Your cottage holiday shouldn't cost the earth.
You recycle household goods, use energy-saving lightbulbs and reuse plastic bags whenever you can. But what impact is your holiday having on the environment? Here you can search all the cottages4you properties that have been awarded Green Tourism Business Scheme accreditation for promoting sustainable tourism, and you'll also find information about other cottages with green features such as solar panels and sustainable farming. It really is easy to be green.
This converted detached granary, facing Toft Hill Hall, a Grade II listed 18th century farmhouse, enjoys fantastic late evening sun through the French windows which overlook a small garden with views beyond.
The Granary: sleeps 2-4
A number of our cottages are recipients of the Green Tourism Business Scheme, the only certification scheme validated by Visit Britain.
GTBS GOLD
Excellent implementation
GTBS SILVER
Very good implementation
GTBS BRONZE
Good basic implementation
GREEN AWARD
cottages4you green award
Isaac's Byre
Garrigill, Alston.
Fully renovated, this delightful barn conversion, adjoining the owner’s home, retains the former Byre’s character and combines it with a modern style and enjoys picturesque views of the stunning scenery of the North Pennines. It is close to the Pennine Way, the C2C Cycle Route and Hadrian’s Wall.
Lovely comfortable cottage, which was very well equipped. The ground sourced central heating was fantastic, producing instant hot water and the wood burner meant nights in were really cosy. The cottage was very dog friendly and the dog treats,dog tags and towels were a nice touch. The owners were friendly and helpful but unobtrusive.
September 2011.
Corner Cottage
Wolsingham, Co. Durham
This charming 200 year old, stone built, end-terrace cottage is situated near Wolsingham village centre in Weardale, and has been lovingly restored to provide an excellent holiday base. Designated an AONB there are lovely walks both locally, along the Pennine Way and at High Force (England’s highest waterfall).
This cottage was ideal in all aspects.We could not fault it in any way.The owner had thought of everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible.The cottage had an old world charm aligned with all modern facilities.The local people were very friendly.We would highly recommend this cottage.
June 2011.
Maples Barn
Clanville, nr. Andover
This attractive detached holiday home is located in the picturesque village of Clanville and enjoys far reaching views over the Hampshire countryside from the large private patio. Standing adjacent to the owners’ house, it provides an ideal retreat close to the cathedral cities of Winchester and Salisbury, and the famous Stonehenge.
Well presented and contained everything you would need to enjoy your stay. Even our dog was catered for with towels and feeding bowls provided!
January 2012.
The Granary
Bishop Auckland
This converted detached granary, facing Toft Hill Hall, a Grade II listed 18th century farmhouse, enjoys fantastic late evening sun through the French windows which overlook a small garden with views beyond.
Peaceful surrounding. Accommodation was outstanding. We would highly recommend The Granary. Fantastic.
Sept 2011.
Lower Trevorder Barns
Mount, nr. Bodmin, Cornwall.
Designed with sustainable tourism in mind, it is the overall winner of the Environment 2020 Bosch Worcester Awards for the innovative use of solar panels and ground source heat pumps.
Lovely building in a lovely location, fitted out very well with everything we needed. A most enjoyable and comfortable stay.
Nov 2010.
The Park at Mawgan Porth
Mawgan Porth, Newquay, N. Cornwall.
The Park is applying for a 'Green Business Award' as the importance of supporting the natural environment is strongly advocated here, ensuring sustainability and protecting the heritage of this area. The Park is now open all year round, which is possible due to the introduction of central heating in all properties, including solar thermal systems, underfloor heating, and improved insulation and ventilation. Eco lodges, built using sustainable materials with a low carbon rating, blend in beautifully with the landscaping and native planting around The Park.
Modern, environmentally friendly accommodation in an a beautiful location.
Aug 2010.
Everything was clean and top rate furnishings and things to use. Warm welcome . Very homely. Loved it.
July 2010.
Higher and Lower Clamland
Trebullett, Launceston, Cornwall.
