Charnwood Stoves

Kindling More Than Just a Warm Feeling

When it comes to stoves, you’d be hard pushed to find anyone more knowledgeable than the team at A. J. Wells & Sons in Newport (after all, they’re Britain’s oldest manufacturer of wood-burning stoves!) Not only do they know their flues from their flames, but they’re even conducting ground-breaking research into how having a wood-burner in the home can positively impact mental health too. Intrigued, we caught up with Ced Wells to find out more.

How did the Charnwood Wellbeing Survey come about?

During the pandemic, sales of our Charnwood stoves rose sharply and from speaking to customers it was clear that there was a strong link between owning a stove and having a happier home. Mental health and wellbeing are areas we’re strong supporters of at A.J. Wells, so we decided to conduct this survey (the first of its kind that we know of) and asked 1,227 customers about their experiences to see if we could prove a link between stove ownership and happiness.

So, are Charnwood Stove owners happier?

93 percent of our survey respondents said that having a Charnwood Stove in their home had a positive impact on their wellbeing, which is a huge number! Asked for their reasons why, many told us they liked the homely atmosphere it created as well as the way a stove can help with relaxation and stress relief. We also discovered that 31 percent of buyers even mentioned wellbeing as one of their main motivations for buying a wood-burner in the first place, alongside 62 percent who bought one for interior design reasons and 85 percent for heating.

Did your research reveal any unexpected surprises?

Yes! Alongside what we thought we’d see in terms of cosiness and homeliness, there were a surprising number of answers we hadn’t expected. Some customers told us that having one of our stoves in their homes helped them have quality time with their family, whether it was creating a special ambience or toasting marshmallows with the grandchildren. Others said their Charnwood helped them switch off from electric devices, with one couple even saying that they cancelled their Netflix subscription because they enjoyed watching the flames so much!

And why do you think this survey is so important?

I think it brings real weight to the argument in favour of clean, efficient wood-burning stoves beyond their heating and environmental credentials. When having a debate on the viability of various home heating solutions, we should all recognise the powerful effects wood-burning has on wellbeing; effects no other heat source can replicate. We shouldn’t downplay or underestimate the important role wood-burning stoves play in people’s lives and the positive knock-on effect to society as a whole.

BRAMBLE DRIVE

Niton

A-RATED Countryside Homes

*Imagery shown is computer generated, final build may differ.

Bramble Drive is a beautiful and picturesque new development located right on the edge of Niton village. It is unique in its design and appeal, offering new homes set amongst attractive landscaping. Upon turning into the development, a flowering meadow is seen to the left and a feature pond to the right, with the River Yar running along the border of these which is crossed to reach the development beyond. This location truly offers that close to nature feel, countryside views and rural living we all dream about, together with the convenience of a well-equipped village right on your doorstep.

With 9 well designed detached homes available this opportunity offers something for everyone. If you’re thinking of downsizing or needing more room then each home has that bespoke, stylish and practical space that make for happy living to enhance day to day life.

All homes are detached and set within spacious plots with private gardens, driveway parking for two cars and impressive open plan living/kitchen spaces.

The two-bedroom bungalows have separate cloakroom WC’s and fully fitted bathrooms with separate baths and showers. Whilst the three-bedroom bungalows have en-suite shower rooms to the master and separate family bathrooms. Both homes also benefit from great storage along with generous entrance hallways to provide a real sense of luxury. Offering more space with attached garages the four-bedroom chalet style homes offer the same sensible storage and practical touches but have a heightened sense of luxury. With front doors opening into a double height entrance hall with a galleried landing above these homes really have the wow-factor. The ground floor offers a WC, utility room and separate home office. In addition to a flexible fourth bedroom which could serve as a snug or playroom. The open plan kitchen, living and dining space is over 30ft wide running the entire width of the property, offering an expansive room, ideal for entertaining. Kitchens will be finished with quartz worktops, a wine cooler, and the much-loved kitchen island. This is ideal for casual dining or just sitting with a glass of wine. All homes at Bramble Drive have been designed with energy efficiency, style, and convenience in mind. Hot water and heating are provided by air source heat pumps. The homes are heated by underfloor heating, and all have solar PV panels neatly inset into the roof. Together, these details mean all homes at Bramble Drive are A-rated for energy use, providing reassurance of their future running costs. Niton as a location has many wonderful attributes, the village has two popular countryside pubs, a pottery workshop/ shop, a library which is run by volunteers, a recreation ground, churches, a primary school with a pre-school incorporated, a village hall, a local supermarket, a pharmacy, even a post office which also doubles up as a quirky restaurant, a garage, and a medical centre. The outskirts of the village offer some wonderful countryside and coastal walks and the beaches at Castlehaven and Reeth Bay are within walking distance. The village is steeped in history and can lead you to picturesque views of either the countryside or coast. All in all, a wonderful place to spend your days with everything you need to call home. The 9 homes at Bramble Drive are being built by Foreland Homes, a privately owned developer based on the Isle of Wight with over 22 years’ experience. With a strong focus on great design, quality materials and stylish spaces they offer premium properties aimed at enhancing living for the homeowner and creating spaces that are beneficial to family life now and in the future.

If you would like further information, please contact Hose Rhodes Dickson New Homes Department on 01983 538080 or alternatively email newhomes@hrdiw.co.uk