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I am endeavouring to create a rural French retreat that demonstrates that low carbon/off grid can also be luxurious. The funded project will create a natural swimming pool, along with a summer kitchen, wood fired oven, fire pit, composting toilets, washing facilities (outdoor shower and barrel bath) and a couple of pods and camping plots, all set within private woodland and a wildflower meadow.
For those who prefer a more sumptuous break, the house will become a 2 bedroom luxurious pad overlooking the swimming pond and facilites.
The ethos is to tread lightly on the environment, be very low impact, in serene, relaxing surroundings and provide a habitat for nature.
This gorgeous little house (Gretel), set in 3/4 acre, is a total renovation project set in woodland in the Limousin. The house will utilise solar power, grey water harvesting and off grid heating without compromising luxury.
I intend to complete the renovation with re-purposed, recycled, locally sourced materials and ecologically friendly products to provide a luxurious rural haven for a peaceful getaway, alongside camping opportunities around a natural swimming pool, in a beautiful setting.
I will construct a summer kitchen next to the pond and, subject to planning, two glamping pods. These will all be designed to reflect the house construction - oak frame with brick infill.
'Glamping' pods
The natural swimming pool will be cleansed by solar recycling filter pumps and gorgeous pond plants. The swimming area will be separated from the planted area to offer a safe, relaxing pool.
photo courtesy of www.organicpools.co.uk
I developed asthma and sinus issues in my thirties. As a result, as I age, I am becoming more intolerant to chemicals and additives, chlorinated water is a huge irritant. As one of my favourite pastimes is swimming, this causes me great frustration. Whereas the weather in the UK is maybe not conducive to outdoor pools (for other than the hardiest folk), rural France has a better climate and hundreds of miles of stunning countryside.
Gretel is 5 minutes from the town centre, and within half an hour of many larger towns and commerce, not to mention tourist attractions.
I eventually want to add s treehouse and cob house to complete the off grid getaway experience.
As long as Covid restrictions allow, I would be more than happy for people to visit the pond and building construction.