The Old Coach House, Machynlleth, Mid-Wales

How does The Old Coach House minimise its impact on the environment and contribute to a sense of place?

This 4* accommodation has been awarded Gold by the GTBS, and is impressively sustainable, from the well insulated roof space and walls following a refurbishment in 2007, to the thermostats on the radiators to minimise heat wastage. There's also an open fire in the dining and sitting room, plus most of the appliances have been rated A or higher.  Where possible, toilets have been fitted with a reduced flush system, while five water butts provide all the water necessary to feed the garden and chemical-free laundry products are bought in bulk.

Each individual room has information on recycling, with separate recycling bins in the barn. Food waste is used as compost on the garden, helping the site's own fruit and veg to grow. The rest of the food used is sourced locally wherever possible, including meat from an award-winning local butcher, fish from an award-winning fishmonger in Aberdyfi and local butter, eggs, yoghurt and milk. Both cyclist and walkef friendly, the owners are willing to pick guests up from the nearest train station. Situated within the Snowdonia National Park, which itself covers some 823 square miles of diverse landscapes, the Old Coach House is in an ideal location to explore the largest National Park in Wales.