Homeowners in Swanage that have embraced environmentally friendly living, are opening their doors to the public to show what they’ve done, in the hope it will encourage others to do the same.
There’s also homes to explore in Langton Matravers, Stoborough and Wareham.
It’s estimated that around a quarter of greenhouse gases are produced from our homes, mainly through heating.
Start the Swanage eco home tour by visiting 26 Bon Accord Road which has solar panels and electric cars to see
Then head down Southcliffe Road to visit two other homes
Three houses to visit in Swanage
During the week of the Planet Purbeck Festival and part of the Dorset Greener Homes initiative, there’s three houses to visit in Swanage on Saturday 25th September 2021.
With Covid in mind, most aspects of eco living can be viewed from the gardens of the properties.
Lucinda Neall at the entrance of Farndreg in Southcliffe Road
The wildlife-friendly garden at Farndreg with a hammock made from a repurposed old sail
Around 50 homes across Dorset
In total, around 50 homes across Dorset are taking part across the weekends of 25th to 26th September and 2nd to 3rd October 2021 and there’s plenty to see.
Some are new houses built with very high levels of insulation, heat pumps and ventilation systems. Others have been retro-fitted with extra insulation, solar panels and better windows.
While others are homes where people have made lifestyle changes – growing vegetables, wildlife friendly gardens, using cycles or electric cars, travelling less, reducing waste.
At Farndreg, solar panels were installed as part of the Solar Streets project
Next, head further down Southcliffe Road and The Knap is on your left
“Solar panels or buying an electric car are costly items”
Lucinda Neall, who is one of the Swanage homeowners opening her property to the public, explained:
“There’s three homes to visit in Swanage, all within easy walking distance of each other. Starting in Bon Accord Road, you can visit number 26 and then head down Southcliffe Road to visit the properties Farndreg and The Knap.
“This event is ideal for people thinking about reducing their carbon footprint. Installing solar panels or buying an electric car are costly items, so it can be helpful to talk to people who’ve done it before.
Lucinda, who is also chair of the Purbeck Energy Group, which is part of the environmental group Sustainable Swanage added:
“But it’s not all about spending lots of money or doing things perfectly – just making small changes can all add up to make a big difference.”
Solar panels have been installed at The Knap and can be viewed from the back garden
The Knap is home to three beehives with a beautiful bee-friendly garden
Houses to visit
Swanage
26 Bon Accord Road – Saturday 25th September 11 am to 4 pm – Drop in
Farndreg, Southcliffe Road – Saturday 25th September 11 am to 4 pm – Drop in
Knap, Southcliffe Road – Saturday 25th September 11 am to 4 pm – Drop in
Langton Matravers
Bonnie Braes, Durnford Drove – Saturday 2nd October 9.30 am to 12.30 pm – Book ahead (click on green register button)
Stoborough
9 Stoborough Meadows – Saturday 25th September 1.30 pm to 5 pm – Drop in
Wareham
23 Walls View Road – Saturday 25th September 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm – Book ahead (click on green register button)
Full list of homes
The full list of all the houses open across Dorset is available on the Dorset Greener Homes website
