Introduction--List of homes and gardens--Dates of open days--Location map--Products, builders and suppliers--Our sponsors--More on eco-renovation

Summary

The Firmager family run a bed and breakfast business from their large family home, which has six bedrooms (including the ‘granny annexe’). Melvyn Firmager also runs woodturning courses from the farmhouse. The family have always been interested in green living, and are making their business more environmentally sustainable, for example by using solar energy to heat water for their paying guests. Outside, they have planted a large number of trees, including wild cherry, lime, apple, pear, damson, gage, mulberry, oak, cob and walnut. Ash trees are coppiced for firewood and woodturning, and the trees are also used to protect the house from wind, which helps to keep it warmer, and to increase biodiversity. A small stone circle has been created on the land, which as a sacred site, once had a large stone circle on it, and is recognised for its healing properties. Further work being carried out or considered at Nut Tree Farm includes insulation of some cavity walls, increasing levels of roof insulation, and installing LED lighting.

Green features in the home

• Solar hot water system with thermal store
• Garden room with double glazing and reflective glass to retain heat
• High levels of insulation in loft areas
• Wood stoves
• Wood burning cooker, which also heats domestic hot water
• Natural cleaning materials used wherever possible
• Some eco-paints used

Green features outside

• Over 300 trees planted for wind protection, fruit, wildlife habitat, and to provide firewood
• Organic vegetable garden with raised beds
• Composting
• Ancient sacred site, with new stone circle

Energy use

Figures not available yet

Suppliers used and recommended by owners

• Navitron highly recommended for their renewable energy products and support

To find out more

For more information about Nut Tree Farm, or to contact the owners, see their website www.nuttreefarm.com.

Directions

Nut Tree Farm is 1.25 miles from Wedmore Village. From the village centre (heading west towards Burnham) pass St Mary’s Church on your right, turn first right up Lascot Hill, and Nut Tree Farm is on the left, half a mile from the golf course. Parking space is available. There are a limited number of buses to Wedmore, which is 1.25 miles away.

See the calendar for open days and times