Higher Wiscombe 2009
Amidst a damp start to July, members, guests and directors of DEBI were treated to some fine hospitality by Alistair and Lorna Handyside at Higher Wiscombe Farm.
Higher Wiscombe Farm lies in stunning countryside in East Devon. The farm site has ancient origins and in recent years has been given a spectacular new lease of life by being restored to accommodate the family, provide a series of high quality holiday cottages and also conference facilities.
Alistair treated the DEBI visitors to a tour of the complex. A very strong, environmentally sensitive management approach is evident. Many aspects of this approach were shown including the much higher than required buildings specification – leading to very low heating bills, a full range of recycling containers and a bio digester.
All the buildings are in harmony with their surroundings with a fine range of different roofing materials being used to give the feel of a typical Devon farm.
Guests are briefed on the ethos of the Higher Wiscombe. This is done both prior to booking / arrival via the web site and then on site at “welcoming” and within the joining instructions in each cottage. Alistair commented that this process was getting easier but that there were still a few guests who proved disappointing!
Tour finished; all the guests were treated to a local produce BBQ which was greatly appreciated by all. As always with DEBI events plenty of useful networking took place.
Our thanks to Alistair and Lorna!
