In November 2008, Condé Nast Johansens introduced a new award of Excellence for ‘Innovation in Sustainable Hospitality’ which Combe House was honoured to be selected as one of the three UK Finalists.

As proof of our ongoing environmental commitment at Combe House we have implemented many measures including:

Purchasing quality local produce from as close to Gittisham as possible. So turning ‘Food Miles’ into ‘Food Metres’. The two Master Chefs of Great Britain also seek out farmers who undertake the close cycle system where the animals are born & bred on the farm never leaving until ready for the local abattoir. They also purchase whole carcases of Lamb & Pork which they butcher themselves using everything but the ‘nose & tail’ – That’s real farm to plate practice.

Our staff are made fully aware of our sustainable ethos when joining the company and are encouraged to suggest new ideas to the Green Team, which meets informally on a regular basis to discuss new initiatives. Sub-contractors & suppliers are also made aware of our Environmental Ethos.

Luxury bathroom miniatures have been replaced with refillable pump dispensers helping to reduce plastic bottles to landfill by 97%.

Low energy light bulbs have replaced 70% of bulbs. A specialist consultant has undertaken an inspection & audit on all lighting. Radiators have thermostatic valves enabling staff & guests to control the room temperatures.

The old Oil & Gas tanks have been recently replaced to conform to new regulations. The hot water system has been upgraded both in size & efficiency.

When toilet cisterns come up for renewal they are replaced with smaller dual flush cisterns.

Wild Life - In 1999 we discovered Lesser Horseshoe Bats a very rare breed, found only in the South West and Wales. As a consequence we have installed bat dormer windows & doors. We have bat maps & a bat specialist who, with her students, undertakes an annual bat count. Numbers have risen from 46 to 396 & rare Greater Horseshoe Bats have joined the colony.

To make the garden wildlife friendly we have tried to ensure it offers a variety of habitats. Shelter, places to breed, feed & take water.

We have re-introduced orchards & soft fruit gardens. Including the ‘Putt’ apple once the basis of the Devon Scrumpy industry in the 18th & 19th centuries. We make & sell Jams, Chutney & Honey to our guests.

We have turned two large lawns into more Kitchen Gardens.

Refurbishment & Restoration – We use natural products whenever possible using local crafts men & artists.

Combe House complies with all relevant legislation & regulations that relate to heritage, health & safety & the environment.

We are committed to continually improving our environmental efforts, our prevention of pollution & the restoration of our heritage as well as maintaining and running a high quality Country House Hotel & Restaurant.