Embrace Nature - Experience Comfort
Are you ready to escape to the countryside? This part of Kent offers the perfect location to reconnect with nature and indulge in sustainable comfort. Our holiday cottages at Hawthorn Farm provide the perfect blend of home-from-home comfort and eco-consciousness.
Why Choose Sustainable Stays?
- Preserve our Planet: By choosing sustainable accommodation, you contribute to a greener future.
- Immerse in Nature: Our cottages are nestled amidst stunning countryside landscapes, offering beautiful views and tranquil surroundings.
- Relax and Recharge: Unwind in our cosy and uniquely styled cottages - designed with your comfort in mind.
- Support Local Communities: Experience authentic local culture and support sustainable businesses.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives at Hawthorn Farm
At Hawthorn Farm Cottages, we're dedicated to preserving our beautiful surroundings and minimizing our environmental impact. We believe in sustainable practices and encourage our guests to join us in our efforts, with a range of eco-friendly initiatives
- Solar Power: We have recently installed enough solar panels and storage batteries to provide electricity to all our holiday cottages during the sunnier months. At present, Foxglove Cottage is the only cottage entirely heated and powered by electricity, but we are committed to using sustainable sources of power for all our holiday cottages as much as we can.
- Energy Efficiency: We've implemented energy-saving measures throughout the cottages, including energy-efficient lightbulbs where feasible, and electrical equipment with eco settings.
- Water Conservation: By minimizing water consumption (think bathroom, dishwashers and laundry room), we do our bit to conserve this precious resource. Our showers have flow limiters, and our dishwashers and washing machine have eco settings, which we encourage our guests to use.
- On-Site Wastewater Treatment: Our on-site wastewater treatment plant ensures that wastewater is treated responsibly and discharged safely.
- Sustainable Linen: To reduce our environmental footprint, we use a professional linen company to provide and launder all our bedding and towels. We have chosen a company that has a credible sustainability strategy, including washing at lower temperatures, and with a commitment to using biofuel and electric vehicles for collection and delivery. We also avoid unnecessary laundering of un-used towels and bedding.
- Local Sourcing: We support local businesses whenever we can by sourcing products for our welcome packs and optional extras from nearby suppliers. This cuts down on "food miles" and supports the local economy.
- Waste Reduction and Recycling: We're committed to responsible waste management. We provide separate bins for rubbish, recycling and food waste, to minimize our impact on local landfill. We also provide information and contact details for all the local farm shops, many of which now supply packaging-free produce.
- Chemicals and Cleaning Products: Wherever possible, we avoid using harsh chemicals and cleaning products, as these ultimately end up polluting the environment. We provide an "EcoEgg" sustainable and reusable laundry detergent pod for our guests' use in our washing machine.
- Rainwater Harvesting: We collect rainwater in water butts, which is used to maintain our wildlife pond and water our gardens.
- Biodiversity: We understand the importance of maintaining a biodiverse environment, and to this end we manage our farm grounds in a way that respects the local ecosystem. We regularly plant/replace trees, and maintain the hedgerows; we refrain from using nasty chemicals to control weeds; and we have a "live and let live" attitude to the wildlife that shares the land with us. Our donkeys eat locally grown hay, and their dung is left to rot down before being used as organic fertilizer.
- Electric Car Charging: Although we do not have this facility at present, as soon as there is enough demand, we plan to install charging stations at Hawthorn Farm.
By choosing Hawthorn Farm Cottages, you're contributing to a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a positive difference!
Local farm shops and grocery stores
We are extremely lucky to have an abundance of local and organic produce in this part of Kent, which makes reducing our food miles incredibly easy to achieve! The surrounding villages to Hawthorn Farm boast a delightful selection of farm shops and grocery stores, where you can discover a wealth of fresh, locally-sourced produce, from homegrown fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and delectable baked goods. We encourage you to explore these local gems and immerse yourself in the county of Kent's culinary delights, and help contribute to our collective sustainability efforts:
- Goldstone Butchers (1.5 miles)
- Juliet's Farm Shop and café (1.9 miles)
- Wingham Country Market Farm Shop and Garden Centre (3.7 miles)
- White Mill Farm shop, Sandwich (4 miles)
- Gibson's Farm shop, Wingham (6 miles)
- Algar Lodge Farm Shop & Café, Deal (7.3 miles)
- The Goods Shed Farmers Market, Foodhall and Restaurant, Canterbury (9.7 miles)
