Green theme for home conversion
Work has started to turn a 300-year-old cottage into an eco-friendly house.
Hill Top Cottage, Nottingham Road, Thurgarton, which was falling into a state of disrepair was bought by Mr and Mrs Mark Sparham of Park Lane, Lambley.
They plan to turn the one bedroom cottage into a two bedroom home by the end of the year.
More than half the extended home will be underground.
The project is supported by Thurgarton Parish Council and received planning permission from Newark and Sherwood District Council.
Mr and Mrs Sparham and their daughter, Brittany (11) are living in a log cabin on the site during the work.
The couple have worked closely with architects to ensure that all the extensions are in keeping with the original cottage.
Mr Sparham said two bedrooms, a bathroom and hallway underground will use soil as natural insulation.
Grass will grow above the two bedrooms providing further insulation. The house will have a rainwater harvesting system.
“The rainwater collected filters down into a collection tank underground, where it can be cleaned and then used for the toilet, the washing machine — all non drinkables,” said Mr Sparham.
Mrs Melanie Sparham (39) said: “It’s important to keep the balance right between a traditional cottage and the more modern eco-friendly house.”
She said they planned to use local builders and craftsmen skilled in traditional building methods.
The property has a 1.8-acre garden. The Sparhams want to plant native species of tree such as beech, oak, field maple, wild cherry and yew.
Eventually they hope to grow their own vegetables and be as self-sufficient as possible.
When he was young Mr Sparham (40) a property landlord, contracted an immune-related illness from contaminated water that means he is ultra-sensitive to chemicals and pesticides sprayed on food.
It also sparked his interest in eco living.
“We’re evolving so quickly,” he said. “I’m concerned about the constant increases in asthma and cancer.
“No one really knows, for example, what the long-term effects of mobile phone radiation will be.
“Sometimes the stresses we place on the environment can be quite subtle and go unnoticed.”