The completion of the Manor House Stables in April 2008 marked the culmination of nearly 10 years of research and restoration. The result has is a unique restoration of a previously redundant Grade II Listed Stables into self-catering holiday accommodation, tearooms, small shop and space for courses. Environmentally-friendly natural materials have been used throughout the restoration in a historically-sympathetic way.

Restoration is a great example of sustainability - the importance of re-using an existing building is often overlooked. Using natural materials in restoration is important in that these materials not only contribute positively to the environment, but they also allow the building to 'breathe' (thus ensuring its continued survival) and can also be re-used or allowed to degrade when the building is at the end of its life - a truly sustainable life-cycle. In addition, natural products are not only beneficial for the building but also for the environment and for the health of people too.

During the restoration of the Stables, natural sustainable materials/products were used and the sustainable principals of SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) were adhered to as closely as possible. A very local firm of builders (Tasker Builders of Sleaford) with experience of historic conservation was employed to carry out the restoration.

In the restoration both historic conservation and ecological principals were considered. 

Original features including doors, windows, timber beams, stable stalls and mangers were retained and repaired rather than replaced and the new extension was built using materials that complemented the age and original use of the Stables. 

Only materials with natural breathable qualities were used in the restoration to allow the building to ‘breathe’.

Natural environmentally-friendly paints and wood stains were used throughout on doors, floors and window frames (which smelt of oranges during application!) 

High levels of thermal insulation (well above Building Regulation requirements) were achieved throughout the building but only natural chemical-free materials were used. These included battens of cotton-hemp and wood fibreboard in the walls and ceilings, and layers of re-cycled foam glass and limecrete (known as 'glaster') below the floors.

Borax salts were used instead of the normal toxic wood-preservative treatment.

Solar panels and a wood pellet boiler were installed which together fuel the upstairs radiators and the downstairs underfloor heating system as well as providing lots of hot water. Wood-burning stove were also installed in both accommodations. 

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The Concept

The Hayloft before RestorationOur aim was to restore our redundant 18th century stable block to give it new life. We wanted to retain its character in a simple traditional way and restore it using natural earth-friendly materials that would allow the building to ‘breathe’. We chose natural materials because they are good for old buildings, the environment and for the health of people. This holistic concept has been the basis for the decisions we have made from the beginning of the restoration and is now shaping all aspects of running the business – from the products we offer to the services we provide. We are committed to providing a good quality service whilst minimising the environmental impact of our activities in order to preserve the environment around us for future generations.Trees in the Garden

We want our visitors to relax and unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings within this traditional rural setting. We hope that as they view the surrounding countryside, taste the fresh local food, smell the natural oils in the plant products we provide, breathe the fresh air (inside the building as well as outside), wake to the sound of bird song, and touch the wood, the wool and all the other natural fibres, their enthusiasm for living in harmony with nature, their appreciation for the environment and their understanding of the reasons for preserving it will all be enhanced. 

We also view communication as an important part the service we provide and we are more than happy to provide information about, and answer questions on, a large number of topics including eco-friendly building materials, wood pellet heating, local produce, chemical-free bath and beauty products, organic gardening, local events, where to go locally to experience nature (e.g. nature reserves, where to go walking and cycling) and any other information they require – these and others are activities are those that encourage a greater awareness of environmental issues.

The Policy

Our environmental policy is all about choosing the types of sustainable products which are kinder to the environment and to people; communicating, encouraging and providing information about these products and services to our guests; and providing inspiration by example. 

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Only natural sustainable materials/products were used throughout the restoration and the sustainable principals of SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) were adhered to as closely as possible.

Original features were retained and repaired rather than replaced

Solar Panels and a Wood Pellet boiler were installed - these work together to supply the underfloor heating, cast iron radiators and hot water. Cast-iron wood-burning stoves were installed in both accommodations and a low energy storage heater/cooker was installed in one of the units.

Natural insulation was used throughout and included battens of cotton/ hemp and wood-fibre boards in the walls & ceilings and layers of re-cycled glass/limecrete (known as ‘glaster’) below the floors. The quantity of insulation used ensured that u-values were well above that specified in the Building Regulations were achieved.

Natural environmentally-friendly paints and wood stains were used on the woodwork both inside and out, and lime plaster, distemper and lime-wash were used in all the interior decoration. 

Borax salts were used instead of the normal toxic wood-preserving treatment,

Local builders were employed for the restoration of the building, local kitchen craftsmen were used to build the kitchens, and where possible, local products were purchased and local services were sought.

A Rainwater harvesting system was installed - the water collected is currently used to partially satisfy the requirements of our organic vegetable garden and raised beds. A purpose-built bat roosting box was incorporated into the roof void of the Stables 

The brand new dishwashers are triple A rated for efficiency and the washing machines are A++ rated (recommended by the Energy Savings Trust).

Green Electricity - All our electricity is from 100% renewable sources, i.e. from free-falling water, wind, biomass, solar and tides. Low energy light bulbs are used where possible, there are several ‘lighting zones’ in each room and the outside lights are on timer switches so they are only used when required

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Dating back to the18th century our Grade II Listed Stable Block was originally used for stabling the horses, housing the coach and providing living accommodation for the workers who farmed the surrounding land. We have now lovingly restored it using natural eco-friendly materials and traditional methods and are proud to offer 2 units of quality self-catering accommodation in a beautifully restored historic building

Natural earth-friendly materials were used in the restoration. The walls are insulated with cotton, hemp and wood fibre and below the ground floor lies layers of insulating limecrete and recycled glass. Natural environmentally-friendly paints and wood finishes have been used throughout the building and the hot water, underfloor heating and cast iron rad

Natural fibres have been used everywhere in the Stables. Sofas and chairs are covered with either cotton and linen or leather, mattresses are made of organic Welsh wool covered with organic cotton, the sheets are cotton, the duvets are down, and the rugs and mats are made of wool or re-cycled cotton. The floors in the Hayloft are all wood, as are the doors, window frames and kitchen units - even the wooden bath in the Bothy!

Natural breathable materials are good for buildings but they are also great for the health of people living in them as well. These materials are all beneficial to the environment and to people, have been produced directly from plants and are chemical-free.

Radiators are fuelled by a wood pellet boiler and solar panels.

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The Raised BedsWelcome Hampers - these include local (organic where possible) Lincolnshire produce as well as other organic products Carrots and Cabbagefrom further afield. The vegetables and fruit are either produced in our own garden or purchased locally. Eggs, cheese, butter and Lincolnshire Vegetable Box Schemesausages are all produced locally, the bread we make is made from flour from local windmills. The fruit presses is made at a fruit farm in Lincolnshire. Honey is from a farm near Lincoln and jams are made by local producers.