A couple who have created a bespoke carbon-neutral holiday let barn said they were "delighted" to have won Suffolk County Council's Green Tourism Award.

Kim and Nick Hoare converted their 17th Century cow shed, Ivy Grange Barn, into environmentally-friendly holiday accommodation in Westhall, near Halesworth, last summer.

The barn is located on a three-acre meadow nearby to their glamping yurt huts.

The couple used insulation made from recycled plastic bottles throughout the building and installed LED lighting, underfloor heating and a full array of solar panels supported by batteries.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The barn has a solar roof, insulation made from recycled plastic bottles, no oil or gas on site, among many more green incentivesThe barn has a solar roof, insulation made from recycled plastic bottles, no oil or gas on site, among many more green incentives (Image: Ivy Grange Barn)

In a statement the couple said: "We are delighted to say that we were recognised by Suffolk as we were announced as the winner of the Green Tourism category.  

"The judges commended us for the environmental initiatives we have already introduced, including electric bikes, EV charging, solar panels and batteries, as well as our plans for the future, which include developing the three-acre meadow as a wildlife habitat.

The judges said: "Ivy Grange Farm Barn innovatively engages with their guests to explore different aspects of sustainability during their stay."

The award was sponsored by Suffolk Growth Partnership which brings together local authorities and wider partners to develop and deliver the shared inclusive growth agenda. 

READ MORE: Green space planted in town centre

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Owners Kim and Nick Hoare inside their converted cow shedOwners Kim and Nick Hoare inside their converted cow shed (Image: Ivy Grange Barn)

Mr and Mrs Hoare both aim to promote the idea of "staycations" and believe the Suffolk countryside is a "beautiful county".

Mrs Hoare said: “Suffolk is a really beautiful county with much to offer tourists, many of whom are beginning to worry about the impact of climate change and want to be able to take an environmentally-friendly holiday at home, without worrying about carbon emissions from flights, or long delays at the airport.”

“I wonder what the Jersey cows would have made of it all," said Mr Hoare. 

“I think they would have approved.”

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The converted shed is located on a three-acre meadowThe converted shed is located on a three-acre meadow (Image: Ivy Grange Barn)