Going Greener

We greatly appreciate how fortunate we are to live in this lovely location and we want to ensure that our heritage and idyllic surroundings are here for others to enjoy in the future. We are keen to make sure that our luxury cottages in the Brecon Beacons will remain an option for relaxing weekend breaks in the UK and countryside breaks for couples for years to come. This is undoubtedly a work that is in progress, we encourage guests to have good environmental practices when here, whilst enjoying a relaxing break. Please offer us any suggestions to assist us.

TO DATE OUR ACHIEVEMENTS ARE:
We strongly support the local recycling arrangements, therefore glass, tin, food waste, plastic, cardboard, and paper are collected separately. Notices and a variety of different bins at each cottage support this. Additionally, we have a compost bin in the garden for those who wish to use and newspapers are recycled within each cottage to light the log burners.

Household textiles are recycled and if guests chose to leave items of clothing or shoes, we return to the guests whenever possible, but otherwise, donate the items to a charity shop.

Batteries and printer cartridge refills are recycled responsibly, we are happy to responsibly dispose of any batteries you may discard whilst at the cottages.

Lightbulbs have been gradually replaced by LED equivalents. Most radiators have been fitted with individual thermostats. Outdoor lighting is fitted with dusk to dawn sensors and is a low output, so that if they are not switched off by guests, then they are not left on during daylight. Most radiators have been fitted with individual thermostats.

Appliances are regularly monitored and when replaced we select energy efficient models.

Bedlinen and towels are generally washed at our base where electricity is supplied from solar panels on the roof. Whilst it is a requirement of 4* and 5* Visit Wales grading to have washing and drying facilities, we personally do not use the drier, preferring to utilise the fresh air and breeze supplied by nature on a hilltop location. Surprisingly both cottages have areas where most washing will dry overnight if the weather does not allow outdoor drying.

We are attempting to reduce our paper trail and do as much of the booking, confirmation, payments, receipts etc online.

Environmentally friendly products are used to clean the cottages. We supply eco-friendly washing powder, washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets and toilet rolls for our guests.

Both cottages have a septic tank system, therefore we avoid strong detergent products and carefully select the toilet paper. Most toilets minimise water use or have a dual flush system and we urge guests not to throw any other items into the system.

The CH boilers are regularly serviced and have both been replaced in recent years, thus making for more efficiency. We do not restrict timing or temperature of the CH, but do request guests to be sympathetic to their consumption and request that the heating is not used when they are away from the property for long hours.

There are log burners in both cottages, the CH being more than adequate, but guests can enjoy the atmosphere of the log fire. The logs and kindling that are used in the cottages are cut by ourselves from any fallen trees and branches found over on our neighbouring farmland.

Guests are welcomed with complimentary tea and coffee, generally Welsh Brew tea and one of the many Welsh roasted coffees, Welsh milk and often a homemade Barra Brith traditional tea bread. When supplies allow, we give guests fresh eggs and homegrown vegetables.

We offer maps and guidance on places to visit, so that good use is made of their stay at the cottages. Rather than aimlessly wandering, concise day trips can be planned, with lots of hidden treasures shared with guests.

Bike storage is available thus encouraging a car-free day or two.

Here at Tan yr Eglwys Cottages, we are committed to providing a quality service whilst minimising the environmental impact to the best of our abilities, whilst ensuring guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.