Curlew
Croft
We've been working on Curlew Croft for over 30 years since buying the original croft house in 1990.
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Back then, Curlew Croft was little more than a few broken walls and a derelict interior - the remains of an original croft house dating to the Highland Clearances of the early 19th century.
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The original croft house has been retained (southern half and garden) and built into Curlew Croft as it stands today. Our upgrades and additions have been made using local materials and craftsmanship where possible (typical 'dry stone walls', Caithness slate, cast-iron fire etc).
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We've continued adding to this family home since starting rentals in 2011 - with new central heating, a wet-room bathroom, re-slating the roof and more recently the addition of solar panels and an EV charger. We're working to make Curlew Croft carbon-free and plan to replace the heating system with a low carbon source & upgrade the insulation as soon as possible.
We are delighted to share this wonderful corner of the world with our guests.
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Welcome to Curlew Croft
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Zero Carbon Croft
We're passionate about reducing carbon emissions and preserving the environment. Most of the earnings from renting Curlew Croft go back into upkeep and upgrades which help to reduce the croft's impact on the climate. Some recent additions we're particularly happy with!
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New "Zappi" charger using 'solar match' to only charge the EV from power produced by the house. On a good day in summer this would give nearly 100 miles of charge... for free... from the sun alone!
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New solar panels installed on the south (ish) facing roof. In summer these produce way more power than the croft currently needs - sending the rest back to the grid. Unless some EVs are nearby to catch it!
Zappi app - lets us maximise the solar output to cover energy use in the croft.
SolarEdge App - shows how the bright Caithness sun maxes-out the inverter on the sunniest days!