From Grapevine, Spring edition 2006, the newsletter of South Shropshire Green Party:

ECOCABIN - GREEN & WELCOMING

Kate Grubb is a veterinary nurse and was cleaning self-catering cottages in the area around Bishops Castle after the birth of her daughter. It was valuable income for a farming family. But the cottages used fuel inefficiently and the holidaymakers came with their supermarket shopping, ignoring local shops. She conceived the idea of a green holiday cottage and with the help of a Rural Enterprise Grant from DEFRA she built Ecocabin on a spare corner of her family’s farm.

The conception is stunning. The Ecocabin is a wooden bungalow which at a quick glance might recall wooden cabins on a holiday park. But a second look soon dispels that superficial impression. Ecocabin is built entirely from renewable, recycled or reclaimed materials with walls and floors made of Douglas fir, larch and ash, strengthened by reed boards and insulated with sheep’s wool. Interior walls are painted with non-toxic paints, heating uses re-cycled fuel (a pellet stove) and green electricity while solar panels heat the water. Biodegradable waste is destined for the worms, waiting patiently in their compost bins just outside the back door.

Furniture comes from the South Shropshire Furniture scheme, and is a fine advertisement for its skills, while delicate touches come from local artists. Strong fabric colours work well against the natural texture of wood and the gentle natural colours used to paint the limeplaster walls. Precious Earth in Ludlow has helped with lighting, worktops and other unusual, and green, ways of meeting everyday needs. The cabin sleeps four (one double, one twin) and organic cotton bedding is provided. Toiletries are available, in the best four-star hotel tradition, but all are organic and chemical free. Holidaymakers can order their food in advance and, as you would expect, it is local producers who supply them.

Outside the garden is planted with wild meadow flowers and the trees are cooking-apple and pear. A barbecue is provided, crafted by a local artist, and its elegant lines provide a focus for the garden.

The whole venture has one overwhelming feeling. Kate is a landlady who cares. Not just about her customers, who get somewhere really special to stay, but about the nature of the home she has created. The deft touches are feminine, welcoming and planetfriendly. The thought which has gone into the building has paid due regard to budgets, but has also captured something unusual and precious.

Contact Tel: 01547 530183
Email: kate@ecocabin.co.uk