From the outset Charteroak Estates decided to set itself apart by creating genuinely sustainable developments. The Westcountry has seen house prices rise over the last five years to such levels that many members of the local population can no longer afford to buy a home in the area in which they grew up. Each holiday occupancy lodge purchased by a second home owner is one less local cottage or house removed from the reach of local people. This therefore serves to reduce the strain on the local housing market. Throughout rural areas of the Westcountry jobs and rural services are increasingly being eroded. However, Charteroak Estates are creating employment in just these locations. This comprises both direct (on site) and indirect (off site) jobs in restaurants, pubs, craft business’s, garages etc as well as reception, grounds maintenance and cleaning positions. Due to the accommodation being available for occupancy throughout the year, and bookings exceeding 85%, these jobs are permanent rather than seasonal. Each scheme is situated close to a village, providing the ability to walk or cycle to village facilities. Consequently, our developments provide considerable benefits to the local community. We also have a policy of acquiring only brownfield sites, where redundant buildings / uses already exist.

Energy used in the construction & occupation of buildings accounts for 50% of the UK’s total CO2 emissions. In addition, 50% of landfill waste comes from the construction industry. Each Charteroak Estates development reduces this to a minimum and the lodges are definitive examples of sustainable principals. This incorporates the use of materials such as rainwater harvesting systems, dual flush WC’s, FSC timber, recycled aggregates, PV cells and solar water heating. Charteroak Estates is unaware of any other development company creating all of these benefits in rural communities.