit trees and vegetable garden

Energy use

Figures not yet available

To find out more

To contact the Botts, or for more information about this property, contact Sustainable Frome at sustainablefrome@gn.apc.org

Directions

There is a bus stop 300 m from the house, and the station is about a mile away. The Critchill Estate is about a 20 minute walk from the town centre.

If you are coming by car, from the Sainsburys roundabout in Frome, take the road opposite (Marston Lane), follow it round, then take the second on the left into Critchill Road. Catherston Close is then second on the left.