"We could gush about the house, garden and setting all day but it was the incredible hospitality and warmth from all the staff that made it feel quite it so special."
Trying our Best to do our Bit
We know that all businesses have an impact on the environment and have a moral duty to operate in a sustainable manner. Gliffaes occupies such a magnificent location in the Brecon Beacons National Park that the duty to protect our environment and the rich bio-diversity here is a guiding principle on how we live and work here.
Re-cycling & Composting
Glass, card, paper and most plastics are re-cycled at our own expense - no help for business from the council around here!
Our biggest achievement however is to have reduced our waste stream by 40% by composting all our food waste (except orange skins!). This has saved about a tonne of waste a month from going to landfill. By using a special accelerated composter we are able to compost fish, meat, bones, bread, pastry, vegetable and fruit peelings. This process takes about two weeks inside the accelerated composter and a further 4-6 weeks rotting down outside. The resulting compost goes on t0 our expanding vegetable plot. Find out more about this process by looking at Accelerated Compost's website. If you are keen to see the process when you visit the hotel just ask. In 2007 our efforts were rewarded by achieving a Highly Commended in the Wales Sustainability Awards.
Energy
It is expensive to heat an old building and while we look for alternatives we are still tied to oil for our heating. We have installed a modern heat exchanger that heats hot water as it is needed rather than heating large amounts that is stored and then not always used. The hotel's attic (400m²) has recently been insulated with thermafleece, natural sheep's wool insulation. We use wood fires to heat three of our reception rooms, this wood comes from our grounds. We have also built a large washing line to dry laundry in the sun rather than using the gas powered dryer.
Transport
In an attempt to get people out of their cars once they get to Gliffaes we have bought a very smart and easy to use tandem bicycle to go and explore the local country side on. They is also a limited bus service that one can use to get near to the start of some good walks.
Biodiversity
Gliffaes and the grounds are home to numerous species that live hand in hand with us at the hotel. The attic is an important breeding roost for Lesser Horseshoe Bats whose population is monitored by the Brecknock Bat Group. The bats come out just as the House Martins and the Swifts, who nest extensively under the eves every summer, retire for the night. Sit on the terrace on a summer evening and you will see birds turn to bats as the light fades.
In the summer and autumn you will hear a lot of greedy young owls calling to their parents through the night.
Gliffaes Country House Hotel, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1RH +44(0)1874 730 371