Surrounded by peaceful Cornish countryside and glorious wildlife, these delightful granite and slate barns have been lovingly converted to high ecological standards with energy efficient appliances and state-of-the-art air source heat pumps supplying both central heating and hot water.
Ideal location, easy access to Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor & North Cornish Coast. Excellent for our two dogs - they especially enjoyed the pond!
Nov 2010.
Greenwood Grange Cottages
Higher Bockhampton, Nr Dorchester, Dorset.
Greenwood Grange offers the ideal holiday combination - premium quality accommodation, fine facilities all within a family-run friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and it has achieved a Green Tourism Business Scheme Silver Award in 2009.
Clean, easy living, perfect for a small family.
March 2010.
Buckingham Cottage
West Milton, nr. Bridport, Dorset.
Thoughtfully converted from a mellow stone barn, and adjoining a similar property, it has been well equipped and furnished. The cottage is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and valleys of this unspoilt part of West Dorset, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Ideal property for a short break for ourselves and catering for two dogs.
Dec 2010.
Calbourne Water Mill Eco-house
Calbourne, Newport, Isle of Wight.
These adjacent eco-houses are superbly located overlooking woodland, a stream and countryside. These attractive holiday homes offer geo-thermal underground heating, and bio-bubble treatment for waste, which then gets converted to organic matter and fed back to the earth.
Nice clean modern property - incredibly well insulated. Lovely veranda all around the property - perfect for summer's evenings or rainy days.
May 2010.
Seagulls
Blakeney, Norfolk.
Seagulls enjoys far-reaching, spectacular views across the Blakeney salt-marshes from full-length windows in the first floor living room. It is set at the end of a quiet no-through road with a sheltered, secluded garden.
The location of the house is excellent and the views from the lounge, across the marshes are lovely. The house is quite spacious and comfortable.
July 2010.
Thames Rest
Somerford Keynes, nr. Cirencester.
Thames Rest is a carbon neutral cottage with a combination of grid-tied solar pv and biomass wood pellet boiler, topped up with power from Good Energy.
The cottage was furnished and equipped to a very high standard and lived up to its eco credentials.
Sept 2010.
Lane Foot Barn
Kendal, Cumbria.
Ground source heat pump, natural bore hole water supply, cycle store
This accommodation was excellent, first rate standard. There was every facility available that was required to give us a relaxing holiday, which was just what we wanted.
Oct 2010.
Rock House Estate
Nenthead, nr. Alston, North Pennines.
The Rock House Estate is about 100-acres, with five holiday homes. Set at approximately 450m above sea level they all enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Beautiful cottage, in a wonderful location. The brochure, although accurate, did not do it justice!
Aug 2010.
Craigside
Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria.
The property has been configured with ecology in mind and utilises a high efficiency heat pump and oil combined central heating system.
A well equipped property with wonderful views.
Aug 2010.
The Byre
Eggleston, nr. Barnard Castle.
This eco-friendly, cosy holiday cottage creates its own electricity by photo-voltaic roof tiles, and is adjacent to a cattle and sheep farm, a mile from Eggleston. The converted cattle byre with level access and wide doorways, provides a picturesque countryside retreat.
A superb property, beautifully presented and very welcoming owners. Ideal location for exploring the area. Highly recommended, especially for guests with disabilities.
Dec 2011.
Blackthorn Gate
Blackthorn Gate, nr. Stokesley
Set in farmland at the entrance to the North Yorkshire Moors National Park These spacious and airy Swedish designed eco-friendly detached holiday lodges are situated on the border of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Blackthorn Gate Holiday Lodges consist of four lodges, two of which are featured here, and were the winner of the Bronze Award for Self Catering 2010 and shortlisted in the Sustainable Tourism category 2011 in the North East of England Tourism Awards.
It lived up to the description on the website and our expectations.
Oct 2009.
Little Edstone Farm
Little Edstone, nr. Pickering, N. Yorks.
