Kintaline has been my home for over 30 years, but it's history stretches back to the Ice Age, this corner of the world being one of the last to be covered in ice, the land rising up as the ice retreated, rapidly recolonised by the seeds in the seas then animals, and, following them Man. Prehistoric sites abound in this parish, it has always been an important place, the energy of this land must have been powerful even then as there was a massive burial cairn close to where the driveway now is.
In more recent past, many rescue dogs, cats and other waifs have found their way here, rested, recovered and gone on to new lives.
There is peace here, a place to recover and restore .. a place to explore and invigorate .. and a place to enjoy. The urge to relax is strong.
Kintaline house was built to bring my Mother here to live, her beautiful clever supremely comfortable design floods with light and wraps you in cosiness.
The farmland that surrounds the house is just 24 acres of pasture and growing food forest area, with expanding areas of trees and hedgerow. The ethos here is about regeneration - building soils, habitat, species diversity and aiming to use permaculture principles of Earth Care, Fair Share, People Care in what happens here.
The house is aiming for the same ethos by using environmentally friendly materials, reusing good quality vintage goods, which will be steadily improved as investment is possible. The house is a highly insulated Scandiahus design, with triple glazing and heat extraction. One day I hope to install solar panels but funds prevent this currently.
Responsible use of resources are encouraged, including recycling with bins provided, bags are all compostable, and a bin to add to the farm composting is available.
The garden is mature with many plants for insects, birds, habitat for many species and being developed to offer more food growing for guests to enjoy, taking some and sharing with the next.
There are a number of ambitious plans around Kintaline farm to help towards the aim of treading lightly on this earth, living more slowly, growing more food, and reducing human footprint on our habitat.
Kintaline has joined the Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency initiative to help build a new, regenerative tourism industry. The development of the Climate Action Plan for Kintaline house and farm will continue to be an evolving process.