Once upon a time, there was a spark of an idea…
To build a unique Cabin as sustainably as possible, by reusing, recycling and upcycling items found on a family farm.
This is the journey and the story of how the Cabin was created.
When we found a second-hand trailer on wheels, the story of the Book Nook’s “Chapter 1” began. Realising that we could build something really unique in order to support our plan to regenerate / support the farm, we soon got to work. We extended and reinforced the trailer, beginning the build in the barn. This reinforcement gave us the opportunity to build directly onto the trailer. Along with the wheels this also meant it could be moved. At this point we had no way of knowing the “moving process” out of the barn would be so stressful! The main structure was built in Autumn 2022 and slowly took shape. It was a lengthy process and one that probably broke us a little bit!
“The frame was built by timber from a local supplier, along with salvaged wood from the farm & used traditional building practices”
Nick
Sarah’s original design board for the project is shown above. It reflected being inspired by existing items which could be upcycled, salvaged finds from old stores and barns and celebrated ways of decorating that were sustainable.
Guests can also travel more sustainably with:
* Secure bicycle storage
* Guidance on walking routes, public transport and local taxis
Circular by Design
We believe resources should be respected — never wasted.
* Uniquely designed to be a passive house bespoke cabin, created as sustainably as possible.
* Low-flow taps and showers to reduce water use
* Harvested rainwater to support gardens and planting
* Towel and linen reuse help cut unnecessary laundry
* Durable, repairable furnishings replace disposable items
* Single-use plastics are avoided. Toiletries are provided in refillable dispensers, and guest confirmation is digital.
* Recycling is simple and clearly labelled.
* Guests have access to a log store for additional farm logs.
* Food waste is composted — returning nutrients back to the land as we make our own compost tea to improve our soil health.
“From the very beginning of the project, we knew we wanted the cabin to be different, to align our passion of up-cycling, repurposing and doing so with creative design at the heart of what we do”
Sarah
The cabin has been designed to feel playful, restful and far away from the trappings of modern life. It’s been our labour of love and we feel really proud of how we’ve made it. Absolutely everything has been thought through and given new life.
Climate-Positive Living
Our cabin was designed as a “passive house style” which operates with a light footprint and a long-term commitment to Net Zero.
* Built from sustainable materials, local timber and traditional building practices.
* Highly insulated for year-round comfort with minimal energy use
* Energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting throughout
* Solar generation
* Own bore hole for water
* Heated by our own logs for circular forestry.
* A “make, mend, do” philosophy where old treasures from onsite farm stores have been given a new lease of life.
* Dedication to reusing and upcycling the old – paint samples, fabric, building materials, objects.
* A seed library to encourage seed sharing & for guests to be able to take a little part of the farm home with them.
