Myrtle cottage is a thatched building some 200 years old, with a modern extension, a large barn across the road and a partially wild garden of ¾ acre.

The occupiers have installed extensive insulation on the cottage and installed an 11.2 kW Ecodan Air source heat pump. This has necessitated new radiators in some of the room, but the low level heat has banished many of the damp problems in the older building. Heating is supplemented with a wood burner and Aga.

A lean to extension was built as a conservatory, but was always too hot in summer and too cold in winter; so they installed an insulated roof and improved the windows to make a much more useable orangery.

Over 20 solar PV panels have been installed on the garages, with a Solar Edge invertor and battery to store the electricity for night use. They are considering using the electric car battery for further storage. A Zappi unit charges the electric car when there is excess electricity.

John is part of the River Char Action Group, and has a small laboratory in on of the outbuildings to test the quality of the water.

The wildlife-friendly garden has a large pond and fruit trees, as well as water recovery from roofs and a greenhouse.

Directions

From Bridport, go past Felicity’s farm shop; just after Artwave turn Right, fork left and continue for 600m up Tizzard’s Kemp, take the second turning right ( sharp turn) onto Taylor’s Lane. The thatched cottage is on your left, the parking is opposite on your right. Google map link here.