Stylish Sustainable Living

Living the green dream. Whether you want your home to produce all the power you need, would like some of your electricity produced by solar panels, or you want a home from which you can cut down on your carbon footprint by easily accessing shops and transport links, these properties each have something to offer.

From a self-built and self-sufficient cedar-clad house overlooking the western Solent, to a deceptively spacious country cottage with solar arrays, and finally a cute end of terrace town house right in the centre of cool Cowes.

As befits our circularity themed issue, Rosegarth in Totland has its own self-generating power sources and consequently no annual energy bills. This attractive bespoke cedar-clad three storey home has a ground source heat pump system operating underfloor heating and has two banks of solar panels supplying its electricity needs. Self-built in an elevated position on the fringes of Totland Bay, Rosegarth was constructed in the mid-2000s by the current owners and incorporates bespoke features such as stainedglass windows and an internal lift. It has loads of space and most of the rooms have double aspect views through double glazed hardwood framed windows. The lower ground and ground floor areas are unified by attractive solid wood flooring. There is a large double garage and additional workshop on the lower ground floor and a generous entrance hall. The ground floor space has two large double bedrooms with ensuite facilities, a study with potential to be a fourth bedroom, and a utility room. The first floor has another double bedroom, a separate shower room, and the grand feature open plan living/ dining area and kitchen with vaulted ceiling. The open plan option allows the owners to enjoy far-reaching countryside and sea views, but with the privacy of being higher than the surrounding properties. Outside there is parking for two to three vehicles plus the double garage and there are gardens to both sides and the rear of the property, although the real attraction of Rosegarth is the property itself and its location and outlook from the first floor.

Pretty as a picture, with roses climbing the white-painted exterior of this country cottage in Horringford, Millbank Cottage has renewable energy with an array of solar panels on the rear roof space of the property. Deceptively spacious with three floors, this house is close to rural walks and the cycle path and enjoys countryside or garden views from almost every window. Through the pretty porch, the ground floor has a dining room, sitting room and large breakfast/family room with double-glazed French doors to the patio and garden. This floor also has a utility area and shower room and there is underfloor heating for the hard floor areas of the ground floor. The first floor has the master suite which has garden and countryside views to both the front and rear of the property, and a feature rolltop slipper bath with claw feet. This floor also has a family bathroom and a further two good-sized bedrooms. On the top floor are two further rooms that could be used as bedrooms, but are currently an activity room and a summer lounge. The green room here houses the gas boiler and hot water cylinder, and access to the solar/green system mechanics.

The garden is mainly laid to lawn with a variety of trees, plants, and shrubs, with several seated areas offering countryside views, and a secluded tucked away vegetable garden. Enclosed by fencing on the upper level is a newly laid terrace giving a 360-degree view. On the lower level, there is a patio and seated area with herb border and a sheltered sun terrace with space for loungers. Rarely do you find a property in central Cowes with its own parking and a courtyard garden, but 17 Sun Hill boasts both of these and is a stone’s throw from Cowes High Street. This charming end of terrace cottage has a cream, beige and brown palette throughout, complementing the high-end fittings and attention to detail. The exterior of Number 17 has bright white painted brickwork and a cobbled parking area, which has two lockable security posts. Two steps lead up to the front door, which opens into the kitchen/dining room, with a large, double-glazed window letting light flood into the stylish and homely kitchen. The rustic brown stone tiled floor that runs throughout the ground floor contrasts beautifully with the cream base and wall units, and there is plenty of space for a fourseater dining table. Also on this floor is the comfortable sitting room with UPVC double glazed ‘French’ doors to the courtyard garden, and a modern shower room. Upstairs are two generous double bedrooms; one with a window to the front of the property and the other with a rear aspect and a luxurious ensuite bathroom with stone tiles, a large white bath with stone surround, and overhead shower. The courtyard garden, with its cream-painted walls and dark stone paving, can be accessed via the front side entrance door and the living room ‘French’ patio doors. To the very rear, up four stone steps, is a grassed area with curved stone seating area and raised beds, which is shared with the adjoining property.

Viewings with Waterside Properties on 01983 300111

PEACE OF MIND AND CONTEMPORARY RURAL LIVING

Moor Lane, Brighstone

Coming soon is this contemporary home located off Moor Lane, Brighstone, which is of traditional block and brick construction. This stunning property will be built by local Island-based builders, Shurmer Developments Ltd, who have a growing portfolio of exceptional properties and an excellent reputation for their high-quality, traditionally built homes across the Island.

