News and media

The modern Chalet
The London Paper - May 22, 2007

Planted on North Yorkshire's rolling hills, Natural Retreat's eight Aislabeck eco-cottages are more like modern, open-plan chalets fashioned by Ikea than ramshackle hideaways. Built with wood from sustainable forests, of course.

Birds and other woodland animals like to hover nearby because the roofs are covered in evergreen sedum to blend with the landscape. The cottages which have three bedrooms and house up to six people each, have achieved carbon footprint approval by making sure the showers and drinking water are supplied by natural springs, and that the complex uses 100 per cent renewable energy provided by eco-power company Good Energy.

This site is ideal for the Londoner who wants to leave the noise of the city behind without feeling cast adrift. Just a ten-minute stroll to Richmond will get you to a few pubs and shops to prevent you going stir crazy for the weekend.

Currently, a percentage from the annual profits of the cottages goes towards supporting local sustainable and eco-friendly schemes but they plan to be even greener; site developers are working with Tree Appeal to plant indigenous trees around the site.

Nominated last year in the environment category for the Landmark Awards, the developers are already looking to the future, with wood chip boilers, rainwater harvesting, solar panels and a reed bed sewerage system all planned for 2008. Aislabeck's cottages are perfect for treating yourself without mistreating the environment.