For the last two and a half years, a North Yorkshire couple have been rebuilding a semi-derelict 17th century long-farmhouse. Ecology Building Society members Graham Smout and Ellie Owen were keen to repair the building and refurbish it in environmentally sound ways, incorporating energy saving insulation and recycled materials such as timber.

In the beginning one half of the building was just habitable, but there was no adequate heating, a serious damp problem, prehistoric plumbing and sanitation, and some very peculiar room layouts. Until 1993, the rest of the building had been used by a farmer as his ‘shippon’ or cattle byre and hay loft. The roof of this section was near to total collapse and the walls were not much better. After moving in, we virtually ‘camped indoors’ with our two children while building work went on around us for the best part of a year and a half. (This is not an activity recommended for relaxation, but is entertaining as it involves lots of cups of tea and many packets of biscuits and plenty of conversation at early hours of the day).

Restoring the house has been a huge effort, mentally, physically and financially, but the end result is a restored building which is comfortable to live in as well as making a smaller impact on the environment.

For some years we had been interested in methods of environmentally sound construction and energy conservation. We were fortunate to know of Steve Brook, a Keighley builder who is member of the AECB (ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY CONCIOUS BUILDING). Steve became involved in planning the renovation with the help of David Rushworth, a retired building site foreman joiner & manager.

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