*Please note imagery used is computer-generated, final build may differ.

Shurmer Developments have won three NHBC ‘Pride in the Job’ awards and a sense of security and ease is provided when purchasing a home from them. Currently in construction, this property will benefit from spacious living accommodation, a high specification throughout, underfloor heating, and a spacious garden for al fresco dining and entertaining. To the front is a garage, driveway, and front lawn occupying a superb position with far-reaching views over beautiful countryside. The rear garden is a south-facing sun trap with two sets of bi-fold doors that lead out onto the rear patio and turfed lawn. The garage has an electric main door and power supply, as well as a personal door to the side. Luxury accessories will be found throughout, including a quality fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and a double oven. There will be space to have a separate washing machine and dryer in the utility room. Purchasers benefit from peace of mind, with the NHBC 10-Year Warranty that comes with the property.

On approaching the property, you will be met with a high-security front door fitted with a multi-locking system leading into a spacious hallway with a feature staircase fitted with oak accessories. There is a downstairs study, which can be utilised as a fourth bedroom if necessary, and to the right is a shower room. At the rear is a kitchen/dining room which leads through to an adjoining lounge and utility room, providing access out to the side of the property. The first-floor accommodation comprises three bedrooms and a family bathroom. The master bedroom benefits from an en-suite shower room. All bedrooms have a south-facing rear view from the property. Purchasers will be able to enjoy the village nature of sought-after Brighstone and experience the sense of village history and its exquisite location. The parish of Brighstone is set within an area of outstanding natural beauty and the coastline is designated as heritage coast and a site of special scientific interest.

For further information please phone Hose Rhodes Dickson New Homes Department on 01983 538080 or email newhomes@hrdiw.co.uk.

GIVING BACK FEELS GOOD

at Mountbatten

“Giving something back is so rewarding. It makes you appreciate what you have and that others are suffering and need your help.”

Tracey Richards’ retirement sounds idyllic. Quality time spent with her partner and sons watching football, weekly coffee catchups with friends, trips to the theatre, and long walks with her Jack Russell, Ozzie. But despite having a full schedule that includes the occasional holiday somewhere hot and sunny, Tracey, 59, from Ashey, Ryde, volunteers every week to support Mountbatten. “I wanted to do some volunteer work to support a local charity,” Tracey said, speaking from the inpatient unit at Mountbatten, where she helps every Thursday. “I chose Mountbatten because it is a worthwhile cause and gives much-needed support to people who are dying, and their families.” Mountbatten relies on the generosity of people like Tracey, whose support enables us to provide the best possible care for people across the Island. “Giving something back is so rewarding. It makes you appreciate what you have and that others are suffering and need your help. I get a great sense of achievement from giving my time to support others.” Volunteering is a great way to enhance your CV, build your experience, boost your social life, and give back to your community. As well as volunteering on the inpatient unit, Tracey is also a Mountbatten Neighbour and visits Angie at home once a week to keep her company. Angie is in her 70s and her husband recently died. She has regular bereavement counselling with Mountbatten, alongside a weekly visit from Tracey. “We sit and chat and put the world to rights,” Tracey said. Mountbatten Neighbours are a group of trained volunteers who offer their time, companionship, and support to people living near them who have serious illnesses, or who are older. The project aims to keep people connected to their community and protect them from loneliness and isolation. “I love being a Neighbour and knowing I’ve made a difference to Angie’s day. And the friendship we have developed is important to both of us,” said Tracey. Back on the inpatient unit, Tracey is preparing for her afternoon shift. “I serve lunch to patients and drinks to their visitors, checking on them regularly to see if I can get them anything. I love stopping for chats as I go round. “The hospice is an amazing place. Whilst there is sadness there is also happiness and laughter. I meet wonderful people – patients, families, and staff. It is one of the friendliest places I have ever had the pleasure of working in.” With the demand for Mountbatten’s services increasing rapidly, more people like Tracey are needed to give their time, creativity, experience, and knowledge to fill a wide range of volunteer roles. There are opportunities to fit whatever time you have available, and Mountbatten is flexible to make sure it fits with life. And, as Tracey says, there are lots of benefits for you, too. “I would recommend volunteering with Mountbatten to anyone. Being part of a community and giving back selflessly – it will enrich your life.”

For more information about volunteering with Mountbatten, visit www.mountbatten.org.uk/volunteer.