We have lived in our 1950’s ex-council house on north edge of Martinstown for 10 years this year. It is brick built with cavity walls which we had filled with an insulating layer of polystyrene balls and waterproof glue to hold them together. This creates a waterproof barrier that stops any damp crossing into the inner skin of wall. This was the first change we made as 35% of heat loss was through the walls.  We changed the window to high spec double glazing - another source of heat loss.

In 2019 we had solar panels and battery fitted. There are 10 panels producing 3.9 kws. The battery is a 13.7 kw Tesla battery.

2 years ago we had a Mitsubishi Ecodan 8.5 kw air source heat pump installed. With all appliances now electric and the system functioning well we haven’t paid for any electricity for 15 months as excess electricity we  generate is sold back to the grid. . 

I have built a conservatory and porch on the back of the house largely from recycled and/or unused but destined for the dump materials. We are lucky to live next door to a neighbour who has a window fitting business! As these are both built onto the north side of the house they create extra insulation.

We have an established organic garden with 10  raised beds for companion planted vegetables and a beautiful flower garden. 7 full sized water butts harvest enough rainwater for the garden. We have turned our front lawn and part of the back lawn into a wild flower meadow and have changed our outlook on ‘weeds’. We now leave many of them to grow and have realised that some can be eaten. What’s not to like!

What 3 words - thousands.minimums.lingering Plenty of parking in St Martinsfield.

Email  dorsetgreenerhomes@gmail.com to book a visit all year round.