Winsley Road, Bradford-On-Avon

Our home is detached and was built in the late 1940s, with later extensions. It faces south which makes a big difference to energy efficiency.

We installed solar panels about five years ago, when we moved in, and more recently changed the gas boiler for a heat pump. We also have a woodburning stove (Ecodesign standard), ventilated to the outside. The cavity walls are insulated with polystyrene beads: the house is in quite an exposed position so we needed to ensure that any cavity filling would not create damp. We also topped up the loft insulation to the maximum recommended, using loft legs to continue to provide storage.

One south facing window and the patio doors are triple glazed. As well as making a difference in winter, we find that the house doesn’t overheat.

All lights are LED, and we have a double entrance porch. There are also three water butts to collect rainwater.

Directions: We are almost opposite the DI Trowbridge to Bath bus stop. Please come by bus or walk from the centre of Bradford (about 20 minutes) if you can. On street parking in Downs View.