In order to maintain the best standards of comfort whilst trying to minimize the environmental impact we are trying to put into place logical and efficient solutions. At the outset we have invested in the hope of substantial economies in the future.

Solar powered water heater

The panels have been installed on the south west slope of the roof and are not very visible, having replaced a number of roof tiles. They provide freely (after the initial investment) an amount of available energy. An electrical system provides for the production of hot water on days without sufficient sun.

Wood-fired heating

Despite its constraints we have chosen wood-fired heating. It is a renewable energy. We hope to provide a large quantity of the wood ourselves. The system comprises a large reservoir (2500 litres) which allows the accumulation of a large reserve of energy and facilitates the management of wood for heating. There are two radiator circuits (the house and first floor of the barn), one circuit heating the ground-floor areas, another providing hot water in the shower rooms of the barn.

The Bake-House oven

On the ground floor of the converted barn, in the kitchen formerly used by the grape-pickers we have installed a bread oven. Each week we prepare and cook our own bread.   It is an oven with two partitions. With around 5 oak or acacia logs, well dried, we can cook 12 loaves of 650 g with ease. For further information, click on the page Soupart

L'escalette

Near the Gironde estuary, on an area of ground, we are trying to produce our wood requirement for heating. This area is still in its infancy but we are beginning to make use of a few Eucalyptus trees which were planted about 20 years ago.