Bryn Elltyd an eco guest house near Blaenau Ffestiniog in Snowdonia, North Wales has just undertaken the formal process of a Carbon Audit by Greenedge and have been judged to be Carbon Negative.
Described by the Guardian Newspaper as ‘one of the greenest boltholes in Europe’. Bryn Elltyd is run by Celia and John, who both have a long commitment to the environment having installed solar panels in 1982 and sourced green energy for over 20 years. Today the guesthouse has 100% renewable electricity, its boiler is powered on forest waste from local timber factory and the inside and outside the insulation (which includes sheep’s wool) and double glazing, ensure that the house is cosy and incredibly energy efficient.
And it doesn’t stop there, the house is furnished using upcycled furniture, rainwater is harvested for loo flushing, and the two conservatories act as solar collectors from which warm air is moved into the rest of the house using an air management system.
Outside, guests will find the turf/sedum roofs with alpine flowers which while helping to insulate the property, also provides space for nature.
This space for nature is echoed in the one acre nature garden where John and Celia have planted an orchard. It is also where they grow their seasonal fruit and vegetables which are used to create pickles and jams. These are grown in their own rich compost in raised beds made from recycled timber. The garden is also where they keep the ducks which provide the eggs for the delicious cakes and breakfasts that they whip up for guests alongside their local farmers eggs and sausage and bacon from the local butcher.
All this has been powered by Celia and John’s love and passion for the environment. And is underpinned by the time and care they spend with their guests and working with their local community. Find out more about Bryn Elltyd’s incredible commitment to sustainability here
