When we converted Cobblestone
barn from a stable and hay barn, one of our main concerns was to make sure we maintained an environmental
and eco-friendly theme, when the plans were draw up we endeavoured to leave as much as possible. When the stable and floors
were stripped out we kept all recyclable material (wood stone cobbles etc.) with the intention of reusing them.
For example the stables down stairs
were removed and reused as beam supports for the windows.
The sandstone flags were reused in the fire place and the chimney breast stone was quarried
from a site a couple of miles down the road.
The heating down stairs is temperature controlled automatically via under floor heating which is powered from a ground
source heat pump; the pump draws its energy from the field behind the barn.
Staying with our eco-friendly theme we have fitted a multi fuel burner
c/w a water jacket which will heat the water and radiators.
The hot water generated from the multi fuel burner takes president over the electric element
in the hot water tank which also heats the radiators.
During the conversion we used the very latest insulation in the roof which gives a better insulation than the standard
insulation normally used, and also made sure there was more than enough insulation fitted to the walls.
The field behind the barn has been turned into a market
garden. Using only organic material, produce from the field will be sold in our store.
Parts of our field has been cultivated with other parts
sown with wild flowers, this attracts a vast array of wildlife. We have also added some nesting boxes and feed tables
for our visitor enjoyment.
Melmerby is a Red Squirrel awareness area so please be careful as you drive into the village.
In the barn we have supplied walking books, wildlife books
and local tourist information leaflets.
Local transport information is also available.
Ged & Lily