The properties are environmentally friendly, heated by a unique wood-burning/solar heating system, and many of the practices throughout the farm and properties use natural resources for their day-to-day running.
Lovely situation, decorated and furnished to a high level, excellent pool, very welcoming owners.
Nov 2010.
Craven Garth
Rosedale, nr. Pickering.
In the heart of the North Yorks Moors National Park, 7 cottages are nestling in the beautiful valley of Rosedale, with scenery normally found on calendars and paintings. These holiday cottages have been renovated from old hay barns and stables on the family run working farm.
Very unusual style cottage with the bedrooms downstairs & lounge/kitchen upstairs. Lovely views from the upstairs though!
Aug 2010.
Low Penhowe
Burythorpe, nr. York.
These holiday cottages were converted from an 18th century granary where the harvest from the old farm at Low Penhowe was stored and the cattle milked. The cottages have been awarded the Gold Award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme and have stunning views to Castle Howard.
Wonderful, well equipped cottage with amazing views. Very friendly owners. Excellent accommodation.
June 2010.
Katy's Cottage
Glenprosen, by Kirriemuir, Angus
At the heart of Glenprosen, lies the Balnaboth Estate on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park; 6,000 peaceful and secluded acres surrounding 16th-century Balnaboth House. In its midst, these five characterful holiday cottages each offer a unique and magical holiday retreat for couples.
Great cottage to escape to due to the quiet location and lovely surroundings.
May 2009.
Pitcairlie Lodge
Nr Auchtermuchty, Fife.
Ideal for family gatherings, special occasions, select weddings or corporate events, Pitcairlie House can accommodate up to 21 guests in five delightful properties (all graded Visit Scotland '4 Star' and awarded the Green Tourism Silver Award)
Idyllic. There were agreed walks within the estate, and use of the swimming pool and sauna.
March 2010.
Clunymhore
Nethy Bridge.
This traditionally styled holiday cottage has been awarded the 'Bronze in Green Tourism Award', and is adjacent to property 14110, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. With the dramatic backdrop of the often snowcapped Cairngorm mountains and hundreds of acres of Abernethy Forest.
Very comfortable, good secure garden for the dog, situated in a quiet location.
Dec 2010.
really wonderful house, an amazing holiday.
Nov 2010.
Wester Derry
Alyth, Blairgowrie.
In a splendid rural situation in the grounds of the owners hill farm and surrounded by glorious scenery, this environmentally aware property features the original water wheel housed in the adjacent steading with viewing gallery, which provides a proportion of the electricity supply to the house.
Went to have a relaxing holiday and took the whole family including dogs,we got what we expected and had a fantastic time.
July 2011.
Coity Bach Farm Cottages
Talybont-on-Usk, nr. Brecon.
Situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park, these semi-detached medieval holiday cottages with beautiful views are within the owner's grounds and small holding. Within a mile is the village of Talybont village which boasts four pubs, café and the Monmouthshire to Brecon Canal.
The property was lovely and the owners were extremely helpful.
Aug 2010.
The view was amazing.
March 2010.
The Barn
New Radnor, nr. Presteigne.
Situated in a glorious secluded valley of 35 acres, bordered by woodland rising up to Radnor Forest, this modern spacious detached property offers comfortable holiday accommodation for up to 10 people.
Gorgeous property inside and out. Well beyond my expectations and the best I've ever stayed in.
Nov 2010.
Ceilwart Cottage
Llanaber, nr. Barmouth.
This refurbished detached stone cottage has strong green credentials with its solar panels for hot water, a ground source heat pump for the comfortable central heating and cosy sheeps' wool insulation, not forgettting the triple glazed windows and the UV filtered natural spring water.
Very warm! Good quality kitchen equipment and television.
Oct 2010.
Granny’s Farmhouse
Perranarworthal, nr. Truro
There are many woodland walks, an abundance of wild life and a stream running through the valley. There are numerous wonderful gardens to visit including Trebah Gardens, Glendurgan Gardens, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project are within easy reach. There are lovely beaches, scenic coastal walks and pleasant sailing waters to the south.
