'You do not have to stop living to live in a green way'

Howard Mustoe speaks to a couple who bought an old house for £215k and are spending £300k to make it eco-friendly

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When Steve and Sarah Barr visited the eco-home of a friend nine years ago, it planted the seed of inspiration that has led to an ambitious –albeit expensive – project of their own.

“I was shocked,” says Steve, “because it was a cold November day and his house was really cosy. When he told us what his electricity expenditure was, I couldn’t believe it.”

The retired couple have set out to develop a dream home of their own, packed with the latest green energy products in order to prove that even the oldest buildings can be made energy efficient.

They have bought part of a 17th century schoolhouse for £215,000 and are adding triple glazing, a heat pump, solar panels, a solar battery and a sophisticated ventilation system which will filter their home’s air and keep humidity down.

The total project will come to £500,000 after stripping the property back to the brick, renovating the kitchen, bathroom and other rooms. Steve says the retired couple spotted the property in Middlewich, Cheshire, and quickly saw its potential.

“It was in dilapidated condition,” Steve says, “we wanted to restore it in such a way that it would be energy efficient for our comfort, and also because we thought it was a good way to contribute to saving the planet.”