The Keep 2015

House Notes – The Keep

Six years ago Paul & Judith Collins (Sustainable Lifestyle Educators) purchased a run down, overgrown, white ant infested mud brick (weekender) cottage set in 14 acres of bushland. They breathed new life into it. With more than 40 years experience of living self sufficiently, this couple are old hands. Property repairs, renovations and furnishings comprise of materials collected from more than seventy buildings scattered throughout NSW. Includes l50year old cypress pine timber and historic stained glass. Mud bricks are made on site.

Home renovations created a solar passive nature, by increasing the use of thermal storage in the slab and walls. Deciduous trees provide shade In summer and sun in winter. Insulation and curtains reduce heat loss and heat gain. Careful placement of north and south windows and doors creates cross ventilation. Air conditioning is used only during very severe summer temperatures. A wood heater provides winter heating. An evacuated tube solar system with stainless steel storage tank provides hot water.

Energy efficient appliances are chosen whenever possible. For energy there is a 2.3kw solar PV grid-connectted system and a 10kw stand alone system. There Is no mains water connection. All buildings catch water. In all 300,000 IItres of rain water is available for house and garden. A (factory seconds) fibre glass swimming pool provides summer enjoyment and additional water storage for bushfire protection.

Judith, author of “Companion Gardening in Australia”, has combined knowledge with permaculture principals to create the culinary leaf garden, the vegie patch, the tropical and subtropical food forest and the medicianl herb garden. Plants are labelled.

There are chooks, ducks, geese, quail, meat rabbits, pigs, sheep, cow, glasshouse, compost bins, shade house, and aquaponics which all adds up to a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Bookings essential: A three hour guided Walk and Talk on Sustainable Living and Self-sufficiency.

Tel. 0246 819623 or email contactus@earthkeepers.com.au

Website links: www.earthkeepers.com.au