Excellent cottage, wonderfully equipped and very spacious. Good location close to Falmouth and Truro with supermarkets nearby. Comfortable bedrooms and great kitchen, cooked roast dinner for 6 with ease. Would highly recommend to everyone!
Dec 2011.
The Dortry
Pen-y-Bont, nr. Llandrindod Wells
A rural retreat rests in 5 acres of meadowland next to the owners’ home. Views of the Radnorshire hills combine with the interior warmth of the woodburner to provide relaxation and calm. Bridle paths from the door cross hillsides rich in wildlife, while the villages of the Welsh Marches await nearby. Shops and restaurant 2 miles, pubs 1 mile.
Perfect, lovely, cosy, romantic cottage, hidden away and perfect if you want to get away from day to day life but close enough to shops (local & supermarket) and restaurants (5 min car journey). Not too far from Hereford for day out etc. Great value for money.
February 2011.
Fron Isaf Cottages - Ysgubor Uchaf
Llanglydwen, Whitland, West Carmarthenshire.
Fron Isaf Cottages nestle within the owners’ beautiful grounds and have been sensitively converted from old slate and stone barns into cosy and attractive holiday accommodation. The properties’ environmental credentials are strong. Water comes from a spring and much of the heating and hot water is from a geothermal source. Guests can also enjoy eggs from the owners’ free range chickens. A footpath leads directly from the cottages providing circular walks of varying length in the surrounding countryside.
We really didn’t want to leave this superb property; would love to experience it in the winter and feel the full effect of the underfloor heating and enjoy the woodburner. Swimming pool / sauna / hot tub excellent. Lovely gardens. A real gem.
July 2011.
Dewsnaps - Dewsnaps Frost
Chinley, nr. Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbys.
Enjoying a rural location and wonderful views, these two barn conversions (refs RB8 and RTT4) are furnished to a high standard throughout. Dewsnaps Spring is single storey and lies close to Dewsnaps Frost, which adjoins the owners’ home. There are many walks from the doorstep, including Kinder Scout Massif. Chinley, Hayfield and Chapel-en-le-Frith are 3 miles. Buxton is 15 minutes away, Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and Lyme Park within 30-minute drive. Shop 2 miles.
The property is off the beaten track with fabulous views of the Derbyshire Peaks. The cottage was lovely and warm when we arrived and there was a bottle of wine and flowers on the table. The kitchen is very well equipped and the lounge area is very comfortable. We would not hesitate to recommend to others, especially walkers.
Nov 2011.
The Carthouse
Westerdale, nr. Castleton
If peace and tranquillity be the order of the day then look no further. More than two hundred years old and nestling in the stunning Esk Valley just across the courtyard from the owners’ farmhouse dating from the 12th century. This former barn is lovingly converted offering spacious ground floor holiday accommodation in the beautiful North York Moors National Park.
A warm well equipped cottage containing everything that was required for a comfortable stay. Only drawback (some will count it an advantage) was that there was no mobile phone signal. The cottage did however have a land line.
Jan 2012.
Studio Cottage
Freshwater, Isle of Wight
Set in West Wight, this smartly converted stables is just a few minutes from Freshwater Bay. Studio Cottage stands detached within the larger grounds of Seahorses B&B, next to an Art Studio. Artistic activities can be arranged
We had a lovely stay, the property is very clean, quiet and new. The attention to detail was excellent, everything we needed was there (washing powder, sugar, tea etc. The owners are very nice and relaxed. The beach is only a short walk through some lovely paths as is the town. All the surrounding area is absolutely beautiful, we will definitely be returning
April 2011.
Culver View
Shanklin
Peacefully set in a rural location with superb extensive views from the garden over the downs to the sea beyond, this comfortable holiday annexe is attached to the owner’s home. Stunning coastal walks and cycle paths along the heritage coastline can be enjoyed from the door to Sandown Bay, with its golden sandy beach and water sports centre.
