Cotswolds bed and breakfast accommodation
How this vacation makes a difference
Environment
We ask visitors to make a voluntary donation if they use the free broadband internet access which is available on a dedicated "Guest Computer" or via the wireless network on guests own laptop.
Water has been a major concern for most of our life, having owned a pair of traditional hotel boats, we had to carry all of our water with us, it is an education on how to reduce water wastage and how much is used. When guests witnessed the refilling of a boats water tank it is a very good indication of how much water is needed on a daily basis.
We are avid supporters of the Inland Waterways and support many waterway charities. We actively work with the Cotswold Canal Trust, steering their trip boat at Lechlade and manning stands at shows.
Involvement in the Step into the Cotwolds – Visitor Stewardship Scheme:
The business has actively promoted the Step into the Cotwolds – Visitor Stewardship scheme. The scheme has been designed to raise funding to support access improvements in the Cotswolds undertaken by the Cotswolds Volunteer Wardens.
Enhancing Environmental Quality:
Our commitment to green tourism includes the:
Use of energy efficient lighting where possible
Use of email to manage bookings
Use of energy efficient domestic appliances
Duel flush toilets
Minimum use of packaged products
Recycling of plastics, glass and paper To achieve a Gold Award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme, we have had to change very little in the way we managed our business. 'Managing and monitoring the businesses outputs by identifying cost savings through efficiencies has been central to the way the business has been run for many years'. The Green Tourism Scheme was an effective way of recognising the businesses long term commitment to sustainable or green practices.
Contribution to a Sustainable Economy:
The business has created web links to all other GTBS accredited businesses in the West Oxfordshire area. We believe in supporting the local trades people and have a local builder who helps maintain our 200 year old property, he has lived in the area all his life and uses his local knowledge to maintain the exterior of our property in keeping with the area.
We place great importance on breakfasts at our property, using good quality ingredients and purchasing sausages and bacon from the local butcher in Chipping Norton. We also have an excellent local pub/restaurant which uses local produce and is just across the road so no car is needed, they are so good many of our guests eat with them every night of their stay.
We encourage our guests to explore the canals and rivers and take a trip on the River Thames on the charity boat to learn more about our waterways. We have a folder with printed details of of walks which can be taken from our doorstep and local walks which can be accessed by wheelchair users. Our own little village walk takes about an hour and is a good introduction to village life and its history.
Community
We are members of the Cotswold's Canals Trust and actively support their traditional Thames launch at Lechlade. This trip boat gives passengers an insight into the restoration work being done by the canal trust, it shows them what has been lost over the years and just how much difference a small group of volunteers can make to a charity. Martin being a fully qualified Boatmaster has encouraged his own son to volunteer to keep the Canal Trust moving forward with the younger generation.
Landscape
We have a vast knowledge of the local area especially the network of local rivers and canals, these are hidden treasures and fantastic for walking. We are also very active members of our own local village and help run our own local Heritage centre. We actively promote our own little village and have produced a printed village walk for our guests pointing out all the places of interest
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