The property was clean and tidy, had everything we needed for a weeks holiday.
Aug 2010.
The Old Pumphouse
Tosson Mill, nr. Rothbury
Situated just outside the Northumbria National Park, this former detached pump house retains character and charm, and is set in ½ acre of grounds shared with the owner. With a private sitting area to relax and listen to the stream running by the property, this ideally located holiday home offers a tranquil base, ideal for walkers, cyclists and wildlife lovers.
I cannot fault The Old Pumphouse, it was spotless and comfortable, in fact it was the best accommodation that we have ever stayed in. It was ideally situated in a quiet and rural location but with the town of Rothbury only five minutes away. There was so much do see and do without having to drive too far.
Aug 2011.
Beer Farm
Waterrow, nr. Wiveliscombe, Somerset.
Tucked away in rural Somerset on the edge of Exmoor, down a private track in 15 acres, this detached barn conversion, decorated and furnished to a very high standard, has an indoor heated swimming pool and games room. Enjoy walks from the door, or in the private grounds.
Beer farm is in a rural, peaceful and beautiful area. It is perfect if you are looking to get away from it all. The accommodation is very comfortable with all the mod cons you could want. The swimming pool is amazing and really made our holiday with - our 2 small boys loved it and were swimming twice a day. There seems to be plenty to do in the area (although we didn’t venture far) as we were just looking for a relaxing holiday and with the faciilties at the farm we didn’t feel we needed to leave.
Oct 2011.
Sloley Farmhouse
Berrynarbor, nr. Combe Martin, N. Devon.
Situated in idyllic Berrynarbor – several times winner of ‘Best Kept Village’, this 18th-century farmhouse offers comfortable holiday accommodation within a glorious plantsman’s garden. The village provides everything from a quaint pub to a 13th-century church, tea room and village post office/shop. Little has changed in this farming area which provides easy access to the golden, sandy beaches of Woolacombe and Saunton, and the rugged beauty of Exmoor and its Heritage Coastline.
Found the cottage very good for 4 couples as all rooms were en suite. Garden was lovely to sit out in and our dog enjoyed it too! Owners were very helpful and we enjoyed the local produce for sale at the community shop. Local pub good for food and within walking distance with a couple of hills to negotiate. Overall we had a wonderful time with wall to wall sunshine.
April 2011.
Seymour Place
Berrynarbor, nr. Combe Martin, Devon.
Just a mile from North Devon’s Heritage Coast and close to wild Exmoor, this detached comfortable stone barn conversion with its own secluded, sunny patio and access to the main gardens, is set on the edge of picturesque Berrynarbor – several times winner of ‘Best Kept Village’.
A good sized sitting room in case of bad weather. A quiet spot with the patio area outside the doors making an excellent suntrap, the well maintained gardens and planting helping to give a feel of privacy. We loved the honey bees and birds nearby and best of all chickens nearby to visit as we put compost in the bins!
June 2010.
The Coach House
Souldern, Bicester, Oxon.
Offering spacious open-plan living, The Coach House has been converted to provide loft-style accommodation, and has enormous gable end windows overlooking the gardens on either side of the living area. Apart from the paved terrace for sitting out, guests can enjoy a pretty wooded garden area and have use of a hard tennis court by arrangement. Elec, full geothermal underfloor heating.
This is everything they say it is and more, we loved our stay and the local pub is friendly with good food. Would recommend this cottage any time.
Feb 2011.
Spring mill,
Stoney Bank Road,
Earby,
Lancashire,
BB94 0AA, UK
Tel: 0845 268 0760
cottages4you Spring Mill, Stoney Bank Road, Earby, Lancashire,BB94 0AA, UK
cottages4you is a trading name of The Hoseasons Group Limited. Registered in England and Wales.
Company Registration Number 00965389. VAT Registration Number: GB 598 22 99 77
